When it comes to cross stitch, we love to personalise the fabulous projects we make! Add names, initials, dates and places with a wide variety of letters in all shapes and sizes.
You’ll be able to find a variety of alphabets in different shapes, styles and sizes, for all of your projects. Whether it’s making name plaques for kids’ bedrooms, decorating a birthday card with a punny saying or just wanting to boost morale in the home with positively motivating décor, there are plenty of ways to incorporate the alphabet into your WIPs.
Though, as always, that means us stitchers are always spoilt for choice by the multitude of designs that are available, which is why we’ve done the hard work for you and compiled a curated list of our favourite ABCs so you can jump straight in to make gorgeous greetings and stunning stitching!
Choose from designs for stylised fonts, decorated letters, themed alphabet sets and whole books packed with charts. Which ones you choose will depend on the style and size of the projects you’re working on, but you’ll have fun making your picks.
Some of the designs featured in this article are free to download from us here at Gathered or third party websites, while others are available to purchase as PDF downloads from Etsy and other stores.
So grab your needle and an abundance of stranded threads to get started on customising your current creations! And if this is your first time trying cross stitch, choose easier, smaller charts and make use of the wealth of cross stitch help on our website.
1. Flowery cross stitch pattern
Add some floral flair to your next project with a stunning set of letters by designer Susan Bates. Each letter is decorated with intertwined stems and pretty petals that’ll work for anyone who has a green thumb or just enjoys a bursting bouquet.
Start today on our flowery cross stitch pattern.
2. Jelly alphabet pattern
A way to add some life to the party is with this bright and bold alphabet by LiftedSpiritPatterns on Etsy that looks good enough to eat! Reminding us of gummy sweets, this design would make fantastic cake toppers for birthday parties or turned into decorative bunting.
Buy the jelly pattern on Etsy (£2.53).
3. Decorative ABC design
If you’re into something traditional in a signature sampler style, then look no further with DMC’s decorative ABC. We can envision this style on pillowcases, on tote bags or as a framed design hung somewhere for all your guests to see and admire.
Download the free chart from the DMC website.
4. Circus alphabet
Get your hands on a cheery alphabet in a circus-style font to liven up your home. Designed by Emma Congdon of Stitchrovia, it’s a design that just keeps on giving with so many intricate details and sunny colours. There’s even a number set included as a bonus.
Buy Stitchrovia’s pattern on Etsy (£5.40).
5. Sewing ABC pattern
Looking at ways to spruce up your craft room and make it your own? Why not design a plaque for the door with Lucie Heaton’s sewing alphabet to let your loved ones know there is serious stitching happening in this room! You could even design a little ‘do not disturb’ sign to accompany the plaque to let them know to not interrupt!
Head to Lucie’s website to purchase the pattern (£4.80).
6. 53 free fonts for personalisation
This clever collection of font sets by Lord Libidian is super handy if you want to personalise a design but are restricted by size and space. Rather than illustrative, this super selection features different font styles that suit an area of 5 to 16 stitches high – serif and sans serif, upper or lowercase, joined up or separate and much more.
See all 53 options and download for free on the Lord Libidian blog
7. Durene Jones’ fun alphabet
Perfect for decorating a nursery, this A to Z of cute pictures by one of our favourite cross stitch designers, Durene Jones, features classic imagery to illustrate each letter, from apple to zebra. When you buy the pattern you’ll get a full colour chart and key to stitch up, then frame and hang somewhere the kids can see!
Download the A is for… PDF from Etsy (£5.40)
8. The World of Cross Stitching Alphabet Collection
This bumper 132-page collection of alphabet charts is available as a digital edition that you can download from The World of Cross Stitching app on Apple and Android devices or via Zinio.
It features beautiful, themed lettering to create personalised gifts and décor, by some of the best designers, Stitchrovia, Durene Jones, Joan Elliott, Tiny Modernist, Susan Bates, Jenny Barton and more. It includes two decorative number sets and blank graph paper to get you started with sketching your letter layouts.
Download the digital edition via our app.
9. Cross Stitch Alphabets by Hélène Le Berre
Containing 14 beautiful designs inspired by the natural world, including birds, animals and flowers, this book is a must-have for all cross stitch nature lovers.
With comprehensive instructions for each pattern, there are also instructions on how to use the motifs to decorate projects such as bags, aprons, notebook covers, make-up pouches and more. We particularly love the vegetable and Sakura blossom designs, which cleverly incorporate the motifs into the stylish letters.
Buy from Amazon (£7.87) or Waterstones (£9.99).
10. Modern cross stitch ABC
Go the extra mile with your gift tags by using this modern cross stitch alphabet to make their day even more special. Not only are they quick to make, but we’re sure they’ll be cherished forever.
You could even use up the coloured aida sitting in your stash to not only be resourceful but chic, too!
Download the free pattern from Studio Koekoek.
11. Explore the world ABC
Stitch up a great gift for the friends and family in your life who have a little wanderlust with this wonderful aperture-style alphabet.
Within the shape of each of the 26 letters is an illustrated scene featuring mountains, beaches, animals and more. Each letter is 39 stitches high so great for larger projects.
By ClimbingGoatDesigns on Etsy (£17.40)
12. Free classy Christmas cross stitch
It’s never too early to start stitching for Christmas with monograms, cards and gifts for all with Jenny Van De Wiele’s wonderful. The designs are perfect for winter holidays and special occasions, and include a range of letter styles to mix and match with a choice of two pretty circular borders.
Get the free Christmas chart and information and get stitching!
Find your perfect cross stitch alphabet
Whether you’re a beginner looking for their first project or an advanced stitcher trying to find new ways to elevate your stitching, this selection of ABCs is a great way to spark inspiration on personalising your WIPs to make them more uniquely yours.
We’re also sure that they’re going to be well-received by everyone who sees! If you want to show off your hard work, you can always send us a photo of you with your finished piece via Facebook for a chance to be featured in our mag. Happy stitching!
Learn how to cross stitch letters
If you’re struggling to get started, we have a handy guide on how to cross stitch letters for all sorts of occasions.
