Answer
Where to Find Free Cross Stitch Patterns
Free cross stitch patterns are in DMC's free pattern library, with the thread colours listed, on Lord Libidan for pop-culture and video game charts, and on Craftuary, whose free Heart Vine Cross Stitch Bookmark is a 28 x 84 stitch chart in three DMC colours. To chart your own design, Stitch Fiddle is an online chart editor.
At a glance
| Where | What's there | Best for |
|---|---|---|
| Craftuary Heart Vine Cross Stitch Bookmarkours | A 28 x 84 stitch chart on 14-count Aida (2 x 6 in), three DMC colours, full cross stitches only. | A first cross stitch project |
| Craftuary Academy: cross stitchours | A free looping 3D lesson for the cross stitch on Aida. | Learning the stitch |
| DMC | The thread maker's free downloadable cross stitch patterns, from beginner to modern designs. | Patterns with exact DMC colours |
| Lord Libidan | Free cross stitch patterns from beginner to advanced, many of them video game, pop-culture and alphabet charts. | Geeky and pop-culture charts |
| Stitch Fiddle | An online chart editor for cross stitch and knitting charts. | Charting your own design |
How to start
- Pick a small chart. Under 100 x 100 stitches, with few colours and full crosses only.
- Use 14-count Aida. The holes are easy to see; one square of the chart is one cross.
- Two strands of floss. The usual for 14-count; separate the strands and put two back together.
- Stitch the crosses the same way. Keep every top leg leaning the same direction so the work looks even.
Questions
What is the easiest cross stitch for a beginner?
A small chart of full crosses on 14-count Aida, such as a bookmark or a little motif, in two to four colours.
What does 14-count mean?
14 squares (and so 14 stitches) per inch of Aida fabric. A 28-stitch-wide chart on 14-count is 2 in wide.
Are free cross stitch patterns free to sell?
Usually not. Free charts are normally for personal use; ask the designer before selling pieces made from them.
Site and brand names are used only to identify them; Craftuary is not affiliated with or endorsed by any of them. Spotted something out of date? Email hello@craftuary.com.
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