Videos & Links

Cross Stitch Patterns

Free cross stitch patterns can be found here and here.

Free alphabet charts can be found here and here and here. That last one is organized by height, # of stitches per letter, similar to font size.

Etsy also has plenty of pandemic-inspired patterns for sale here.

Design Software

Font/Text Chart Creator and Cross Stitch Caption Maker - Use these to convert text into a pattern.

KnitPro 2.0 and Pixel Stitch - Use these to convert photos and images into charts.

Design Your Own Chart with Stitch Fiddle
or Floss Cross (can also convert images)

Materials

I highly recommend finding a local needlework shop to support right now, if you have one in your area. Or you can find an independent shop online.

All materials are widely available at major craft stores, and online.

Thread estimator (14-ct aida cloth using 3 strands of thread) - This will help you determine how much thread you need to buy.

Inspiration

This TEDx talk summarizes SO MUCH about why hand stitched items are important legacies.

Modern Folk Embroidery - For patterns inspired by “folk” traditions and heritage patterns.

Stitched Modern - For a more contemporary take.

Badass Cross Stitch and Subversive Cross Stitch - For cheeky and pop culture-inspired patterns.