Needlecrafts Cross Stitch Cross Stitch Patterns

7 Free Beginner Cross-Stitch Patterns

Cross-stitch embroidery
Nadzeya Kizilava / Getty Images

Cross stitch doesn't have to be difficult or overwhelming. Beginners and more advanced stitchers alike will enjoy these easy cross stitch patterns with fun and colorful designs. 

Each design is simple enough that you can stitch it in a few hours. They're perfect for kids, those who are new to cross-stitching, and anyone who just wants a quick and relaxing project. 

To make it easier to stitch, work with 14-ct or 16-ct Aida. Use 2 strands of embroidery floss for all of the stitches. And there's no need to worry about learning different kinds of stitches because the patterns only use whole cross stitches. 

The patterns use DMC embroidery floss, which is usually easy to find. But if you want to use something different, you can swap in a similar color or another shade that you like.

Ready to get started? Thread your needle and start stitching!

  • 01 of 07

    Mini Rainbow Heart Cross Stitch Design

    Easy Rainbow Cross Stitch Chart
    Mollie Johanson

    This little heart shows off a partial rainbow and would look great at the top of a bookmark. In this collection, this is the simplest design and a good choice as your first pattern. Plus, even though the chart has suggested colors, you can easily swap in your favorite colors to customize your heart. 

    Download the Rainbow Heart Pattern JPG

    Colors: DMC 3326, 554, 955, and 472

  • 02 of 07

    Kawaii Cupcake Easy Cross Stitch Pattern

    Easy Chocolate Cupcake Cross Stitch Chart
    Mollie Johanson

    Want to stitch a sweet treat? This chocolate cupcake is so sweet that it's smiling at you! After you stitch your new favorite dessert, turn it into a fun pin or patch for your bag. If you want to make a project that's a little bigger, stitch a row of three cupcakes, each with different colors (or flavors!) of cake and frosting.

    Download the Chocolate Cupcake Pattern JPG

    Colors: DMC 3326, 554, 3863, and 310

  • 03 of 07

    Simple Flower Cross Stitch Chart

    Easy Flower Cross Stitch Chart
    Mollie Johanson

    Step into the garden as you cross-stitch this modern flower design! Flowers make a perfect motif for so many occasions, which means you can stitch this as a gift at any time of year. You could also use a design like this on the front of a card. Just cut the square of stitched Aida and attach it to the front of a blank card.

    Download the Flower Pattern JPG

    Colors: DMC 726, 722, 3326, and 472

  • 04 of 07

    Happy Planet Easy Cross Stitch Pattern

    Beginner Planet Cross Stitch Chart
    Mollie Johanson

    This happy little planet pattern is out of this world! It looks a little like Saturn with its ring, but you can decide to call this intergalactic pal whatever you like. Kids will especially love the kawaii-style face, but you could also leave off the face and stitch those areas with DMC 955. When it's finished, frame it in a little hoop to display on your wall!

    Download the Kawaii Planet Pattern JPG

    Colors: DMC 726, 955, 472, and 310

    Continue to 5 of 7 below
  • 05 of 07

    Beginner-Friendly Mermaid Cross Stitch Design

    Beginner Mermaid Cross Stitch Chart
    Mollie Johanson

    Mermaid and fantasy fans will enjoy this whimsical undersea chart. If you've done some stitching in the past, you might want to try stitching this on a t-shirt pocket. Because other fabrics don't have the grid that Aida has, you can use waste canvas to create that grid on your pocket or another clothing item.

    Download the Mermaid Pattern JPG

    Colors: DMC 722, 3326, 955, 472, 3863, and 310

  • 06 of 07

    Simple Double-Decker Bus Cross Stitch Chart

    Easy Double-Decker Bus Cross Stitch Chart
    Mollie Johanson

    Hop on board this double-decker bus and head for some cross-stitching fun! After you stitch this fun little pattern, why not turn it into a magnet for your fridge? Simply cut around the design and attach it to felt. Then cut around the felt to match the shape of the Aida and add a magnet to the back.

    Download the Double-Decker Bus Pattern JPG

    Colors: DMC 726, 722, 955, and 3863

  • 07 of 07

    Easy-Stitch Sewing Machine Cross Stitch Pattern

    Easy Sewing Machine Cross Stitch Chart
    Mollie Johanson

    If you love sewing and cross stitch, this is the pattern for you! It would also be a perfect design to make as a gift for someone who sews. In fact, you can use this to make a panel for the top of a DIY pincushion. Of course, you may just want this little sewing machine hanging on the wall in your sewing room.

    Download the Sewing Machine Pattern JPG

    Colors: DMC 726, 722, 3326, 554, 955, and 472