Christmas Counted Cross Stitch Patterns: How to Choose the Right One
A Christmas counted cross stitch pattern is a chart that shows you where to place each stitch on blank fabric. You count the squares on the chart and match them on the fabric. The right pattern depends on your skill, your time, and what you want to make. This guide helps you pick one you will finish before the holidays.
Types of Christmas cross stitch patterns
- Ornaments. Small and fast. Good for beginners and for gifts.
- Cards and gift tags. Very small designs you mount in a card.
- Samplers and pictures. Medium to large designs you frame.
- Stockings. Large projects with many colors. See counted cross stitch Christmas stockings.
- Table linens and tree skirts. Borders and motifs stitched on a larger piece.
How to tell how big a pattern will be
Every pattern lists its stitch count, such as 70 by 70 stitches. Divide the stitch count by the fabric count to get the size in inches.
| Stitch count | On 14 count | On 16 count | On 18 count |
|---|---|---|---|
| 42 x 42 | 3.0 in | 2.6 in | 2.3 in |
| 70 x 70 | 5.0 in | 4.4 in | 3.9 in |
| 140 x 140 | 10.0 in | 8.75 in | 7.8 in |
Add extra fabric on every side so you have room to frame or finish the piece. About 3 inches per side is a common allowance.
How to judge the difficulty
- Size. More stitches means more time.
- Number of colors. A pattern with 6 colors is easier than one with 30.
- Stitch types. Whole cross stitches are the easiest. Quarter stitches, backstitch, and French knots add difficulty.
- Coverage. A design with open fabric around it goes faster than one that covers the whole fabric.
- Special threads. Metallic thread and beads look great but slow you down.
For a first Christmas project, choose a small design with whole stitches and fewer than 10 colors.
Where to find patterns
- Thread makers. Companies such as DMC publish downloadable patterns.
- Independent designers. Many sell PDF patterns online that you download and print.
- Magazines and books. These collect many designs in one place.
- Kits. A kit includes the pattern plus the fabric and thread. See Christmas counted cross stitch kits.
A note on copyright
Copyright protects cross stitch patterns. Buy your pattern from the designer or an authorized seller, and do not share copies. An old pattern is not automatically free to copy.
Choosing fabric and thread
- Fabric color. White and cream are classic. Red, green, and navy fabric make white snowflakes and stars stand out.
- Fabric count. 14-count Aida is the easiest to see. Higher counts make the design smaller.
- Thread. The pattern lists the floss colors by number. Buy every color on the list before you start.
When to start
Count back from Christmas. A small ornament takes a few evenings. A framed picture can take weeks. A stocking can take months. If you want to give your stitching as a gift, add time for framing or finishing.
Common questions
What does “counted” mean?
It means the fabric is blank. You follow a chart and count squares to place each stitch. Stamped cross stitch prints the design on the fabric instead.
Can I change the colors in a pattern?
Yes. You can swap any color for another one you like. Keep light colors light and dark colors dark so the design still reads clearly.
What is the easiest Christmas pattern for a beginner?
A small ornament or card design with whole stitches and only a few colors. Read cross stitch for beginners if you need the basics.
