Santa's List Cross Stitch Kit by Luca-S

Luca-S cross stitch kits are always very high quality across the board, I have yet to be disappointed. Good quality cloth and thread, and they give plenty extra in case you make any mistakes and need more. Their designs are always detailed and pretty without getting muddied by too many confetti stitches. I also appreciate that they don't stick the needle through the cloth - some cross stitch kit companies do this and it leaves an unsightly hole in the fabric before you even begin, so having the needles neatly packaged in an envelope is a much better option. I've just started this project but it's been excellent so far. The only improvement I could suggest would be to include English instructions; both Luca-S kits I've had in the past have instructions in seemingly every language except English. For an experienced stitcher it's no problem, but they would still be nice to have.

I bought this to make for myself. I was a little nervous when I opened it and saw how big it was but the directions are so easy to follow I love how I can see the picture coming alive

I am a very experienced cross stitcher and have done countless projects. This is the first kit that I have bought from this company. A normal x-stitch kit comes with two colored pages of the pattern key, instructions and the required thread. This kit came with 9 gigantic, VERY zoomed in key pages that are black and white. (Why does a 11x16 project need a 9 page key??) There are no instructions as every stitch is a full cross stitch. No half stitches (I’ve never had a kit that didn’t call for the texture that half stitches give) or French knots. There is also no call for detail outlining to make the final project “pop” and look crisp and clear. I find this very lazy and not thoroughly designed. Still, I pressed on… Whoever decided to make 9 very zoomed in pattern key pages made a bad call. I assume the thinking is that it would be easier to see the symbols. But 1) Put your key in COLOR!! When all your symbols are in black and white, no matter how big they are you have to look extra carefully that you are following the correct symbol. For example, if you are working on the thread for a right arrow —>, if you’re not paying very close attention there is a left arrow <— very nearby that you could confuse (see photos) and many more similar symbols. With a different company these two arrows would be printed in different colors to avoid confusion. 2) it’s hard on the eyes to go back and forth from a key with large squares to the material’s small squares. It’s hard to maintain the proper distance/depth perception over and over, always trying to find your place again. 3) it’s also frustrating to not be able to properly measure the progress you are making. I will also note that none of these things were listed in the product description or photos. I assumed it would be like every other kit I’ve purchased before this over the past 20 years. This was a very disappointing purchase and I doubt I will buy a Luca-s kit again. *I will say that they did organize their threads in nice cardboard cards to keep them organized.

My wife said it's not for beginners but she loves it

I haven't started it yet but it is going to be beautiful! Challenging.

This counted cross stitch is so very difficult. It will take me many years to finish. The level of difficulty is beyond experienced. My eyes will go out on me before I finish... and I have to use a lighted magnifying stand. I'm ready to throw it in the trash!

This arrived very quickly. Looks beautiful and can't wait to get started. Looks easy to follow.

This is a lovely cross stitch, the pattern is printed on 9 x A3 paper, making it easy to read the symbols. With a good clear underlying grid for counting across larger areas which combined with the faint 10 x 10 grid woven in the fabric means it’s easier to keep track of where you are on the patten. Unfortunately this kit is let down by the quality of the silks. They fray and snap while you’re sewing with them. I’ve not finished yet but will update on how much thread is unused on completion. Update. The kit is now finished and waiting to be framed. Most of the cottons they were extremely generous with. But a couple didn’t I had very little left of.