Christmas is just around the corner, but the end of the year isn’t the time to put away your stitching needles. We’ve got plenty of ideas for projects to keep you going through December, from advent calendars and charts to work on over the month, to smaller projects for the time-limited stitcher. Whether you’re looking for a fun stitching project to commit time to on a daily basis, or you need ideas for festive handmade gifts, we’ve got you covered!
Cross Stitch Advent Calendars
For an advent pattern to make something on a larger scale, we love this advent collection from not on the high street. The kit includes everything you need to make 12 gorgeous 3-inch hoops, each with a festive, winter themed design. You have traditional motifs like a jolly gingerbread man, but also some modern spins such as a cat with a stripey scarf and a sausage dog in jaunty winter wear. This retailer has several advent options on their website, so have a browse for different offerings.
For a final advent recommendation, this digital download pattern from Tiny Modernist for a wonderful Christmas sampler is packed with traditional charm. Make it your own by choosing some patterned aida (recommendations below) or using beads and sparkly floss to embellish your designs. We’d love to see how you make your creation unique and really own the pattern!
Christmas Charts
If you like the idea of working on a big project over the winter months, Fabric Flair has plenty of themed charts which will make a great ongoing project. Speedy stitchers will have these ready to deck the halls by Christmas 2024, but don’t worry if you take a bit longer – these lovely projects are great to curl up with as we head into the colder months, and it’ll be something to look forward to when it’s completed for next Christmas.
Christmas Tree features jaunty characters enjoying that good old tradition of selecting a festive tree for decorating in their home. Santa features the man in red, stitched onto our decorative aida called The Presents, which really brings the whole piece together. You can find plenty of other festive charts on Fabric Flair or check out these top picks we’ve found on Etsy: an intricate winter scene of a pretty town, a traditional scene of Santa with a snowman, and this scandi-style scene which looks great in a variety of colors to match your decorating theme.
Simple Projects
If you want something quick to work on (perhaps some cross stitch motifs which you could use on gift tags, homemade Christmas cards, or to give in the form of bookmarks, tote bags and small wall hangings) we’ve got plenty of ideas for you! Remember that even the simplest pattern will be elevated with the use of a sympathetic aida, so check out our information below on Fabric Flairs’ best Christmas aida.
For the feline-friendly in your life, these cute snowflakes or these funky snowmen are a great quick make you can work on. These vintage mini ornaments have a nostalgic feel and would make the perfect gift for a senior. These cute projects are just the right size and shape for a Christmas present tag. If you want to be spoilt for choice, 365 Christmas cross stitch designs will provide everything you need.
Christmas Aida
A simple pattern can be transformed when stitched onto a sympathetic aida, whether that’s choosing the best color for the project, or going for something with a busy matching pattern. Here are our top recommendations for Christmas aida at Fabric Flair, or you can browse the whole collection:
Blue on Snow is a popular pattern that enhances both simple and more intricate patterns. The white dots are different sizes to make it really seem like it’s snowing, and you can choose to have the fabric finished with sparkles in silver, gold or opal.
Christmas Lights is a great choice if you’ve got a real Christmassy pattern that you want to bring to life. The colorful fairy lights would look great on a variety of projects, such as themed tote bags for family members or reusable giftbags embroidered with the recipient’s name.
Faded Snowflakes on White is a classic but subtle design, lending itself to everything from cute and whimsical makes to more traditional table runners and hanging decorations.
Red and Gold Christmas stripes will add a pop of color to your festive project.