Starting Your First Cross-Stitch Pattern
Welcome to Two Little Kits! If you've ever looked at a cross-stitch pattern and thought, "I wish I could make my own," you're in the right place. Designing your first pattern is not only a rewarding creative outlet but also a fantastic way to put your own personal touch into your stitching. And the best part? You don't need to be an artist or a cross-stitch pro to do it!
Getting Started: The Basics of Cross-Stitch Design
Before diving into designing, let's go over some of the key elements of cross-stitch:
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Fabric: Aida cloth is a great choice for beginners since its grid-like structure makes counting stitches easy.
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Threads: Embroidery floss (like DMC) comes in a huge range of colours, and you can separate the strands to adjust thickness.
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Needles: A blunt-tip tapestry needle glides through fabric without splitting the threads.
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Patterns: A cross-stitch pattern is like a map—each square represents a stitch. Simple or complex, it's your guide to bringing a design to life.
Gathering Your Materials
To bring your first pattern to life, you’ll need:
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Aida cloth (or evenweave, if you’re feeling adventurous!)
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A selection of colourful embroidery floss
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A cross-stitch needle
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A hoop or frame to keep your fabric taut
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Graph paper or cross-stitch design software (like Stitch Fiddle)
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A pencil or digital drawing tool
Bringing Your Design to Life
Finding Inspiration
Every great design starts with an idea! Inspiration can come from anywhere—your favourite flowers, a cute animal, a meaningful quote, or even a simple geometric pattern. Honestly—this can be the hardest part! If you're unsure where to start, think about something personal to you. What would you love to stitch?
When I designed my very first cross-stitch pattern, I kept it simple but meaningful. "Happy Shitting" was born in mid-2018, and while it was cheeky and fun, it also gave me the confidence to keep designing. Your first pattern doesn’t have to be complex—it just needs to be something you’ll enjoy stitching!
Sketching Your Design
Graph paper is your best friend here! Each square represents a stitch, so sketch out your design keeping scale in mind. If you prefer digital tools, programs like the ones mentioned below, or even a web-app like Stitch Fiddle (Free, or from $2.75 USD p/month) can make this process easier.
A few tips:
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Keep it simple for your first pattern—small, clear shapes are easier to stitch.
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Consider symmetry or repeating elements to create balance.
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Think about negative space (unstitched areas) and how it plays into the design.
Choosing Colours & Mapping Stitches
Once your design is sketched out, it’s time to add colour! Choosing the right palette makes a huge difference in how your finished piece will look. Using a DMC colour chart can help you match your vision with real thread colours.
Mapping where each colour goes will make stitching much easier. If you're using software, it can automatically generate a colour key for you!
My Favourite Cross-Stitch Pattern Design Softwares
If you’re looking to create digital cross-stitch patterns, I highly recommend two different software applications: PCStitch and WinStitch. Both are designed for Windows PCs only (not Mac-compatible, although one has a Mac version) and offer a range of features depending on your needs.
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PCStitch ($49.95 USD, one-time payment) – I use this for quick patterns that I need just for myself to stitch up. It’s simple to use, and I even have a how-to guide on my website to help you get started!
Of these two applications; it's easier to learn and use but doesn't create as professional of a .PDF.
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WinStitch (from $56.70 USD, one-time payment) – This is my go-to for designs I intend to sell or that have been commissioned. It offers more professional-level tools for pattern creation.
Of these two applications, it has a steeper learning curve but has a much better .pdf that it produces.
Both programs allow you to convert images into patterns, choose from a range of stitches, and customise your designs. If you’re serious about designing, they’re well worth the investment!
Stitching Your Pattern
With your design complete, it's time to bring it to life with needle and thread. Start stitching from the centre of your fabric to ensure your design is properly aligned. Take your time, enjoy the process, and don’t stress if you need to make adjustments along the way!
Sharing Your Creation
Finished your pattern? Amazing! Don’t keep it to yourself—share it with fellow stitchers! Post your creation in cross-stitch communities, on Instagram, or even in my
Two Little Kits Facebook group.
Seeing your work out in the world is one of the most rewarding parts of the process.
Final Thoughts
Designing your first cross-stitch pattern might feel intimidating, but it’s truly just a fun way to explore your creativity. Whether your first attempt is a tiny motif or a full-sized masterpiece, you’re creating something uniquely yours—and that’s worth celebrating!
If you’ve ever thought about designing your own pattern, now’s the perfect time to start. Grab your pencil (or tablet), pick some colours, and let’s create something beautiful together!
Leading image: Photo by Kelly Sikkema via Unsplash.
