Diamond painting, paint by numbers and cross stitch are three paint-the-picture-by-the-numbers crafts that look alike and feel very different. This guide is for anyone choosing a first craft, or wondering whether to switch. You will see how they compare on mess, skill, time, cost, result, relaxation and kids, who should pick which, and why many painters end up with diamond painting.
Try diamond painting with a kit that includes everything: canvas, drills, tools and free worldwide shipping.
Shop diamond painting kitsThe three crafts in a minute
- Diamond painting. You stick tiny resin drills onto a sticky, symbol printed canvas. No paint, no needles. The finished piece sparkles.
- Paint by numbers. You fill numbered areas on a canvas with acrylic paint. You need brushes, water and a drying surface.
- Cross stitch. You stitch X shapes on fabric with colored thread, following a chart. It is slow and detailed, and it is a skill you build over time.
All three use a numbered or symbol coded guide, which is why they appeal to people who want a relaxing project without having to draw. The difference is in the tools, the effort and the finish.
Side by side comparison
| Diamond painting | Paint by numbers | Cross stitch | |
|---|---|---|---|
| Mess | Very low. Dry, no liquids | Medium. Paint, water, brushes | Low. Thread and needles |
| Skill to start | None. Press drills in place | Low. Needs a steady hand for small areas | Medium. Learn the stitch and count carefully |
| Time (medium size) | About 10 to 15 hours for 30 x 40 cm | Often 10 to 20 hours, plus drying | Often 20 hours or more |
| Cost | Kit from $18.99, tools included | Kit plus brushes and paint | Kit plus hoop, needles and thread |
| Result | Sparkling, textured mosaic | Painted look, flat or slightly textured | Fabric with a classic handmade feel |
| Relaxation | Repetitive and calm, easy to pick up and put down | Calm, but needs focus and drying time | Calm and meditative, but needs counting |
| Kids | Good with supervision for ages that can handle small parts | Good with supervision, messier | Harder for young kids, needles are sharp |
Treat the time and cost rows as ballparks. Real numbers depend on the design, the size and how you work. For diamond painting, the time estimate is based on about 16 drills per square cm.
Mess and skill
Diamond painting is the tidiest of the three. Your kit has pre-sorted drills in bags, two trays, tweezers, two pens and a multi-placer. The glue is already on the canvas under a clear film, so there is nothing to mix or spill. You can start at the kitchen table and clear away in a minute.
Paint by numbers needs water, brushes and a place for wet canvases. A tipped cup is easy to imagine. Cross stitch is neat, but thread tangles and needles go missing.
For skill, diamond painting asks only for patience and a gentle press. Paint by numbers rewards steady hand control, especially in small areas. Cross stitch takes some practice to keep stitches even and the back tidy.
Time and cost
A 30 x 40 cm diamond painting has about 19,200 drills and takes roughly 10 to 15 hours. You can stop at any point, because the film keeps the glue clean. Paint by numbers and cross stitch can be paused too, but wet paint and half done stitching may need more care. Our guide on how long a diamond painting takes has a full size table.
On cost, diamond painting is simple. The kit includes all the tools you need, and shipping is free worldwide with tracking. Paint by numbers and cross stitch kits often need extras that you buy separately. Buy two diamond painting kits and save 10%, or three and save 15%, applied at checkout.
The finished result
This is where the crafts differ most. Diamond painting has a glittering, light catching finish with AB (iridescent) drills in every kit. Square drills give a crisp mosaic. Round drills add extra sparkle. A framed piece looks bold on a wall.
Paint by numbers looks like a painting, soft and traditional. Cross stitch looks like fabric art, warm and homey. None is better, but if you want a piece that stands out in a room, diamond painting does it quickly.
Relaxation and kids
All three crafts give you something to do with your hands while your mind settles. Diamond painting suits people who like repetition. Pressing drills in rows becomes a gentle rhythm, and you see progress with every row. Many people paint while listening to a podcast or a show.
For kids, it comes down to age and supervision. Diamond painting uses small parts, so younger children need an adult nearby and should not put drills in their mouths. Paint by numbers is easier on small parts, but it is messier. Cross stitch needs needles, which is a harder fit for younger kids. For a family project, choose a small canvas and paint together.
Who should pick which
- Pick diamond painting if you want a clean, low-stress craft with a sparkling result, and you like quick progress you can see.
- Pick paint by numbers if you enjoy brushwork, like a painted look and do not mind water and drying time. You can find paint by numbers kits on our sister site, allpaintbynumbers.art.
- Pick cross stitch if you like fabric, counting and slow detailed work, and want to build a skill over time.
Still undecided? A small diamond painting kit is a low-risk way to try. It costs less than a night out, needs no extra supplies, and you will know within an hour whether you like it.
Why people switch to diamond painting
Painters who start with other crafts often move to diamond painting for a few reasons:
- No cleanup. No brushes to wash and no paint to dry.
- Fast visible progress. Every drill you place adds sparkle, so the canvas changes as you go.
- Easy to pause. The film covers the unfinished area, so you can stop mid project and return later.
- Portable. A small kit and a tray fit on a lap or a coffee table.
- A custom option. You can turn your own photo into a kit. Our custom diamond painting kit starts from $20.95, has a free design preview before printing, and 917 reviews averaging 4.9.
Beginner kits to start with
For a first project, choose a small canvas such as 20 x 25 cm or 25 x 30 cm, and pick a design with clear color areas. The three kits above are good places to start. Browse the best sellers for more, and see our supplies if you want a storage box or extra tools.
Frequently asked questions
Is diamond painting harder than paint by numbers?
No. Diamond painting is generally easier to start, because you only press drills onto printed symbols. Paint by numbers needs a steady hand with a brush and a bit of color mixing sense.
Is diamond painting easier than cross stitch?
Most people find it easier. There is no stitch to learn and no counting. Cross stitch is rewarding but takes practice to keep stitches even.
Is diamond painting messy?
No. It is the tidiest of the three. The glue is pre-applied under a clear film, and the drills are dry. Keep the trays steady and cover your canvas between sessions.
Which hobby is cheapest to start?
Diamond painting kits start from $18.99 and include the tools. Paint by numbers and cross stitch can need extra brushes, paint, hoops or thread, so the real cost may be higher.
Can kids do diamond painting?
Older kids can, with supervision. The drills are small, so keep them away from very young children. Start with a small canvas and paint together.
Which one is the most relaxing?
It is personal. Many people find the repetitive drill placement of diamond painting calming, while others prefer the rhythm of stitching or the creativity of brushwork. Try a small kit to see what suits you.
Ready to try it
Pick a small kit, find a bright spot and press your first drill. If you enjoy it, scale up to a bigger canvas or turn a favorite photo into a custom kit.
Every kit ships free worldwide with tracking. Use code 16OFF for 16% off once per customer.
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