Pip & Chip is a UK-based, family-run brand known for their high-quality, thoughtfully designed accessories for cross stitchers and needlecrafters. Founded in 2018 by Debbie and Craig Wanstall, they’ve become a go-to name in the crafting community, offering beautifully made floss chips, acrylic bobbins, stitchable blanks, vinyl labels, and more.
We’re proud to work with Pip & Chip as the manufacturer of the foam inserts used in our thread boxes. Their precision and commitment to quality ensure our products are not only practical but beautifully finished.
Whether you're organising your floss or adding a personal touch to your stitching setup, Pip & Chip’s tools are crafted to make your creative process easier and more enjoyable.
Explore more at pipandchip.co.uk.
How did you first start?
D: It all started back in 2018 in our little garden office. I have always loved crafting and making things, so when I went on maternity leave from my accountancy job, I wanted something fun and fulfilling to focus on. That’s when we purchased our first laser engraving machine—a small investment that soon evolved into something far bigger than I ever imagined.
One of my first creations was a set of hedgehog-shaped bobbins to keep my threads neat and tidy. I shared them on social media just for fun and to my surprise, people loved them! Before long, requests started pouring in and my passion grew. What started as a creative hobby quickly turned into something more—a business built on craftsmanship, love for organisation, and the joy of making beautiful things.
Tell me more about your business. What inspired you to start your own brand?
D: Building a brand was never my intention—it happened naturally and was fueled by the incredible power of social media.
In 2021, my husband Craig made a huge leap, leaving his career as a software engineer to join me in growing the business. His expertise, problem-solving mindset, and dedication played a huge role in taking us to the next level. We expanded our product range and introduced our colour-matched printed bobbins for DMC—something we’re incredibly proud of. These bobbins revolutionised thread organisation by eliminating the frustration of labels falling off. As the business continued to grow, it became a true family venture. We now have Craig’s Mum and sister as part of the team, helping us keep up with demand and ensuring that every product we create meets our high standards. It’s been an unexpected but incredible journey, and we’re so grateful for the support that has allowed us to grow and evolve into what we are today.
How did you choose your business name?
D: Our two boys, Theo and Otto, are the inspiration behind our business name. During my first pregnancy, I craved chips, so we affectionately referred to the baby bump as “Chip.” When I was pregnant with our second, we called the baby “Pip.” These playful nicknames stuck, and we decided to use them for our business name.
What’s the secret to your creative process and what do you enjoy most about it?
D: The secret to our creative process is a deep love for organization, combined with perfectionism, stubbornness, and perseverance! Many of our ideas stem from solving real-life problems—how can we make the stitching workspace more efficient, keep supplies neatly stored, or create tools that make the hobby even more enjoyable.
What I enjoy most about the process is seeing an idea come to life, starting as a simple concept and evolving into a beautifully crafted, functional product.
What’s your favourite make and why? What are you most proud of?
D: My favourite product is the printed DMC bobbins with foam inserts for the Bisley cabinet. There’s something incredibly satisfying about opening the drawer and seeing everything neatly organized. It’s not just about the functionality, but the joy of having a system that makes everything easier to access and looks visually pleasing.
What do you hope people get from your products?
D: I hope that our products bring a sense of order and ease to their stitching workspace. By helping people to get organised, we aim to take the stress out of searching for things, allowing them to focus on what they love—stitching!
What’s the biggest lesson you’ve learned?
D: The biggest lesson I’ve learned is to never give up. Running a small business can be extremely challenging—there are moments of uncertainty, setbacks, and times when things don’t go as planned. But perseverance is everything. Success doesn’t happen overnight, and there will always be obstacles along the way, whether it’s learning new skills, adapting to changes, or navigating unexpected challenges.
There have been times when it felt overwhelming, but pushing through, staying resilient, and believing in what we do has made all the difference. Every challenge has been an opportunity to grow, improve, and come out stronger. Seeing how far we’ve come—from a simple hobby to a thriving family business—has proven that hard work, determination, and passion can take you further than you ever imagined.
What fun things can we expect from you in the future?
D: We are led by our wonderful customers and followers, so it’s down to you…
It was a genuine pleasure to delve into the story of Pip & Chip and learn more about the passion and precision that Debbie and Craig bring to their craft. Their commitment to excellence not only enhances the stitching experience for many but also plays a crucial role in the quality of our own products. We're proud to collaborate with such dedicated artisans and look forward to many more creative endeavors together.
Thank you, Debbie and Craig, for sharing your inspiring journey with us!
