Also known as a three-leaf clover, a shamrock is one of the most iconic and recognizable symbols of Ireland and is used heavily in decorations around St Patrick’s day. A little three-leaf clover motif is a straightforward design which can be used to embellish costumes and accessories for celebrating St Patrick’s Day. This digital pattern is simple and easy to follow, with the choice of two patterns to make a basic shamrock cross stitch. This one is a little more complicated, with four choices of color patterns to give your shamrock bit more texture to it. For a pattern with kawaii vibes, this pattern for a cute shamrock is a great choice. There are plenty of other styles available both on Etsy and across the internet, so search around for the pattern that you like best.

 

Lucky Leprechaun 

 

Another recognizable Irish motif is that of the Lucky Leprechaun, also known as ‘little green men’. Similar to a fairy, leprechauns appear in Irish folklore, usually depicted as little bearded men who wear a coat and hat and are known for being mischievous. Sometimes they are depicted as shoemakers who have a hidden pot of gold at the end of the rainbow. Dressing up as a leprechaun for St Patrick’s day might not be your cup of tea, but if you want to incorporate the motif into your celebrations, it would make a great adornment for a flag, tote bag, sash or hat. This PDF pattern shows how to stitch a simple leprechaun holding a pot of gold and a shamrock. If you wanted to make a decorative wall hanging to use for St Patrick’s Day decorations each year, this pattern is much more involved and will yield an impressive picture. Somewhere in the middle, this pattern has plenty of detail but will come together in not too long.

Other Motifs

We’ve mentioned how the Lucky Leprechaun’s pot of gold is at the end of the rainbow, so it’s not surprising that these are also St Patrick’s Day motifs, along with a lucky horseshoe. For some quick motifs to work onto a t-shirt, greetings card or tote bag, this multi-pattern pack includes everything you need to get started with St Patrick’s Day cross stitch. For a larger decorative piece that includes all the popular motifs, this pattern is a nice array in green and gold.

Beers and Cheers

Synonymous with St Patrick’s Day is the drinking culture that many partake in as part of the celebrations. Historically, the restrictions on what you can eat and drink during the season of lent were lifted for the day, allowing people to enjoy alcohol on St Patrick’s Day. This tradition has grown into the now well-known aspect of the holiday: the tradition of mass alcohol consumption. While we don’t encourage overdoing it with the beer, we do encourage cross stitch related celebrations! This green shamrock beer is classy stitch that would look great as a motif on a t-shirt. For something cute, this leprechaun cat with a beer is an adorable design.

Slogans

One of the best-known slogans for St Patrick’s Day is “Kiss me, I’m Irish”. If you want to incorporate this saying into your costume for the day, we love the idea with an embroidered t-shirt with this design at the center. “May the road rise to meet you” is a popular Irish Blessing you could use, shown on this pattern. We also like this decorative piece featuring another famous Irish Blessing. Another fun and easy cross stitch, Let The Shenanigans Begin.

Irish Lettering

If you want to keep it simple, a great look would be just the word ‘Irish’ emblazoned across a green t-shirt or a traditional St Patrick’s Day hat (a green top hat, or one in the Irish colors, green, orange and white). Keep in the theme by choosing some Irish lettering to make the word stand out. This Celtic Cross Stitch Font chart will give some extra flair or choose this one which incorporates a four-leaf clover.

Summary

Which cross stitch ideas will you be taking on to add a stitched element to your St Patrick’s Day celebrations? There are so many options to choose from, ranging from simple stitches to more involved projects. Check out our range of green and St. Patrick theme fabrics to compliment your projects.