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Tip Store: Crafts & Hobbies: Cross Stitch

​Look for UFOs

Check out Ebay or similar for unfinished tapestry kits. People give up all the time! Op shops are another cheap source.
​- Contributed by Heather, Bathurst, 22nd April 2007

​Op Shop Bargains

My 6 year old daughter has started doing cross stich and to avoid it being an expensive hobby I have checked out local op shops. So far I have discovered over 50 different colours of DMC threads (some slightly used, but a lot brand new). In total I have spent about $4-00 for the lot. This is a big saving compared to buying brand new.
​- Contributed by Kathryn, Doncaster East, 21st April 2007

​The Cross Stitch Castle

I have friends who do counted Cross-stitch and they purchase their DMC thread on www.oztion.com.au via "The Cross Stitch Castle" (panookapete) at a cost of 45c per skein with free shipping. It is also available on www.ebay.com.au through the same seller (panookapete). There are patterns and aida cloth available too.
​- Contributed by Hazel, Rathmines, 20th April 2007

​Oztion for Threads

Have you tried the online auction sites. I'm a seller on Oztion an Australian owned and operated online auction site. I don't know what a good price for thread is but you could try here: www.oztion.com.au
​ - Contributed by Karen, Wyoming, 20th April 2007

​Try Riot Art and Craft

From memory, they used to be cheaper than Spotlight. I also have a stock of DMC thread in various colours that I am unlikely to use... I may be able to help with some colours for a very small cost. Could also try haberdashery wholesalers... Sullivans Haberdashery and Craft Wholesalers is one. An Internet search for Haberdashery and Craft Wholesalers should give you some places to try.
​- Contributed by Jenni, Balwyn, 19th April 2007

​Bulk Threads Online

Try eBay - there are regularly bulk lots of DMC threads for as little as 31c eacg
​- Contributed by Maureen, Crows Nest, 19th April 2007

​eBay and Mix Your Shades

Being a cross-stitcher myself (not as much time as I'd like to!) I know the expense associated with buying of cottons. My suggestion is two-fold: (1) eBay, eBay, eBay! Whenever I have needed something for any reason I will usually check what is on offer on eBay. I have bought quite a bit and found most of my purchases have been fantastic. I have already checked cottons on ebay and there are some good buys there. Just make sure you add the postage into your costs and check the feedback and the score. Secondly, there are many cottons that are very, very close in colour shade as others. May I suggest you use a bit of creative license and use another shade which you already have which is close to the shade required. This works well and usually is very satisfactory without the extra cost.
​- Contributed by Keren, Mooroolbark, 19th April 2007

​Share With a Friend and Save

Mum and I halve the DMC threads we buy and have a half each - there's plenty there, especially for the colours which we may not use a lot of... We have twice as many colours for half the price (especially when Spotlight has a sale) and then only need to buy the occasional extra such as black or white. Ask the local CWA or craft group if there is a cross-stitcher who may want to go halves! Alternatively, you can find an Anchor-DMC conversion chart online for free and then choose Anchor threads which may be cheaper.
​- Contributed by Lauren, Manunda, 19th April 2007

​Vic Stitch

I'm not sure what the prices are like at Spotlight, but it may be worth checking out www.vicstitch.com.au.
​- Contributed by Danelle, Blackburn, 19th April 2007

​DMC Thread

Try The Fox Collection. You can view their catalogue on the web at www.foxcollection.com.au I have used this company for many years and find their prices good and great to deal with. Their specials are great too.
​- Contributed by Merilyn, Heathcote, 19th April 2007

​Look in Bargain Shops for Value Threads

Try your local Clints/The Warehouse. They have numerous threads in their craft section, I usually get packs of 100 colours for around $10 the lot. This should cover the bulk of colours you need and you can just supplement the others. Alternatively try Fox Collection, they have threads in their cross-stitch catalogue, individual and bulk packs are all available to order online.
​- Contributed by Clare, Morwell, 19th April 2007

​Online Auctions Yield Cross-stitch Bargains

Check the online auction sites - do a search for 'DMC' in the crafts category, and you'll find some sellers who'll let you choose the colours you want, and you'll get them for around 50 to 65 cents a skein. Or, shop around at online needlework shops in the USA - even with the postage to get the threads to Australia, it's cheaper to import them than to buy them from Australian shops (sad but true). For instance,http://ehandcrafts.com sells them for US$0.39 each, which is around AU$0.48, and this shop charges very reasonable rates for postage.
​- Contributed by Linda, Nairne, 19th April 2007

​100 Threads for $39

I got my thread from the Innovations catalogue "Fox Collections". A 100 pack of 8 metre skeins cost $39 and a 300 pack is $99 (which can be paid over two months). Go to www.foxcollection.com.au and look under tools and accessories. Happy cross stiching!
​- Contributed by Kristina, Hornsby Heights, 19th April 2007

​Buy a Few Each Week to Build Up Stash

I do a lot of cross-stitch and found that every time I bought a new pattern I only had half the threads. Now every couple of weeks I get a few new colours and check them off against the full list of DMC threads. It doesn't actually save money but it means that there is no massive outlay when I do get a new pattern and because I have all the colours there I am always ready to start. Once you have the collection you only need to replace them as they run out.
​- Contributed by Pauline, Gailes, 19th April 2007

​Re: DMC Cross-stitch Thread Question

Depending on how important it is to get the exact colours, or how many skeins you need, you could join your local Freecycle group. After you have offered several items you don't need anymore to people, you can ask for something. There are bound to be lots of members who have half finished projects who would be happy to clear them out of the cupboard. ps. Freecycle is great for getting rid of, or acquiring just about everything. I picked up a children's wardrobe which I use as a linen cupboard (saving about $100)
​- Contributed by Freya, Clifton Hill, 19th April 2007

​Thread Riots

Riot Art and Craft stores sell DMC cottons cheaper than Spotlight. They are in VIC, NSW, QLD, and WA. Google Riot Art and Craft for store locations.
​- Contributed by Barbar, Edithvale, 19th April 2007