5 free Mother's Day cross stitch patterns to make her day
Looking for something really special this Mother's Day? Try one of these totally free and beautiful Mother's Day cross stitch designs today.
Choose from a variety of designs including a beautiful wildflower meadow, a hilarious cross stitch for the kitchen and a personalised butterfly card. We know any mum adores receiving homemade gifts from her kids (no matter how old they might be!), so make her day with one of these long-lasting and treasured gifts.
We've rounded up a variety of Mother's Day cross stitch patterns to suit all types of mums, so choose your favourite and get stitching today! If your mum herself loves to stitch, then why not check out these modern cross stitch kits, an ideal gift for anyone who wants to try or loves cross stitch.
If you are planning on creating something for your mum and are new to cross stitch, be sure to check out our guide to cross stitch, and needle sizes, both very useful resources for beginners.
1. Wildflower cross stitch by Jenny Van De Wiele

The beauty of a wildflower meadow in full bloom, alive with buzzing bees and gentle butterflies is timeless - and a popular subject to inspire cross stitch designs. But there is an extra flourish to these charming floral scenes that, looking beyond the beautiful composition, really makes them stand out.
Jenny has added trailing lengths of stranded cotton, wrapped them around the frame and secured them at the back to give the impression that the flowers are bursting free into a whole new dimension.
We’ve worked our designs on a gorgeous pale blue Cashel linen fabric to give a springtime feel to this project and remind you of the clear blue skies you have to look forward to. The only fractional stitches in this design are in the details of the monarch butterfly, so if you are more confident working on an Aida grid and can pierce the aida for these few fractionals, go right ahead and swap the cashel linen for aida instead.
This wildflower cross stitch was created by Jenny Van De Wiele, originally published in The World of Cross Stitching issue 293.
Wildflower cross stitch fact box:
- Stitching Time - Approx 12-15 hours
- Type of Stitches - Cross stitch, fractionals, backstitch, French knots
- Ease of Stitching - Intermediate
What you’ll need:
- Threads - Stranded cotton as listed in the key
- Needle - Size 24 tapestry needle
- Fabric - A piece of 14-count white Aida measuring 10x10cm (4x4in)
- Extras - 13cm (5in) white cards with scalloped edges
Wildflower cross stitch pattern
Click the link to download the free Wildflower cross stitch pattern. The download is an A4 PDF containing 1 design (right hand in the photo below) and an accompanying key.
How to add the trailing threads:
- Mount your stitching in the hoop (you should follow steps 2-4 before adding your felt backing).
- Thread your needle with six strands of matching thread (a whole length from a skein). Insert your needle through from the back of the stitching at the base of each stem.
- Next, loop the thread around the hoop and secure to the fabric on the back of the hoop. Angle the stitches to compensate for the curve of the hoop so that they look straight from the front. Be sure to anchor your stitches after each one so as not to distort the fabric.
- Repeat this method for each stem colour until you’re happy with the finished effect.
- Lay the felt over the back of the hoop and tack in place to protect the back of the stitching.
2. ABC Mother's Day cross stitch pattern by Susan Bates

Thanks to the pretty shades and elegant styling, we think this would make the Mother's Day cross stitch gift. Stitch her name on a fabric purse, create a card with her initial, or spell out ‘Mum’ on a piece of aida and place in a padded frame for her to use as a jewellery tidy. Simply choose a piece of fabric larger than your frame, add a piece of wadding behind, and position your stitching at the top.
Get the free Mother's Day cross stitch pattern
3. Funny Mother's Day cross stitch by Julia Rigby

Put a smile on Mum's face with these hilarious cross stitches! We know many Mums will relate to this, so we're sure she'll get a good giggle out of them. The quirky sketched style of these hilarious domestic scenes is achieved through a well-placed backstitch, while a scattering of fractionals adds wonderful expression. Start today for a generous serving of cross stitch comedy!
Get the free funny Mother's Day cross stitch pattern
3. Herb kitchen Mother's Day cross stitch by Susan Bates

Does your mum love to cook? Then make her an extra special gift by adding these sweet herb cross stitches to a planted filled with her favourite herbs! Every keen cook adores fresh herbs, so what better way to say thank you for all those meals she's cooked you over the years.
Get the free herb kitchen Mother's Day cross stitch pattern
4. Butterfly cross stitch card for Mother's Day by Amanda Gregory

Make a special Mother's Day card with this sweet personalised butterfly design. Personalise it with some special words for your mum, or simply write 'MUM'. It's a lovely way to add that extra touch of care to your gifts this year.
Get the free Butterfly cross stitch card pattern
5. Bookmark cross stitch for Mother's Day by Susan Bates

Does your mum love to curl up with a good book? Then she'll adore this cross stitch rose book mark. Stitch onto a cream aida for that rustic look.
Get the free bookmark cross stitch pattern
Make their day with our free Mother's Day cross stitch patterns
Whichever pattern you choose to create we know your mum will love it! The thought that goes into a handmade gift is always better than shop-bought.
Give the gift of flowers (with a twist!)
Give your mum flowers that will last forever with one of these lovely flower cross stitch patterns.
