It’s World Cross Stitch Day tomorrow and if you’ve been looking for a new craft project, why not try one of these cute patterns and kits? All these shops have a wide range of original designs (with no use of AI!) and cross stitch is so easy and affordable to pick up that almost everything is suitable for beginners.
The Clever Clove has a lovely selection of whimsical cross stitch patterns to download with hedgehogs, bunnies, mice and chickens living their best storybook lives. Many of the designs have a Autumn theme that’s perfect to start now, but you’ll also find designs for other seasons.
If you can’t find a design you like at The Frosted Pumpkin Stitchery, are you sure you’re a kawaii fan? There’s so many adorable seasonal and holiday designs, plus bargain bundles and stitching clubs – check out the new Halloween Snow Globe Collection Club starting in September. There’s general designs too, like this Cozy Cafe pattern, and most are available as both digital downloads and printed patterns (US).
If you’re a quick stitcher, a subscription box is a fun way to get new projects and The Make Arcade (UK) have a monthly Stitch Mail box. The current box includes everything you need to make a cute pencil case and mini hoop, plus mini stationery-themed stitch motifs, a zine, beginner guide and more. They also have loads more cute digital patterns and kits, plus all the supplies you could want.
That would pair well with these Bookmark Cross Stitch Kits from Cotton Clara (UK), for another useful project. Choose from Toadstools, Mugs or Nature designs and everything you need is included. They also have lots of hoop kits and even a collab with Miffy.
For total beginners, The Snarky Crafter (US) have stitchable wooden blanks that are super-easy to stitch and quick to finish. These Heart Keychains come in an affordable set of 3, along with the rose and rainbow patterns shown, and you could also try stitching an initial or copying pixel art. They’ve also got stitchable US states and lots of patterns (including some NSFW).
Stitchrovia has over 200 digital patterns to choose from, for both beginners and experienced stitchers, including seasonal and holiday designs, gifts for all kinds of occasions and events, plus hobbies, quotes and lots more. These Kawaii Friends are very cute with a horse, penguin, bear and fox in rainbow colours.
In older days, you would learn and practice cross stitch by making a sampler and Tiny Cross Stitch Co has some cuter versions with cats, dogs, plants, food or this Modern Alphabet Sampler full of tiny things. You could also use the individual elements for smaller projects, like our cross stitch card tutorial.
Full coverage designs can feel a little intimidating for newbies but they’re great for relaxing or stitching while watching TV as the larger blocks of colour require less attention. Hawthorn Handmade (UK) has some new cross stitch kits with dinosaurs and birds to choose from that come gift boxed with all the supplies needed.
For something a bit different, how about making some Groovy Chicks or Funky Chickens from Satsuma Street? These could be used as desk friends, pincushions or paperweights, depending on how you fill them. They’re digital patterns with a video tutorial but you can also add floss or felt packs (US) to save you searching up all the colours. Have a look at their lovely Christmas ornaments too – it’s never too early to start making handmade gifts.
As an extra bonus you can get 25% off all my own digital cross stitch patterns at Asking For Trouble. There’s lots of kawaii designs including breakfast, veggies, tea & cake and ghosts. Use the code WORLDXSTITCHDAY until Sunday evening. I also have some printed aida fabric (UK) with designs like cotton candy, autumn leaves and pumpkin spice.
For more ideas, check out our previous cross stitch posts – including book reviews and free patterns – or browse our guide for cute craft supplies & kits.
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