Our Focus on Sustainability
KIT SUPPLIES
Aida
We use two of the world’s highest quality aida brands in our kits – Zweigart and DMC – depending on the colour or print we like best for each pattern. Though this manufacture is a little further afield than the UK in Europe, we do not wish to compromise on these fabrics as they are of incredible quality, brilliant to stitch on and have a wonderful finish. We only use 100% cotton aida to reduce the plastic content of our kits.
KIT SUPPLIES
Thread
All of our thread is DMC stranded cotton, arguably the world's finest embroidery thread, still manufactured in the same factory as when DMC was founded in 1746. This thread provides a lovely and smooth stitching experience and high quality finish. We only use 100% cotton thread to reduce the plastic content of our kits.
Kit supplies
Hoops
We use beautiful solid beechwood embroidery hoops made by a family run business, Elbesee, based in the Cotswolds, UK. Elbesee use wood from FSC-certified suppliers, ensuring the use of sustainably sourced wood. They have been manufacturing in wood for over 65 years, resulting in exceptional quality embroidery hoops which grip aida effectively. These gorgeous hoops can be used both to maintain tension during stitching and as frames to display projects once complete.
Kit supplies
Needles
We source the finest quality needles from John James needles, manufactured in Redditch, Worcestershire, UK, the needle capital of the world. Established in 1840, this brand has a global reputation for quality and reliability, and are lovely to stitch with. We bulk buy these needles, avoiding individually packaged needles to minimise our impact on the environment.
Kit supplies
Backing Fabric
We use UK manufactured calico for backing fabric. This is a 100% cotton fabric that is not dyed or bleached. This works brilliantly as backing fabric to give your project a professional finish, stopping light from travelling through holes from the back and covering up the back of your stitching – a joy for us all!
kit supplies
Ribbon
Our gorgeous recycled satin ribbons are manufactured in Cheshire, UK, by Berisfords Ribbons and Bows. The ribbon is made from recycled plastic bottles which could have otherwise ended up in the ocean or landfill. This recycled ribbon maintains the quality and a beautiful finish of traditional satin. You can read more about the sustainability project here.
ADDITIONAL KIT CONTENTS
Printed Kit Items
We print our thank you cards, pattern cards, thread cards, stickers and cross stitch instructions in the UK. All of have the following credentials:
- FSC-Certified
- Uncoated, Recycled and Recyclable
- Chlorine and Wood-Free
ADDITIONAL KIT CONTENTS
Tissue Paper
Our tissue paper has the following properties:
- FSC-Certified
- Recycled, Recyclable and Fully Home-Compostable
- Sustainable Soy-Based Inks
Our Shop
Accessories and Supplies
We work with UK small businesses that manufacture and hand-make accessories and supplies in the UK.
Packaging and Shipping
Mailer Boxes
We chose to package and ship our kits in mailer boxes which comply with Royal Mail large letter size to save you on postage whilst using minimal cardboard. There's also no need to be at home for delivery as an individual kit should fit through your letterbox! Our mailer boxes are printed in the UK and have the following credentials:
- Certified FSC-Mix
- Recyclable
Packaging and Shipping
Mailer Bags
We ship our kits in eco-friendly waterproof paper mailing bags, sourced from the UK. These wonderful plastic free mailers have the following properties:
- FSC-Certified
- 100% Recyclable, Biodegradable, Sustainable and Carbon Neutral
- Water Based Inks and Coating
Packaging and Shipping
Packing Tape
Our self-adhesive paper packing tape has the following properties:
- Recyclable and Fully Home-Compostable
- Made from Rice Paper with Non-Toxic Adhesive
- Sustainable Soy-Based Inks and Water-Based Coating