Clear cross stitch patterns, friendly lessons, and your own photos in thread

Every chart is easy to read, with a symbol in each square and a full DMC thread list. New to stitching? Two free lessons take you from threading the needle to your first neat row of crosses.

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  • Instant PDF download
  • Secure checkout
  • Clear, easy-to-read charts
  • Friendly help from real people
A small cross stitch of blue flowers in a wooden embroidery hoop

Photo: Unsplash

A chart page from the Cozy Teacup pattern: colored squares with a symbol in each, numbered rows and the thread key

Patterns you can read at a glance

Each pattern is an instant PDF download: a color chart with a symbol in every square, a bold line every ten stitches, and a thread list that tells you how many skeins to buy. Print it, or follow it on your tablet.

Browse patternsFree patterns
Photo of a white puppy lying on a mossy logThe same puppy turned into a stitched cross stitch pattern

Your own photo as a pattern

Upload a picture of your dog, your grandchildren or your garden. In about half a minute you see it as finished stitching, free. If you love it, the full PDF pattern with the thread list is $7.99.

Turn a photo into a pattern
The Stitch Tracker showing one thread color on a chart, with zoom buttons

Follow your chart on an iPad

The free Stitch Tracker opens our patterns on an iPad, tablet or computer. Show one color at a time, tap each stitch as you finish it, and it keeps your place for next time. There is nothing to install.

Try the demoHow it works

Learn to cross stitch, one week at a time

Cross Stitch School starts with threading the needle and ends with a finished piece in a hoop. Each week has a lesson, a practice pattern we designed for it, and a small challenge. Weeks 1 and 2 are free.

  1. 1What Is Cross Stitch? Everything You Need to StartFree
  2. 2How to Cross Stitch: Your First Stitches, Step by StepFree
  3. 3Reading Your First ChartStitch Club
  4. 4Choosing Your FabricStitch Club
  5. 5Fractional Stitches for Smooth CurvesStitch Club
  6. 6Outlines and French KnotsStitch Club
  7. 7Wash DayStitch Club
  8. 8Finish It in a HoopStitch Club
Start week 1, free
About the Stitch Club
Cozy Teacup, the week 3 practice pattern Heart in Bloom, the week 4 practice pattern Berry Wreath, the week 8 practice pattern
Practice patterns from weeks 3, 4 and 8, stitched previews.

Free patterns by email

Join the email list and we will send you free patterns, new lessons and stitching tips. One or two emails a month, and you can leave with one click.

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Questions stitchers ask

Something else on your mind? Write to us at help@allthingscrossstitch.com and a real person will answer.

What is cross stitch?

Cross stitch is a type of embroidery where you sew small X-shaped stitches on a grid fabric (usually Aida). Following a chart, the Xs build up a picture. It is one of the easiest kinds of embroidery to learn.

What do I need to start cross stitching?

A pattern, some Aida fabric, embroidery thread (we use DMC colors), a blunt tapestry needle, a hoop and small scissors. Our School’s first lesson walks you through all of it.

How do I get my pattern after buying?

Our patterns are digital PDF downloads. Right after checkout you get a download link, so you can print the pattern or open it on your tablet.

Can I turn my own photo into a cross stitch pattern?

Yes. Our Photo to Cross Stitch tool turns your photo into a cross stitch pattern with a chart and a DMC thread list. You choose the size, and the preview is free.

Is cross stitch good for beginners?

Yes. There is only one basic stitch to learn, and small patterns can be finished in an evening or two. Start with the two free lessons in our Cross Stitch School and a simple pattern.