Thread: you can’t go wrong with DMC’s 6-strand cotton floss. If you’re not sure what to get, check out this bundle of 36 gorgeous colors. ($35.99)

Needle: don’t get fancy; DMC makes a nice set of needles ($1.67)

Fabric: Sing it with me, ~*~*Robert Kaufman Essex Cotton Linen.~*~* So many beautiful colors but for a beginner, I like this soft, subtle champagne ($9.99 per yard)

Hoops: a million options out there, but I think a good bamboo hoop is the most forgiving (I’ve had good luck with Caydo and Similane). Six inches is a nice starter size; eight inches for the more ambitious. ($16 for a set of twelve 6” hoops, $9 for a set of six hoops size 4”-10”)

A good pattern: made by an artist (not a massive corporation exploiting artists). Loads of options on Etsy; I love this gorgeous bouquet by Florals and Floss. ($8.16)

Storage: plastic bobbins (skip the paper ones, which bend) and a sturdy plastic organizer. I like this simple one from Darice. (bobbins $10, organizer $14.99)

Water-soluble pen: for making marks and drawing patterns on fabric. Just wash away when you’re done! ($5)

Scissors: embroidery scissors should be small, with a narrow, pointed tip for sniping delicate work. Stork scissors are iconic for a reason. ($10)

An embroidery stand: WOW is this a game-changer. If you prefer working at a desk, go with a simple, sturdy tabletop embroidery stand—I like this one, described as “fit to lazy embroidery lovers.” ($46.99)

If you have the space, check out a floor stand, like this model from Loops and Threads. It’s not as portable, but the bendable arm means you can stitch from your favorite seat and the wide clamp can accommodate any size hoop you’ve got. (top tip! superglue a small magnet to your stand for a build-in needle minder) ($42)

Nunn Jewelry Kit: simple, beautifully-made, high-quality backings for making your own embroidered jewelry! The kits come with everything you need, including instructions for novices (prices vary)

A good light: Good light is essential for seeing clearly, consistently, and reducing eyestrain. There’s a splurge-y option in the experts list, but for a great budget option, try this model from TaoTronics. ($45.99)

A cute needle minder: Needle minders pin to your fabric and keep your needle from falling into your sofa cushions and later poking your spouse, and they look super cute while doing it. There are loads of options on Instagram (search #needleminders) or Etsy, but this stunning green Luna Moth minder stopped me in my tracks ($11)

Mini craft iron: Heat-eraseable pen marks are the bane of my existence, especially when my giant honkin’ iron can’t get them all. This mini craft iron is made for delicate, tiny pieces. ($21.99)

DMC threaded color card: can something so beautiful also be so useful? This guide has samples of every kind of embroidery floss manufactured by DMC, arranged in a gorgeous rainbow. ($24.99)

Adjustable thimble: SO useful for pushing through thick fabrics or worked-over sections, and I find this adjustable version, with a lip at the edge, the easiest and most precise to work with. ($5.99)

Wrist Ruler Bracelet: WOW do I love this, a gorgeous, cool, *wearable* ruler that wraps around your wrist! Perfect for measuring hoop sizes, fabric, and patterns. (variety of sizes and styles, Rose Gold $25)

Knomo travel case: I spent months tracking down the perfect storage to take my embroidery on the road, something lightweight, soft, padded, sturdy, with tons of pockets and protection. Enter, the Knomo travel case. It’s beautifully and thoughtfully made and the perfect size for carrying around a hoop and everything you need to stitch, without worrying anything’s going to get dinged or damaged. ($95)

The Secret Lives of Color, Kassia St. Clair/Interaction of Color, Josef Albers: Beautiful books all about the nature of color and how you can affect how people perceive colors with your art. So super cool, super informative, super pretty. ($16 each)

OttLite Ultimate 3-in-1 Craft Lamp: This lamp has everything! A super-bright light AND a giant magnifying glass AND a clamp to hold your phone/pattern/reference photo. It can sit on the floor OR clamp to a table edge OR convert to a tabletop lamp. It even charges your phone! And it looks great! ($169.99)

Needle jewelry: I would buy every single thing made by the beautiful indie jewelry designer Neta Hilel Design, but let’s start with these simple, stunning needle rings (and the necklace…and the earrings…) ($50 note: her shop is currently closed on Etsy but she’s offering limited pieces at ShapeWays)

Antique thimble: one of my most cherished possessions is a thimble that belonged to my grandmother, which I keep in my kit as a reminder of her. Ebay is full of these gorgeous treasures, or you can go for the true heirloom: this 14K gold thimble, which can be engraved. ($329.99)

iPad Pro with Apple Pencil and Procreate: by far the best investment I made in my embroidery business was my iPad Pro, and the first app I downloaded was Procreate. I use it constantly for designing patterns, editing photos, putting together graphics (like these gift guides!), and I absolutely can’t imagine doing what I do without it. (iPad: $1199, Pencil: $124.99, Procreate: $9.99)

A gift certificate to your favorite independent craft store: Now more than ever, it’s important to put our dollars into the businesses we love, and if you love creating, it doesn’t get much better than your local independent craft store. We are spoiled in Cambridge with @gather_here, which is part craft store, part craft school, part social-resistance incubator and ad hoc protest art gallery. I love them very, very much and want them to exist forever (if you don’t have a local, independent craft store: they ship!).