Frequently asked questions about Thea Gouverneur cross stitch kits
Frequently Asked Questions Cross stitch and Embroidery
Frequently Asked Questions
What is included in a Thea Gouverneur cross stitch kit?
Our counted cross stitch kits contain everything you need to start: needlework fabric (Aida, linen or Jobelan, depending on the kit), pre-sorted DMC embroidery floss (100% cotton), a John James embroidery needle, an easy-to-follow counted cross stitch chart and multilingual instructions, including English. Dutch Stitch Brothers hoop kits also include an embroidery hoop. Every product page lists the fabric, count and finished size.
Aida or linen: which fabric should I choose?
Aida has clearly visible holes, which makes counting easy. That is why we recommend Aida 14 or 16 count for beginners. Linen and Jobelan have a finer, even weave and give a more refined, traditional result, but they ask for more experience. Read more in our guide how to choose linen, Aida or Aida black.
What does the count (14, 16, 18, 32) mean?
The count is the number of holes or threads per inch (2.54 cm). A higher count gives smaller stitches and a finer, more detailed result. Aida 14 and 16 count are the easiest to work on; linen 32 and 36 count are for experienced stitchers.
Which cross stitch kits are suitable for beginners?
Kits on white Aida 14 or 16 count of up to about 30 cm are the easiest to start with. Every product page shows a skill level: Beginner, Intermediate or Experienced. You can find all beginner kits in our cross stitch kits for beginners.
How big will my finished piece be?
Every product page lists the finished size of the stitched design in centimetres and inches, for example 13 x 16 cm (5.1 x 6.3 in).
What if I run short of floss?
Please email us at support@theagouverneur.com with the kit number (the SKU on the product page, for example 574A) and tell us which colour you need. We will help you further.
Do you ship worldwide?
Yes. We ship from the Netherlands to stitchers all over the world. Shipping costs depend on weight and destination and are shown at checkout. Orders over €100 ship free; for the USA, free delivery starts at $100.
How does delivery to the USA work?
We ship to the USA with DDP (Delivered Duty Paid). Import duties and taxes are handled as part of the shipment, so you do not have to arrange customs or pay import charges when your parcel arrives. DDP delivery is free on orders of $100 or more. Read more about DDP delivery to the USA.
What is your return policy?
You can request a return within 30 days after receiving your item. Customers in the European Union also have a 14-day cooling-off period. Items must be unused and in their original packaging. Email support@theagouverneur.com to start a return. See our refund policy for all details.
Do you sell gift cards?
Yes. With a Thea Gouverneur gift card the recipient chooses their own kit.
What is the difference between Thea Gouverneur and Dutch Stitch Brothers?
Thea Gouverneur stands for detailed, classic counted cross stitch designs inspired by nature, flowers and Dutch heritage, created since 1959. Dutch Stitch Brothers is our modern brand, with contemporary cross stitch and embroidery kits, many of them with an embroidery hoop, for a new generation of stitchers.
What inspired Thea Gouverneur's designs?
Thea’s inspiration comes from her love of nature, specifically flowers she saw growing up in the Netherlands.
How did Thea Gouverneur start designing cross stitch kits?
After creating her own flower designs, Thea began selling them at a department store in Amsterdam.
What techniques does Thea use in her embroidery?
She uses detailed embroidery techniques like twisted chain stitches, French knots, and satin stitches.
Does Thea still create designs by hand?
While she now designs on a computer, Thea continues to study real flowers to keep her designs realistic.
Why are Thea's designs detailed and complex?
She uses many different colors to make her cross stitch designs as true to nature as possible.