Looking for inspiration for your next cross-stitch pattern? This collection of 25 free, modern cross stitch patterns is full of ideas, from florals to flip flops to winter woodland animals. In this list, you’ll find something for everyone. Happy stitching!
What is Cross Stitch?
Cross stitch is a type of embroidery that uses colorful threads to stitch patterns and designs onto evenweave fabric. Counted cross stitch is the art of working X-shaped stitches to create a pattern or a picture, according to a gridded pattern or chart.
Cross stitch is a fun way to create nearly any design or picture. Cross-stitch art is often seen hanging on a wall or in a picture frame. But framed pictures aren’t the only way to display your beautiful designs! You can also stitch your pattern onto a bag or pillow, make it into a bookmark, patch, or keychain, stitch directly onto clothes, tablecloths, quilts, and so much more!
Cross-stitch patterns also make incredibly thoughtful gifts. Because cross stitch is a detail-oriented craft that takes some time commitment, giving a cross stitch gift is truly a way to say that you care. Below, you’ll find ideas for new baby gifts, teacher appreciation gifts, and beautiful designs that can be stitched on a pillow, bag, or canvas for a friend.
25 Free Modern Cross Stitch Patterns
Enjoy these free cross stitch patterns for beginners and advanced crafters alike!
Bright Bouquet
This brilliant floral design adds a bright and cheery touch to your bag, pillow, or wall decor. As a bonus, this bouquet doesn’t even need to be watered, and it will last for decades!
Playground
This modern cross stitch pattern is packed with a variety of shapes and colors. Although it doesn’t take too much time, this is a good project for intermediates.
Lemons
You can almost taste the fresh, citrus lemons in this bright, botanical pattern. The pop of color within this pattern looks great on either a white or black background.
Kawaii Cross Stitch Apple
This small and simple apple cross stitch pattern is ideal for kids or beginners to make. This happy apple is perfect for teacher gifts! There are three different size options, so younger kids can use fabric with bigger holes.
Pansy Bouquet on Black
Check out these pretty vintage flowers! The colors, reminiscent of pansies, really pop on black fabric. Keep in mind that stitching on black can be a bit more challenging than stitching on white, making this project best for intermediates.
Camera
Do you know a photography lover? Follow this simple chart to create a 5-tone vintage camera. This is a fairly small counted cross stitch pattern that won’t take long to complete.
Strawberries
What says summer like a handful of juicy strawberries? You’ll only need three colors for this simple strawberry design. It’s perfect for farmhouse decor, gardeners, or anyone who enjoys this sweet and tasty fruit (but really, who doesn’t??).
Camper
Decorating your vintage camper trailer? Add a cozy and handmade touch with this quick, retro camper cross stitch pattern. You could easily change the colors to match your own camper.
Bike
So cute! While this vintage bike with a basket requires a handful of colors, most of them are only used for less than 10 stitches (and can be exchanged for any color you like). In fact, none of the colors in this pattern require very much floss, so this bike is perfect for using up extra thread.
Baby Yoda
This adorable Baby Yoda cross stitch pattern fits in a 3-inch loop. It’s so tiny and cute, and would be great for a bookmark, patch, or pin.
Cactus Cross Stitch Pattern
Love plants? This cute collection of cacti and succulents can be created altogether, or you can choose your favorite to make as a simple motif.
Moth Cross Stitch Pattern
Using only four colors and full stitches, this simple moth pattern is great for beginners. When finished, the design measures approximately 6” x 3.5”.
Dinosaur Bookmark
This adorable dinosaur cross stitch pattern is an excellent gift for book lovers - especially kids! Help foster imagination and a love of reading by gifting this cute and fun dinosaur craft.
Cross Stitch Rose Burlap Bag
Did you know that you can cross stitch on burlap? When stitching on burlap, you’ll need to look closely to see the squares, so be sure to find a well-lit area to work in. Or, simply use Aida cloth instead - these roses are beautiful either way!
Summer Flight
This bright and beautiful pattern adds color and joy to any space. If you know a beekeeper or gardener, this cross stitch project would make a lovely gift.
Plaid Rustic Animal Cross Stitch
These plaid animal cross stitch patterns create a cozy, cute, project that’s perfect for winter decor, holidays, or any rustic space. Choose from a deer, bear, or fox - or make all three.
Mini Flip Flops
Jump into summer with these cute and tiny flip-flops! This pattern measures only a few centimeters and would make a great addition to a birthday card, keychain, or fridge magnet.
Rainbow Cross Stitch Pattern
Add some brightness and joy anywhere with this quick-to-stitch rainbow cross stitch. You can finish this tiny design in no time at all! It measures approximately 3.8 cm x 2.4 cm.
Mini Mushroom Cross Stitch
Dream of fairies and gnomes while stitching up this mini mushroom. This project would be perfect for using up extra floss.
Doughnut
Mmm, you can almost taste the sweetness of this crispy doughnut dripping with icing. This delicious-looking pattern would be great for decorating a bakery or home kitchen.
Cute Little Woodland Fox
This cute little woodland creature measures approximately 4” x 4” when finished. It would make a lovely nursery decoration or could be stitched onto a baby’s bag.
Turquoise Echeveria Succulent
This succulent is made with dreamy blue and green hues and is touched with color throughout. With the variety of colors in this pattern, it’s estimated to take 10+ hours to make.
City Houses
The detail in this pattern is just absolutely lovely! Each house is decorated with unique colors and lots of individual features.
Moon Stages
This simple pattern displays the eight stages of the moon. It’s made with only three colors - easy!
New York
Dream of New York City with this skyline view. This pattern is best for intermediates.
Cross Stitch Basics
Here are the basic steps you’ll need to know in order to create your cross-stitch project.
Preparing your Fabric
First, start by preparing your fabric. 14-count Aida fabric is most common for cross stitch. The number 14 indicates that there are 14 holes per square inch.
Start by finding the center of your fabric. You can do this by folding it in half both ways and then finding the meeting point in the middle. Next, center your fabric within your embroidery hoop and tighten your hoop down using the screw. This will keep your fabric taut while you work.
Dividing your Embroidery Floss
Once your fabric is ready, you can prepare the first color of floss that you’ll be using. Most embroidery thread is made of six strands, but most patterns suggest using only one or two strands at a time. Pull out one or two strands (as specified by your pattern) and cut a section about 18″ long.
Thread your needle as you would for sewing, but don’t tie a knot in the end. Knots can cause your fabric to be bulky in certain spots, and the end of your floss will be stitched over enough to be held in place anyway, making a knot unnecessary.
Reading Cross Stitch Patterns
It’s almost time to start stitching! Orient your pattern so that it’s facing the same direction as your fabric. In most cases, it’s best to start in the middle of your chart (unless otherwise specified). If it’s not easy to find the middle, you can use a pencil and a ruler to help you find the center stitch.
As you read your cross-stitch pattern chart, keep in mind that each square marks a single stitch on your fabric grid.
Making Stitches
It’s time to make your first stitch. Start at the back of your fabric and draw your needle through to the front, leaving a 1″ tail. Hold the tail securely with your other hand. After you have a few stitches in place, your tail should be held in place on its own.
Continue working your needle through your fabric to make an “X” shape. As you work your pattern, be sure to make all of your stitches in the same direction.
Cross Stitch Supplies
Here are some supplies you’ll need to create your cross-stitch project.
- Aida fabric – White, 14-count Aida fabric is the most common. Larger fabric, such as 6-count, is great for beginners, while smaller fabric (18-count and higher) is for very experienced crafters.
- Embroidery floss – Your pattern will tell you which color codes to use, but feel free to exchange for a similar color (or something different altogether!).
- Needles – A size 24 needle is standard for 14-count Aida fabric.
- Embroidery hoop – Your hoop should be slightly larger than the size of your pattern.
- Scissors
- Pattern – The possibilities are endless!
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