This Isn’t Your Grandma’s Embroidery
We love a good stitching session, but so many of the samplers out there are incredibly out of date. Luckily, there are plenty of artisans out there designing patterns and kits that provide a fresh take on an old skill. From several new alphabet styles, to creative new takes on the French knot, these 15 patterns will keep you in stitches. Plus, be sure to scroll to the end for our favorite throwback needlepoint pattern. You won’t be disappointed!
1. French Dot Constellation Runner: If you want a project that you can spend some time on, gather the supplies for this constellation runner. We guarantee it will be a focal point of many dinner parties to come. (via Design*Sponge)
2. Embellished Photos: Don’t get put off that this site is in German (Google translate makes the directions clear enough). Plus, it’s pretty easy to transfer photos to fabric and add a few stitched updates. (via Brigitte)
3. Embroidered Shower Curtain: Can’t find the perfect shower curtain for your bathroom? Make your own—with the perfect colors—with this jumbo embroidery DIY. (via designlovefest)
4. Mini Cross-Stich Patterns: These mini patterns for an apple, strawberry, ladybug, and owl are the perfect designs for a beginner. We love the idea of making them into pendants. (via oliver + s)
5. Alphabet Embroidery Patterns ($9 each): We love these embroidered animals! They are perfect for a kid’s tote bag, or as wall art for a new baby.
6. Feather Alphabet: More exciting than just a plain stitched alphabet, this feather embellished alphabet is a great way to make your design feel special. (via Feeling Stitchy)
7. Needlepoint Zipper Clutch ($80): We love the blocky, tech-inspired design on this zippered pouch. It’s handmade by a needlework artist in Tokyo.
8. Cross-Stitch Farewell Bundle ($30): Sadly, the Six Week Boutique is shutting down their online pattern shop, so you only have a limited time to get the PDF patterns for these nine designs.
9. Floral Embroidered Top: Turn a plain white tee into something more unique with this floral collar DIY. (via A Beautiful Mess)
10. Heavy Metal Alphabet ($7): Give your stitching a rocker-chic flair with this PDF download from Sublime Stitching.
11. Four Pattern Cross Stitch: While this cross stitch doesn’t have a pattern with it, there is a close up photo of the piece that will make it easy to follow. (via aestheticoutburst)
12. Needlepoint Coaster Patterns ($6.50): Get started right off the bat with this coaster kit. We love the colorful, abstract designs, and they look pretty easy to accomplish, too!
13. French Knot Sheep: Such a fun use of the French knot! We imagine it would be great for stitching poodles as well. (via Incy Wincy Stitches)
14. Herringbone and Square iPhone Cases: The perfect blend of DIY and tech, these iPhone cases are endlessly customizable. (via The Purl Bee)
15. Charley Harper Bluebird ($52): If needlepoint is more your style, try one of these beautiful painted canvases based on the designs by Charley Harper. This bluebird in flight is our favorite.
BONUS! Lisa Frank Needlepoint: You know we’ve got a special place in our hearts for Lisa Frank And we wish this was a pattern you could download. If anyone finds one, share it in the comments! (via gone like the swallows)
Which of these patterns will you be trying first? Tell us in the comments!
