'Tis the season to stitch: Christmas embroidery patterns full of festive cheer

'Tis the season to stitch: Christmas embroidery patterns full of festive cheer

Celebrate the lead-up to Christmas through stitch with our selection of free and paid Christmas embroidery patterns.


It's starting to get chilly now, which means one thing... Christmas is just around the corner! This time of year is all about spending cosy afternoons inside, snuggling up under a blanket with a steaming cup of hot chocolate, and an embroidery project!

Getting stuck into a Christmas embroidery pattern is the perfect way to de-stress and take some time for yourself during the busy holiday period, while also helping you get into the Christmas spirit.

Once your design is complete, you can display it in your home to spread festive cheer and add a homemade touch to your Christmas decorations. Or you can pop it under the tree for a loved one to open on the big day. Nothing says you care quite like a hand-stitched gift. We've also got plenty of unique gift wrapping ideas here on Gathered to make your present look extra special.

Below, we've rounded up a mix of fantastic free and paid Christmas embroidery patterns, so you don't have to waste any time searching for the perfect design. Pick your favourite and celebrate the most wonderful time of year through stitch.

Beautiful Christmas embroidery patterns to stitch this season

1. Jolly Santa Hoop Embroidery Pattern

We had to kick off our list of Christmas embroidery patterns with the king of Christmas himself – Santa Claus!

Enjoy whipping up Clare Albans' oh-so-jolly design in festive shades and perfect several stitches as you add Santa's happy face and 3D beard and hat. And of course, the design isn't complete without his iconic slogan, "ho ho ho!".


2. Christmas Mittens Hoop Embroidery Pattern

Everyone needs a pair of cosy mittens for winter. Get stuck into this sweet embroidery pattern from Georgie Emery and keep your hands warm during the colder months. They'll be so toasty you'll think you're wearing the real thing!

Make some mittens this winter

If you fancy making a pair of mittens you can wear, we have several fabulous patterns on the Gathered Shop. Why not make these gorgeous two-tone knitted mittens today?


3. Holly Jolly Hoop Embroidery Pattern PDF

Add some sparkle to your Christmas decorations with this shimmering design from Christin Morgan. Stitch the beautiful wreath in glittering metallic thread and let it dazzle all your loved ones who come to visit over the holidays.

We love how the words "Holly Jolly" look 3D – it gives the design a funky modern edge!


4. Home for the Holidays Door Hoop Embroidery Pattern 

One of our favourite things to do during the Christmas period is stroll down the street and admire all of the festively decorated houses! Bring the magic indoors with this beautiful design of a bright red door adorned with a traditional wreath.


5. Free Merry and Bright Christmas Embroidery Pattern

Featuring colourful, festive threads, this Christmas embroidery pattern is indeed very merry and bright!

Despite looking super impressive and eye-catching, this simple design requires only a few basic stitches, making it perfect for beginners.


6. Snowflake Tag Embroidery Pattern

Christmas is the season of giving! If you want to make your presents really stand out this year, why not embroider your own gift tags? It's an extra thoughtful touch that your friends and family will love.

Mollie Johanson breaks down how to make these pretty snowflake tags using fly stitch in her free step-by-step tutorial here on Gathered.


7. Christmas Tree Embroidery Pattern

Make Julia Staite's charming Christmas stocking and hang it up in pride of place on your fireplace this year. Follow the straightforward instructions and stitch the enchanting design of festive fir trees and twinkling yellow stars.

Julia also guides you through how to sew your stocking and provides a PDF template for the basic stocking shape and embroidery motifs.


8. Christmas Embroidery Motifs

These super-cute embroidery motifs feature two things we love – Christmas food and kawaii! Capture the joy of Christmas dinner by stitching motifs of your favourite festive foods. Their sweet, smiley faces will add an adorable touch to your Christmas decor.

Display your finished design in your home and celebrate the meal we look forward to all year long.

Hook up some festive amigurumis

If you're after a 3D version of our Christmas food embroidery motifs, check out these adorable free amigurumi Christmas ornament patterns.


9. The Nutcracker Hoop Embroidery Pattern

Transport yourself to the magical world of Tchaikovsky's The Nutcracker with this lovely Christmas embroidery pattern. Featuring six stitches, this design is perfect for beginners who want to build up their stitching repertoire.


10. Fancy Felt Christmas Tree Bauble Decorations Embroidery Pattern (3 designs included)

Add a personal touch to your Christmas tree by decorating it with hand-stitched, felt baubles. Jenni Davis’ trio of designs will provide hours of enjoyment in the run-up to Christmas, featuring beads, gems, and sparkly gold thread that truly make them shine.

These gorgeous Christmas tree decorations would also make extra special stocking fillers!


11. Snowflake Embroidery Pattern

Enjoy a white Christmas no matter what the weather outside, with this delicate design of a one-of-a-kind snowflake. Stitch the design in white thread onto baby blue fabric to make the stunning detail pop!

This beginner-friendly pattern is ideal for those who prefer more subtle Christmas decorations and can be displayed all winter long.


12. Advent Calendar Embroidery Pattern

What could be more special than counting down to the big day with an advent calendar you've made yourself?!

Embroider the pockets with the date and pretty designs of snowflakes, holly, stars, and more. Then stuff with delicious chocolates or mini gifts. You deserve a treat!


Get stuck into stitch this Christmas

The Christmas period is the perfect time to reflect on the year and decompress with a craft project. And our Christmas embroidery patterns will make you feel festive while taking that much-needed downtime.

Pick your favourite design and create a beautiful, handmade piece of Christmas decor that you can bring out year after year.

Try these easy Christmas cross stitch patterns 

If cross stitch is more your thing, check out these fantastic Christmas cross stitch patterns! With designs of adorable gingerbread men, funny Christmas-hat-wearing avocados, and more, you'll be sure to find a design you love.