Free cross stitch pattern ·
Free Strawberry Cross Stitch Pattern: Sweet Fruit Chart
| Finished size | 2.1 x 2.5 in (5.4 x 6.3 cm) design |
|---|---|
| Fabric | 14-count white Aida |
| Threads | DMC 666, 702, 743, 815 (one skein each) |
| Stitches | 404 full cross stitches, 2 strands |
| Level | Beginner |
| Time | about 3-5 hours |
| Price | Free |
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What you need
- 14-count white Aida, 8 x 8 in
- DMC floss: 666 Bright Red, 702 Kelly Green, 743 Yellow, 815 Garnet (one skein each)
- Size 24 tapestry needle, a 4 in embroidery hoop, scissors
- Felt or card for the back of the hoop
How it's made, in short
- Find the centre. Fold the Aida in half both ways; the creases cross at the centre marked on the chart.
- Stitch the outline. Stitch the darkest outline colour first, counting from the centre.
- Fill the colours. Fill each area one colour at a time, working outwards.
- Finish. Centre it in a 4 in hoop, gather the fabric at the back and cover it with felt.
Free guides: How to cross stitch · Cross stitch pattern maker · Free embroidery patterns · How to do a French knot in embroidery
Tips
- Start from the centre and stitch the outline first; it is the easiest part to count.
- Keep all your top stitches slanting the same way.
- Do not carry dark thread behind empty Aida; it shows through.
The free pattern
One square on the chart is one cross stitch over one square of Aida.
Size: design 30 x 35 stitches = 2.1 x 2.5 in (5.4 x 6.3 cm) on 14-count Aida
Fabric: 14-count white Aida, cut 8 x 8 in (a 3 in margin all round, room for a 4 in hoop)
Threads: DMC 6-strand embroidery floss, one skein each: 666 Bright Red, 702 Kelly Green, 743 Yellow, 815 Garnet
Notions: size 24 tapestry needle, a 4 in embroidery hoop, scissors; felt or card for the back of the hoop
Strands: 2 strands for every cross stitch, over 1 square of Aida
Stitch counts: DMC 666 Bright Red: 230 stitches, DMC 702 Kelly Green: 92 stitches, DMC 815 Garnet: 74 stitches, DMC 743 Yellow: 8 stitches
Instructions
- Fold the Aida in half both ways and crease it lightly; the folds cross at the centre, which is marked with arrows on the chart. Put the fabric in the hoop.
- Start at the centre and stitch the darkest outline colour first, counting carefully from the centre arrows.
- Fill each area inside the outline with its colour, one colour at a time, working outwards from the centre.
- Make every cross with the top stitch in the same direction, so the design looks even.
- To start a thread, leave a 1 in tail on the back and catch it under your first few stitches; to finish, run the needle under 4-5 stitches on the back and trim. Do not carry dark thread more than 3 squares behind empty Aida; it shows through.
Finishing
- Centre the design in the 4 in hoop and tighten it so the Aida is drum-tight.
- Trim the Aida to about 1 in outside the hoop, run a gathering stitch around it and pull it tight at the back.
- Glue or stitch a circle of felt or card over the back. Hang the hoop by its screw.
How we checked it: xstitchlib: legend, DMC codes, symbols, size, setup and confetti pass (404 stitches, 6 isolated); Sonnet red team looked at the stitched chart. We work hard to get every number right, but mistakes can still happen; tell us at hello@craftuary.com if anything is off.
Want it on paper?
The printable PDF (US Letter and A4) is free with a Craftuary account.
Get the printable PDF freeQuestions
What size is this strawberry cross stitch?
30 x 35 stitches: 2.1 x 2.5 inches on 14-count Aida, which fits a 4 inch hoop. On 18-count it would be about 1.7 x 1.9 inches.
How many strands do I use?
Two strands of DMC floss for every cross stitch on 14-count Aida.
How much floss do I need?
One skein of each colour is plenty; the counts are DMC 666 Bright Red: 230 stitches, DMC 702 Kelly Green: 92 stitches, DMC 815 Garnet: 74 stitches, DMC 743 Yellow: 8 stitches.
Is it good for beginners?
Yes. It uses only full cross stitches, no backstitch or fractional stitches.
The pictures are drawn from the pattern's own measurements and stitches; your finished piece will vary a little with your materials.
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