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Stitch Your Heart Out

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Cross-stitching is one of my favorite hobbies. Counted cross stitch is a fun and easy craft to learn, and finished cross-stitch pieces make thoughtful gifts to friends and family. Cross stitching is kind of embroidery's simpler needlepoint cousin (al...
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Cross Stitch & Embroidery Tutorials

Tips, tricks, and hacks for cross-stitching and embroidery, whether you're a beginner or a seasoned pro. 

 
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Embroidery definitely gives a polished and classy look to your needlework.
How to embroider leaves - 9 stitches for leaf embroidery
 
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Easy reference infographic if you're brand new to cross-stitching.
How to Cross Stitch ◦ learn this basic stitch
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Waste less thread with this tip!
How to finish a very short thread end in cross stitch
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Once I learned the loop method for starting stitches, it was a game-changer. It's so much easier than tying off with a knot, and it keeps the backs of my hoops so much less messy.
Starting Stitching with the Loop Method - No Knots!
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A nice tutorial for people new to cross-stitching
A beginner's guide to cross stitch

Bring On The Snark - Funny Cross Stitch Patterns

The majority of cross stitch piece I make are snarky or humorous. I love the juxtaposition of sweet-looking background and hilarious message.

 
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I'm currently in the middle of stitching this one, and this is one that I'm going to keep. It pretty much sums up my love of murder shows, cross-stitching, and introversion. I'm actually not a fan of stitching on black Aida cloth, so I switched up th...
I like murder shows cross stitch pattern. Snarky cross stitch PDF. Funny counted cross stitch chart. Sarcastic quote, dark humor, TV addict, murder mystery fan,
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I love the show Parks & Rec and specifically Ann and Leslie's amazing friendship. These Knope compliment quotes make great cross stitch Galentine's Day gifts.
Parks and Rec Moth and Musk Ox Patterns - Leslie Knope Quote Cross Stitch Pattern
 
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This was a quick little project, and I have it in my guest bathroom. I always get amused comments from visitors.
Passive Aggressive Jesus - Jesus Wouldn't Pee On The Toilet Seat - Funny Cross Stitch Pattern
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I stitched this pattern for my dad for a Father's Day gift (he comes from a German family, and my parents lived in Germany for a few years before I was born). He loved it!
Ich Liebe Dich! ICH LIEBE DICH!!! Funny Daily Affirmation Cross Stitch Pattern
 
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One of my favorite funny Parks and Rec scenes with one of their funniest characters, Jean-Ralphio Saperstein quotes
Jean Ralphio...The WooOoorst Funny Cross Stitch Pattern
 
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Motivational Quotes done right.
Am I Perfect? No. But am I Striving to be a Better Person Every Day? Also No. - Funny Cross stitch pattern pdf download
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I stitched this pattern up for one of my best friend's birthdays, and she loves it.
I Wouldn't Say I'm Super Successful but I'm Not on Meth Cross Stitch Pattern, Sarcastic Cross Stitch PDF, Funny Needlepoint Design
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I love snarky cross stitch patterns that take a truism and subvert it. This one is awesome.
What Doesn't Kill You Makes You Stronger, Except Polio - cross stitch pattern pdf download
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Any other Arrested Development fans out there? This fun cross stitch pattern was super-quick to stitch up, and it always makes me smile when I see it.
PATTERN There's Always Money in the Banana Stand, Arrested Development Quote, Modern Funny Counted Cross Stitch Pattern PDF, DIY Embroidery
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This funny Friends scene always makes my husband and I laugh. I stitched this one for a little birthday gift for him one year, and I started a tradition of cross stitch birthday gifts.
PATTERN Pivot, 3 inch hoop, Friends TV Quote, Modern Funny Counted Cross Stitch Embroidery PDF Pattern, Housewarming Gift, Diy Ornament
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For my fellow 30 Rock fans, I present this not-so-inspirational quote pattern.
PATTERN All God's Children Are Terrible, 30 Rock Quote, Funny Modern Counted Cross Stitch Embroidery Pattern PDF Download, Easy Beginner
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Can you tell how much I love Parks & Rec? (And of course, you can't love Parks & Rec without getting downright giddy about a certain miniature horse.)
Modern Cross Stitch Pattern PDF - Lil Sebastian - Parks and Rec Quote - Horse X Stitch - Funny TV Lover X Stitch Gift
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I stitched this pattern for my marvelous niece, and she loves it.
She Is Beauty She Is Grace She Will Punch You In The Face Cross Stitch Pattern Pdf
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This design makes me laugh, and if you're newish to cross-stitching, purchasing a kit like this one can take some of the guesswork out of buying floss, hoops, the right size Aida cloth, and other supplies.
This Is The Proof I Have Patience To Stab Something 1000 Times. Adult Starter Cross Stitch Kit. Funny Subversive Cross Stitch Kit.
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Nothing says, “I know it is your birthday,” like this scene from The Office. It's one of my favorite gif's, and now, it can be one of your friend's favorite birthday gifts.
It Is Your Birthday. Modern Cross Stitch Pattern. Michael Scott Quotes.The Office Cross Stitch Pattern.
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Honestly, if someone DOES remember all their passwords, I'm not sure I can trust them.
Funny cross stitch pattern I may look fine I don't remember any of my passwords Snarky Modern Easy Beginner #416# -instant pdf download
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What can I say? I like bread and cake.
Gluten free - Cross stitch pattern - Funny Embroidery - Cross-stitch - The best things in life - Snarky Cross Stitch
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“It's after six. What am I, a farmer?” This Jack Donaghey quote from 30 Rock always makes me laugh so hard.
It's After Six - Cross Stitch Pattern (INSTANT PDF DOWNLOAD) - 30 Rock funny cross-stitch patterns
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If you're a Golden Girls fan, this one's for you (and makes a great gift for your friends who are fellow fans).
Golden Girls Pattern - Thank you for Being a Friend Cross Stitch Chart - Sophia, Blanche, Dorothy and Rose Cross Stitch Pattern
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For my fellow grammar nerds. It's *you're.
You're* Cross Stitch Pattern - *You're Meme Cross Stitch - Funny Cross Stitch Pattern - It's "you're", not "your"
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A Stitch A Day

I love these long projects that you add a little bit to every day. Temperature charts are some of the most popular, but you could choose anything you wanted. A mood journal, habit-tracker, anything!

 
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This simple tree pattern, once finished, makes an heirloom quality piece, recording the daily high and low temps throughout the year.
Temperature Tree cross stitch pattern PDF - INSTANT DOWNLOAD
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Another fun temp chart that you could easily switch to whatever color floss you like most.
Mini Motifs Temperature Cross Stitch Pattern! Temperature Cross Stitch Chart. PDF Instant Download
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These high and low temperature birds are adorable, and I love that there are fun, cute seasonal references along the way.
High/Low Temperature Cross Stitch Pattern: Temperature Birds - PDF Instant Download
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This simple Quaker daily temperature cross stitch pattern almost looks like a mini quilt when finished.
Temperature Quaker cross stitch pattern PDF - INSTANT DOWNLOAD
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For the bibliophile cross stitcher, it doesn't get much better than this daily temp pattern of books on a bookshelf.
Temperature Library 4 - High Temperature Cross Stitch Pattern Bookshelf - PDF Instant Download
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This chart pattern is super straight-forward, and it would be great for beginner cross-stitchers who want practice along with a beautiful finished piece.
2024 Calendar Temperature Cross Stitch Pattern! Temperature Cross Stitch Chart. PDF Instant Download
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Stitchrovia by Emma Congdon

Emma Congdon is my favorite needlepoint artist and designer. Her designs are fun, whimsical, intricate without being too difficult, varied, and very well-designed. I had to design a whole section just to her. <3

 
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Probably one of the favorite cross stitch pieces I've ever made, I always get compliments on it when people see it on my bedside table. I've always loved the Tolkien quote, “Not all those who wander are lost” to embrace travel and adventure and openn...
Tolkein 'Not all those who wander are lost' Cross Stitch Pattern (Digital Format - PDF) by Emma Congdon - Lord of the Rings Crossstitch pattern
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I love the intricate backstitch outlining on this Emma Congdon cross stitch piece.
Happiness is Homemade - Cross Stitch Pattern (Digital Format - PDF) by Emma Congdon - Stitchrovia - Modern Cross Stitch Patterns
 
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The backstitch detailing on this piece is gorgeous. The thing I love about Emma Congdon patterns is that they're simple to stitch up, but they look so polished.
Home is Where the Heart is by Stitchrovia cross stitch
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This finished piece would make such a lovely wedding or anniversary gift, either for a loved one or a good friend. Also make a cute Valentine's Day decoration.
LOVE - Cross Stitch Pattern (Digital Format - PDF)
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I love Emma Congdon's fun, whimsical take on the classic sampler with this beach-themed cross stitch pattern. (Plus, I just love the beach.)
Beach Day Recipe - Cross Stitch Pattern (Digital Format - PDF)
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Oof. When you know, you know. I have so many half-finished cross-stitch projects sitting in my drawer. lol
PHD (Projects Half Done) - Cross Stitch Pattern (Digital Format - PDF)
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It doesn't get much more meta (and cute) than this stitching themed cross stitch pattern from Emma Congdon, I love the colors she pairs together!
Stitchy Stash - Cross Stitch Pattern (Digital Format - PDF)
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The Art of Cross Stitch and Embroidery - Classic Art & Beautiful Patterns

Some cross stitch projects  are meant to be hung on museum walls (or at least your living room wall)

 
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I love this cross stitch homage to Van Gogh's Starry Night.
Starry Night Cross Stitch Pattern 1 Instant PDF Download - Vincent Van Gogh Watercolor Cross Stitch Pattern - Celebrity - Vintage Artist
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These are the cutest little mini cross stitch patterns for masterpiece artworks.
Mega OFFER pack, all access MINI MASTER cross stitch patterns, present and futur, Special Bundle pack, Access lifetime, pdf files
 
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I love this cheeky take on the Dutch masterpiece. Who says art can't be fun?
Squirrel With A Pearl Earring Cross Stitch Pattern - Funny Animal Cross Stitch Chart - Art History Cross Stitch - Famous Artworks - Vermeer
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I love this beautiful, intricate wildflower floral pattern!
Wildflower Jar Cross Stitch Pattern: Bring the Beauty of Nature Indoors DIY Cross Stitch
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I loved the Frog and Toad books growing up, and this cute, classic pattern takes me right back to childhood.
See you in Spring, Toad, Frog, Bugs, Cross stitch pattern, Goblincore color chart, Cottagecore, embroidery sample, Gremlincore
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Joy to the World - Christmas Cross Stitch Patterns

Advent season and the time leading up to Christmas can be so frantic and busy. I love that cross stitching offers me a calming, peaceful activity to take a deep breath and focus on what's important and what matters.

 
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I love how classic this Santa Christmas sleigh over a sleeping village pattern is.
Santa's Coming - Cross Stitch Pattern (Digital Format - PDF) Beautiful and Classic Christmas Cross-stitch Pattern by Emma Congdon
 
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Another Emma Congdon Stitchrovia design, I love the simplicity and classic look of this one.
Christmas Joy - Cross Stitch Pattern (Digital Format - PDF) by Emma Congdon - Joy to the World - Beautiful Christmas Gift Cross-Stitch Design
 
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This is such another cute, classic, and colorful Emma Congdon Stitchrovia wintery Christmas design.
Christmas Town - Cross Stitch Pattern (Digital Format - PDF) by Emma Congdon - DIY Christmas Gift - Winter Scene - Christmas Decoration -
 
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These Christmas gnomes are so cute and would make adorable ornaments. (I suppose they could also be elves, but either way, they're fun and simple, so they'd make a good project for kids as well.)
SET of 12 Funny Christmas Gnomes Cross Stitch Pattern, Easy Cute Christmas Ornaments Embroidery, Counted Cross Stitch Chart, Modern Design - Gnome Cross Stitch Patterns
 
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Elf is one of my favorite Christmas movies, and Mr. Narwhal's cheerful encouragement of “Bye, Buddy! Hope you find your dad!” is one of my favorite scenes.
Bye Buddy Narwhal Cross Stitch, Funny Elf Cross Stitch Pattern, Cute and Easy Christmas Ornament Pattern, PDF instant download
 
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This sweet and simple Charlie Brown Christmas tree cross stitch pattern stitches up in absolutely no time and would make a great last-minute but still thoughtful Christmas gift.
A Charlie Brown Christmas Tree - Cross Stitch Pattern (PDF) - INSTANT DOWNLOAD
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My husband and I quote this Christmas Vacation line to each other all the time during Christmas season. Perfect mantle-topper.
PDF Cross Stitch Pattern - Todd & Margo Christmas Vacation Quote
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One of my favorite Christmas cross stitch patterns of all-time. It's quite an undertaking as it's a large piece, but it's an easy-to-follow pattern.
Christmas Wreath - Cross Stitch Pattern (Digital Format - PDF)
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I'd welcome any of these awesome ugly Christmas sweaters at a party, and this would make such a fun Ugly Christmas Sweater contest prize.
Ugly Christmas Sweaters - Funny Cross Stitch Pattern (Digital Format - PDF) - Christmas Jumpers
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Merry Christmas, ya filthy animal.
Merry Christmas Ya Filthy Animal. Cross Stitch Kit Christmas. Christmas Eve Box Cross Stitch Kit. Christmas Movie Quotes Cross Stitch Kit.
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Any Hallmark Christmas movie fans out there? Cookie lovers? The perfect pattern and easy to follow.
I Just Want To Bake & Watch Christmas Movies - Christmas Holidays - Cross Stitch Pattern (Digital Format - PDF)
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I will probably never actually make a gingerbread house from scratch, but this Stitchrovia pattern sure makes me want to try. lol
Christmas Gingerbread House - Cross Stitch Pattern (Digital Format - PDF)
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Modern Cross Stitch Patterns

Think cross stitch screams “old lady?” Think again. Modern cross stitch designers have some amazing and beautifully simple minimalist designs that are so much fun to stitch and either use for your own decor or gift to a friend.

 
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When you think of cross stitching, it's easy to think “dowdy flowers and samplers.” I love that many cross stitch pattern designers have embraced a fresh, modern, minimalist style. Plus, the modern styles are usually simple and very easy and relaxing...
Set of 6 Modern Flowers Cross stitch patterns, boho colors, Abstract nature cross stitch, Plant, Easy counted cross stitch chart, pdf pattern, Minimalist Cross stitch patterns
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While I love working fresh from a pattern (or in embroidery, drawing it out or freestyling), if it's been awhile since you've stitched or you just want to make things easy, kits are the way to go!
Dimensions 6" Moth Embroidery Kit | JOANN
 
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Love this minimalist modern cross stitch pattern. It would probably make a good stash buster as well with leftover threads.
Geometric xstitch pattern - the stitch patterns - Modern Cross Stitch - Digital PDF, Instant Download, colorful cross stitch, sampler pdf
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Love these cute typewriter writing-themed cross stitch patterns that would be a quick, easy stitch-up.
Typewriter Collection Cross Stitch PDF chart
 
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I love how this cross stitch design has a modern take on a coastal theme.
In the Sea #P513 Embroidery Cross Stitch Pattern Download | Stitching | Cross Stitch Designs | Cross Stitch Embroidery | Stitch Patterns
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I love this modern, whimsical, Scandinavian take on a classic village scene. Very cottagecore.
Village Cross Stitch Pattern houses pdf instant download folk art town counted cross stitch pattern whimsical full coverage large
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Love this subtle musical heart pattern.
Musician's Heart Cross Stitch Chart / Music Lover Heart Cross Stitch Pattern / Anatomical Heart Cross Stitch PDF / Violin Cross Stitch
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I love this super modern and simple take on a color and pattern sampler from Emma Congdon at Stitchrovia.
Colours of Summer - Cross Stitch Pattern (Digital Format - PDF) - Modern Cross-Stitch Sampler with bright summer colors
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Around The World

Cross-stitching is such a great way to create your own souvenir from any place you've visited (or want to travel to someday)!

 
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Love this sweet world map that would make such an amazing new baby gift or birthday gift for a child.
World map for kids modern cross stitch pdf pattern #96 Wild animal cross stitch Africa, Europe, Australia cross stitch, Nursery decor DIY
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I've stitched the Japanese map in this fun, cute pixel stitch map set. They make a great gift. (I stitched Japan for my sister.)
Set of 8 Maps & 1 World Map cross stitch patterns - PDF Pattern - United Kingdom - America - Australia - New Zealand / Japan / Canada / USA
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Cross Stitching and Embroidery Supplies & Resources

Technically, all you need to cross stitch or embroider are a needle, thread, and fabric, but after stitching for awhile, I've realized I have strong preferences about my supplies, and there are certain items that just make the process easier and more...

 
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I've tried the cheaper thread to save some money, but it's not worth it. DMC is a good embroidery floss, and it keeps knots and breaks at a minimum--which, when stitching is supposed to be relaxing and enjoyable, that's very important.
DMC 8.7yd Blues & Purples Cotton Embroidery Floss | JOANN
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One thing I like about buying embroidery floss and cross-stitching thread online from Joann is that I can easily get all the different threads without having to hunt the numbers down in the story, and shipping is a flat affordable rate.
DMC 8.7yd Reds 6 Strand Cotton Embroidery Floss | JOANN
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DMC green embroidery options
DMC 8.7yd Greens & Grays 6 Strand Cotton Embroidery Floss | JOANN
 
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Anchor thread is a good alternative to DMC, with a large number of shade options as well.
Anchor Cotton 10.9yd Pinks & Reds Cotton Embroidery Floss | JOANN
 
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If you need to convert a pattern's thread from DMC to Anchor (or vice versa), this chart is super helpful.
DMC to Anchor Thread Conversion | Lord Libidan
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I love Lord Libidan's website! They have great resources for cross-stitchers like fonts, charts, and cross-stitching news. And you can purchase them to load into your cross stitching software.
Over 50 Free Cross Stitch Alphabets & Fonts | Lord Libidan
 
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I use MacStitch to design my own patterns (And they also have WinStitch for PC computers). I use it to make original designs and to convert a picture to a cross stitch design. I'm not very tech-savvy, and I've found the software to be fairly intuitiv...
MacStitch/WinStitch - Cross Stitching Software
 
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There's nothing worse than realizing you've dropped a needle (and worrying about when…or how you're going to find it). Needleminders are cute magnetic pins that you attach to your needlework to help you keep track of those pesky little needles.
Stabby kitty cat needle minder | neodymium magnets | Cross stitch | Embroidery | needlework | Needlework
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Keeping your embroidery or cross stitch project organized can be a bit of a pain while traveling, but this bag is absolutely perfect for that task.
Portable Cross Stitch Project Bag for Travel Embroidery, Cross Stitch, and Needlework Projects with Hoops Storage
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Cross Stitching and Embroidery Books & Magazines

I like to access cross-stitch and embroidery books on my iPad because it makes it easy to zoom into the patterns.

 
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If you want to connect with other needlework artists, the Embroiderer's Guild of America has events and resources to do so.
EGA Events: Embroidery Seminars, Exhibits and Tours
 
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This book by Emma Congdon has so many beautiful, fun, inspiring designs in it. I highly encourage getting the e-book version so that you can zoom in on the design on your tablet.
Cross Stitch for the Soul by Emma Congdon
 
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Another beautiful collection by Emma Congdon, these are all designs about loving and caring for the Earth.
Cross Stitch for the Earth by Emma Congdon
 
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This is such a fun and unique way to journal your day (stitching one small bit a day to create a record of your year through embroidery).
Embroidery Journal: 365 Days of Stitches by Spark Plug
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Just For Fun

 
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It's not hoarding if your cross-stitch patterns are awesome.
Cross Stitch Shirt For Cross Stitchers Cross Stitch T-Shirt For Mom Cross Stitch Gift For Friend Funny Cross Stitch Shirt Cross Stitch Tee
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