Take your first steps into cross stitching with our free easy cross stitch patterns, which are all suitable for beginners.
If you’re a cross stitch beginner then this is the article for you. We’ve brought together essential advice for getting started with easy cross stitch techniques as well as linked to some fabulously stylish but simple free patterns.
Whether you’re choosing your first ever project or looking for a relaxing easy design to stitch, we’ve got something for you.
Cross stitching is also wonderfully mindful, once you get going, you’ll be focussing on the next stitch rather than anything else!
When you see the beautiful creations made in cross stitch, you can’t help but want to be able to do that too.
On a very simple level, cross stitching by following a chart is just like painting by numbers but your brush is a needle and your paint is stranded embroidery thread!
An easy chart will show you which colour to use for each stitch and the exact thread shades are listed in a key.
Beginners will start with easy whole stitches only, which is what we’re focussing on here. As you progress to intermediate skill projects you’ll learn more techniques such as fractionals and backstitch.
If your fingers are itching to get started, look out for a copy of The World of Cross Stitching magazine, as most issues come with a small cross stitch kit with everything you need to get started, including fabric, thread and chart (not including needle).
See what back issues are available and catch up on any you've missed.
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How to cross stitch
Most cross stitch patterns will use two strands of a length of stranded cotton thread for cross stitch, but always refer to the chart and key on a pattern before you begin.
Cut a length of no more than 35cm of your chosen colour and gently separate two strands from the thread to work with.
A super-neat way of starting a stitch is the loop method (this only works with an even number of strands). Fold your length of thread in half, then thread a tapestry needle with both cut ends to form a loop, and bring the needle up through the fabric. As you take it back down, pass it through the loop and pull to secure.
Here's how to do your first cross stitch.
Working on a fabric with an even grid of holes – 11- or 14-count aida is the best fabric to start with – bring the needle up at 1 and work a diagonal stitch, going down at 2 (Fig.A).
Come up again at 3, in the hole next to 1, and work a diagonal stitch in the opposite direction, going down at 4, overlapping the previous stitch to create a cross shape (Fig.B). Repeat these whole cross stitches to fill an area as indicated on the chart.
For more expert tips and advice, check out our how to cross stitch for beginners guide.
Now it’s time to choose your first project, take your pick from our top 10 free easy cross stitch patterns below!
10 easy cross stitch patterns for beginners
1. Bright and bold kids cross stitch patterns by Poppy Benner
Choose from three lovely whole stitch-only beginner cross stitch patterns including a colourful fish, steam train and pretty potted plants, in designer Poppy Benner’s distinctive style.
Whilst perfect for kids to learn to stitch, everyone can enjoy these fun easy projects. Each one is worked in 10 colours or fewer, so you’re less likely to get yourself in a tangle.
Stitch on large 11-count aida for an even easier finish. Download Poppy’s cross stitch for kids patterns.
2. 3D rocket ship cross stitch by Durene Jones
To infinity and beyond (so our favourite spaceman might say)! Get lost in the vastness of outer space with three easy and fun outer space patterns.
Expand your sewing skills even further by turning this whole stitch-only rocket ship into a 3D zip pull – perfect for a fun backpack accessory.
Download the set of three charts right here on Gathered and blast off your stitching journey.
Find your free downloadable space cross stitch chart – it’s out of this world!
3. Autumn greeting cross stitch card by Jenny Van De Wiele
Create a spooktacular pumpkin cross stitch with our free easy pumpkin pattern. The specialty oatmeal Aida gives it that extra wow factor, but there’s nothing to trip you up as you grow your skills in your new hobby.
Stitch this gorgeous brightly coloured card to send to friends, family, neighbours, colleagues and more. It’s perfect for Thanksgiving or other fall occasions.
Enjoy a pumpkin treat with the free autumn cross stitch chart.
4. Sweet floral lamb cross stitch card by Fiona Baker
Download this free lamb cross stitch pattern and welcome to joys of spring as you bring the colourful little character to life in stitches.
The design uses just five bright and beautiful thread colours to work the easy to stitch bold blocks of colour – perfect for beginners to learn how to colour change.
You can even finish it off with a bow embellishment for an extra-pretty twist and send an Easter greeting card.
Find and download the free floral lamb pattern.
5. Free positivity cross stitch pattern by DMC
Stitch and smile your way through each chunky letter in this uplifting cross stitch pattern by DMC. It’s an easy whole stitch-only design available to download upon free newsletter subscription or account sign up.
The sunny thread palette is sure to brighten up your day and the easy block colours of each letter make them simple to sit back and enjoy some mindful stitching.
Stitch this free positivity cross stitch pattern from the DMC website.
6. Paintbox Crafts Colour Your World with Cross Stitch by Lovecrafts
Designed by Tiny Modernist in 5 of the 200 shades of Paintbox Crafts Stranded Cotton, these cross stitch patterns are a fun selection of easy-stitch motifs to try out using the vibrant threads.
Simply create a free Lovecrafts account to enjoy the set – start with the leaf, whale and sun whole stitch-only patterns.
Find this free super Paintbox Crafts Colour your World with Cross Stitch set from the Lovecrafts website.
7. Fun and free cross stitch motifs by Amanda Gregory
Stitch your way through a selection of easy stitch small motifs. They’re perfect for beginners or those looking for super-speedy projects.
With a versatile mix of themes including animals, florals, food, vehicles and more, you’ll enjoy this quick-stitch collection to make into cards, tags and small gifts using DMC stranded cotton.
Download the free easy beginner motifs from Amanda Gregory’s website.
8. Colourful flowers free cross stitch patterns by DMC
Stitch 6 beautiful cross stitch flowers in easy block shading over on the DMC website. Just create a free account or subscribe to their newsletter to download the whole set for free.
They’re great designs for adorning cards, hoops, accessories, bags and more. You can also add all of the curated supplies with one click to buy the required DMC threads, or use ones already in your stash – it’s super-easy to substitute the colours to your favourites.
Enjoy the free flower power set on the DMC website.
9. Pretty sunflowers free cross stitch pattern by Durene Jones
Enjoy the vibrant summery colours in this free abstract sunflower design by Durene Jones, downloadable on their Facebook page.
The cross stitch pattern uses 9 DMC thread colours in whole stitches-only, and if you’re feeling adventurous you could give the backstitch border a go too to finish it off.
Work this pretty design on white aida if you’re feeling less confident about the black fabric.
Stitch this easy free sunflower from Durene Jones’ Facebook page.
10. Kids XXL Little Farm cross stitch patterns by Zweigart
Get on down to the farm with your needle and threads as you dig into this free pattern booklet, brought to you by the needlework experts Zweigart.
There’s a whole bunch of colourful farm folk with sheep, cows, pigs, ducks, chickens and more. Plus enjoy customising your makes with a handy ABC letters and numbers chart. Look out for the whole stitch-only patterns to start, and progress your skills with backstitch detail as your confidence grows.
Find this free cute set to download from the Zweigart website.
Whip up quick makes with our free easy cross patterns
What better way to start a new hobby with some super-simple, free projects like the ones we’ve picked out here! Ask friends or family if they have any aida fabric or stranded cotton threads going spare to save even more money.
Improve your skills with our beginner’s guide to cross stitch
For a more detailed beginner’s guide, head to our how to cross stitch article.
And don’t forget to sign up to the weekly The World of Cross Stitching newsletter to find out what’s coming up in the magazine as well as what’s new for stitchers on Gathered!
Buy easy cross stitch patterns from our Etsy shop
As well as our monthly magazine, The World of Cross Stitching, you’ll also find some of our favourite charts to buy as PDF digital downloads on our Etsy store.
This fabulously colourful and love-themed card set features whole stitches only and is a great easy beginner project.
The pattern costs £5 to download and you’ll get both full colour and black and white charts as well as helpful tips and advice.
