Try cross stitching

What can we use instead of Aida fabric, a washable fabric marker, or an embroidery hoop if they are hard to find?

If you don't have Aida fabric use tightly woven cotton and count threads like Aida, substitute a removable tailor's chalk or a soft pencil for the washable fabric marker to mark the center, and press the fabric over a plain saucer or use a picture frame as an alternative to an embroidery hoop.

My stitches look uneven or the pattern shifts—what should I check?

Check that the Aida fabric is taut in the hoop and the center mark is centered before stitching, recount the Aida squares from the marked center when you start each row, and make sure each cross stitch is finished with the return diagonal so tension stays consistent.

How can I adapt this cross-stitch activity for younger or older children?

For younger children simplify the graph-paper design to one or two large crosses, pre-thread a blunt tapestry needle with two separated strands and have an adult tie the starting knot, while older kids can draw more detailed graph designs, separate three strands themselves, and stitch multiple color areas independently.

How can we make the finished sampler more special or display it differently?

After trimming extra thread and removing the finished sampler from the hoop, press it lightly, add a stitched name or a backstitch border, then remount the fabric in the hoop as a frame or photograph the finished sampler to share on DIY.org.