As we wave goodbye to summer for another year, it’s time to embrace those crisp mornings, piles of crunchy leaves and long, dark evenings. Yes, fall is here – and what better time to cozy up indoors with some cross stitching?

Famously described by poet John Keats as the “season of mists and mellow fruitfulness”, fall is a beautiful period of transition as the natural world transforms into vibrant shades of red, orange, yellow and chestnut brown. 

As the nights draw in, cross stitch is the perfect pastime to enjoy while you’re snuggled up by the fire. 

Surrounded by golden harvests and all things pumpkin-spice, you’re sure to feel inspired by the warm, autumnal colors of nature. So why not swap out your regular white aida for something a little different?

From leafy backdrops to spooky cobwebs, there’s something to suit every autumn- themed project. With such a diverse range of colors and designs now available, you could say it’s the perfect time to “fall” in love with patterned fabric! 

Why Stitch on Patterned Fabric?

One of the joys of cross stitching is that – just like those piles of crunchy leaves – there’s always something new to dive into! And as cross stitch trends evolve over time, more and more stitchers are discovering there’s more to life than 14 count white aida.

Stitching on colored fabric instantly elevates any project into something truly special. It’s all about choosing the perfect shade to match your design and make those colors really pop! Whether you opt for striking black or something more vibrant, there’s a rainbow of possibilities to explore.

Or why not take your stitching to the next level with a pre-printed patterned background? From subtle to stunningly dramatic, you’ll find styles to suit every topic, theme and season. With no extra effort required, it’s a wonderful way to give any design a unique or quirky edge. 

As well as adding an extra dimension to your finished piece, using a colored or patterned fabric can be incredibly time-saving as the background is already filled in – ideal for charts with large areas of sea, sky, grass or sand.

How to Use Patterned Fabric This Fall 

Make the most of longer evenings and try something new with your stitching this season. 

Here are just a few ways to enjoy patterned fabrics this fall: 

 Jazz up any fall-themed project with an autumnal leafy background, such as Tan Leaf Impressions, Yellow Autumn Leaves, Squirrel Background or Camouflage Autumn Leaves – all available in aida, linen or evenweave (with optional sparkles!) 

 Add a spine-tingling twist to your Halloween stitching with spooktacular Grey Cobwebs, Gobble Pumpkin or this fabulous Halloween Cat Background. Frame a frightful quote with this Halloween Greetings design or conjure up a stormy background with Spooky Hollow.

 Jump on board the pumpkin-spice trend with warming hues of Russet, Sunset, Ginger Snap, October Leaf or Autumn Sunshine. Mouthwatering shades of Pumpkin Pie and Cinnamon Spice make the perfect backdrop for fall-inspired samplers. Or, for something a little different, why not try Fall Orange Gingham? 

 Fall is the ideal time to get started on your Christmas stitching. Get ahead on those cards and gifts by planning your projects in advance. You’ll find an exciting range of fabulously festive fabrics available, from Classic Snowflakes to Retro Christmas Trees and colorful Christmas Lights. For a striking look, try elegant Red & Gold Christmas Stripes, cheerful Gingerbread Men or these oh-sew-cute Christmas Creatures.

Tips for Stitching on Patterned Fabric 

Curious to try stitching on patterned fabric, but not sure where to begin? 

Don’t worry! We’ve got it covered. Cross stitching on colored or patterned fabric is just as easy as regular white aida.

There’s a whole new world of exciting fabrics out there waiting for you. For best results, here are our top tips:

 When stitching on darker colored fabric, you may need to use three strands of thread, rather than two. This helps to improve the contrast of your stitching against the fabric, so the overall design shows up more clearly. 

 If using a patterned fabric, choose a style that complements your design, rather than one that overpowers it. Don’t let an overly fussy pattern distract from your stitching. As a general rule, more complex charts should be paired with a more subtle background. Likewise, simple outline motifs or typography designs pair well with a more intricately patterned backdrop. 

 For text-based designs, think about how your colors contrast. Lettering needs to show up well against the background, so always make sure there’s a clear contrast – whether it’s dark lettering on a pale fabric, or pale lettering against a darker fabric.

 If in doubt, lay your threads against the fabric before beginning your project. Using natural daylight, check to ensure the colors work well alongside the pattern and/or color of the fabric.

If you've never tried stitching on patterned fabric before, why not give it a go? 

With a beautifully diverse range to choose from, fall is the perfect time of year to get stuck into some inspirational cross stitch projects. 

So, grab a chunky scarf, light those pumpkin candles, and prepare for a cozy and creative season of stitching!