Buying embroidery kits in the Netherlands: honest guide to webshops (2026)
If you're looking for an embroidery kit in the Netherlands, you're in luck: there are dozens of webshops, from large hobby superstores to small specialists. But which one is right for your project? In this guide, we'll honestly list the Dutch offerings—including ourselves, with our limitations—and explain what to look for when choosing.
What to look for in an embroidery kit?
- Completeness: Does it include everything (fabric, thread, needles, pattern, instructions) or just the pattern?
- Pre-printed or counted cross-stitch: With pre-printed canvas, the design is already on the fabric (no counting – great for beginners); with a counted cross-stitch pattern, you count from paper. See our counted vs. pre-printed cross-stitch guide.
- Sizes: Small projects are manageable, large ones make an impression – read the size selection guide.
- Thread quality: Colorfast cotton thread prevents fading and breaking.
- Shipping costs and delivery time – and the return policy.
The Dutch landscape
Large hobby superstores: wide selection of well-known brands
Stores like Hobbygigant, Art en Hobby, and bol.com offer thousands of kits from established brands such as Vervaco, Lanarte, Permin, and DMC. Strong if you want to choose from a wide range of ready-made designs and perhaps need other hobby supplies immediately.
Specialized embroidery shops: knowledge and assortment
C.R. Couture (with a physical store near Rotterdam), Het Borduurzaakje, and De Spinnerij are true embroidery specialists with large collections of branded kits – from classic to modern. A good choice if you're looking for a specific brand or style, or want personal advice in a store.
Modern niche stores: contemporary designs
Iris Borduurt focuses on modern, contemporary embroidery kits – a fresh alternative for those who find the classic offerings too traditional.
Personalized: embroidering your own photo
And then there's the niche that we, Stitchi Studio, specialize in: embroidery kits from your own photo. You upload a photo – your pet, your children, your wedding day – and receive a complete kit with custom pre-printed canvas or a counted cross-stitch pattern, eco-cotton thread in the right colors, gilded needles, and Dutch instructions. Available in 22 sizes (€29.95–€99.95), with free shipping. To be fair: if you're looking for a ready-made design from a specific brand, the stores mentioned above are often a better choice – although we also have a growing collection of our own ready-made designs and mini-kits. But if you want to turn a personal memory into an embroidery piece, that's exactly what we do every day.
Quick selection
- Wide range of branded kits: Hobbygigant, Art en Hobby, C.R. Couture, Het Borduurzaakje, De Spinnerij
- Modern designs: Iris Borduurt (and our own designs collection)
- Physical store + advice: C.R. Couture
- Your own photo as an embroidery kit: Stitchi Studio
- Pattern only (PDF): our PDF patterns or the pattern sections of the stores above
Frequently asked questions
How much does a complete embroidery kit cost in the Netherlands?
Expect to pay around €15 to €100, depending on size and complexity. At Stitchi Studio, complete kits range from €29.95 (20×30 cm) to €99.95 (80×100 cm); individual PDF patterns start from €14.95.
Where can I buy an embroidery kit of my own photo?
That's a specialty: at Stitchi Studio, you upload a photo and receive a complete custom kit – pre-printed canvas or counted cross-stitch pattern, in 22 sizes.
Which store is best for beginners?
Mainly choose a kit type that suits you: pre-printed canvas (no counting) is the easiest start, and you can find that at several stores – for example, check out our beginner's collection.
Is a branded kit better than a custom photo kit?
They are different things: a branded kit gives you an existing design, a custom photo kit turns your memory into a pattern. Quality for both depends on fabric, thread, and pattern quality.