Have you noticed the recent trend in vintage-style cross stitch? While we love the wide variety of cross-stitching patterns and ideas that you can access these days, sometimes you can’t beat the original, and patterns inspired by old-fashioned cross stitch are certainly on trend. If you like antique style cross stitch, read on to find out how to incorporate this kind of pattern into your next project.
What is Vintage Cross Stitch?
While there’s certainly a difference between Vintage, Antique, and Retro, these words can sometimes be used interchangeably, making it tricky to know what you’re looking for. In definition, something antique is over 100 years old, whereas vintage items are more usually described as being within the last 100 years. However, while we can’t call newer items antiques, it’s sometimes the case that much older items are described as vintage. A retro item can be designed to look old, but is actually new, while evoking a style of the past.
When deciding what kind of vintage cross stitch you’re looking for, think about which era appeals to you. Some people might be looking at Victorian samplers with traditional lettering and faded motifs, while other people would class a classic My Little Pony cross stitch as a vintage item!
Flosstube
Have you heard the term Flosstube before? If you’re someone who finds it easier to learn from watching videos and following practical examples, Flosstube is for you! When people upload helpful cross stitch tutorials and videos onto YouTube, this is called Flosstube, and we really recommend The Vintage Stitcher on YouTube. There is a wealth of knowledge on her page, and we love following the videos where she showcases traditional stitching patterns and using vintage cross stitch kits. Perhaps one of her videos will inspire your next project?
Samplers
You can’t get more vintage than a traditional sampler, so if you’re not sure what to make for your next big project, how about working on a sampler? While we sometimes think of a sampler as something a beginner would tackle, it’s really more of a demonstration of skill, and can be used to show off a variety of stitches. Stitching the alphabet is something a young stitcher might have done to practice forming the letters, and as their skill progressed, they might tackle something like a Bible verse. The earliest samplers date back to the 1400’s, so things have obviously changed a bit since then! You can read more about the history of samplers, and how they’ve changed over the years, in this article by the Victoria and Albert Museum, London.
These days, a popular occasion for making a sampler is to celebrate the birth of a baby. Birth Announcement samplers come in a variety of patterns, with cute modern designs as well as more traditional patterns. There are plenty of ideas here, and you can customize your sampler with information about the special little person. Vintage samplers also make a great customizable wedding gift. If you want further examples of exquisite vintage samplers throughout the centuries, this antiques dealer has a great collection of works for sale that could inspire your own stitching projects.
Online Treasure Trove of Vintage Patterns
Do you love discovering a treasure trove of vintage patterns and kits at a thrift store? If you can’t wait to happen upon your next exciting haul, we recommend checking out Cross Stitch Stash for guaranteed treasure discoveries! They have a large collection of out-of-print, hard-to-find, vintage and more recent cross stitch projects for you to browse. From pattern books and magazines to kits and accessories, this really is an Aladdin’s Cave for the vintage stitcher. It won’t take long for most cross-stitch enthusiasts to come across a pattern they recall from their childhood, or perhaps a long out-of-print magazine that they used to subscribe to.
Perfect Aida for Vintage Stitches
If you’ve got a vintage pattern in mind, the best way to elevate your project is by picking an aida that is sympathetic to the antique style you’re looking for. Here at Fabric Flair, we stock a variety of fabrics that will pair brilliantly with a vintage feel. Old Library Marble has a rustic feel, Vintage Ephemera Damask features a subtle but timeless pattern, and Victorian Medley is great for offering a mixed background color. We think that Baby's Breath would work well with a Victorian era pattern, particularly something floral, while Map of the United States Landscape could be the perfect backdrop for a special project.
Vintage Occasions
As well as samplers for weddings and births, vintage makes a great birthday present. If you aren’t sure what to make for someone’s upcoming birthday, think of something that will take them back to their childhood or evoke a special memory. Perhaps they loved watching Betty Boop, Chip ‘N’ Dale or the Rugrats? As a kid, did they like eating Laffy Taffy, Nerds, and Butterfingers? Perhaps they’d like a tote bag emblazoned with retro gas station logos, motel signs, or the logos of their favorite restaurants? Whatever era they come from, the birthday gift recipient is sure to appreciate something hand stitched that takes them back to their nostalgic golden days.