Want to try something quick that you can get done in an evening? This mighty selection of free small cross stitch patterns will have you flying through projects at lightning speed.
Whether you’re looking for a quick weekend stitch or a last-minute gift, browse through our favourite small cross stitch designs that’ll have you stitching up a storm in little to no time at all.
Receiving a handmade gift is a real treat as it adds a personal, thoughtful touch because of the time and effort it took to make something sentimental, but sometimes we find ourselves in a pinch. That’s when these designs come in as they’re here to help you find the perfect way to show your appreciation for someone.
These small designs are an incredible way to break up your stitching projects, especially if you’re stuck stitching a large design for what feels like forever.
You can easily settle into the sofa or your stitching corner and mindlessly stitch away. By the time you know it, you’ll have finished your wonderful piece of work (or maybe even three!).
And, if you’re someone who loves to cross stitch but can’t seem to squeeze in the time to pick up your needle, these small packages are bound to give you some big wins and get you excited about crafting.
And to top it off, all of the patterns in this article are free, so as long as you have the right tools in your stitching arsenal, you can save your pretty pennies and get stuck in straight away!
1. Herby kitchen labels
Designed by Susan Bates, this collection of herb labels is the perfect way to elevate your kitchen space, or even inspire you to start your own indoor garden.
Each label will take approximately 8-10 hours to complete so you’ll have a gorgeous windowbox display
Start your indoor garden today by downloading the free garden cross stitch designs.
2. Pencil case caravan
Give your pens somewhere to park with this adorable pencil case caravan stitch lined with fluffy pom-poms for a little something extra.
And the best part? You can personalise this pencil case to your liking by choosing the fabric you’d like so you can take this trusty pouch with you no matter where you go.
Find this pattern and learn how to make a cross stitch pencil case.
3. Brew-tiful bookmarks
Don’t lose the page of your current read when you put the kettle on with these pretty and practical bookmarks.
These make for a thoughtful gift for the arduous bookworm in your life or if you’d like to add some character to your reading corner.
Download the teacup cross stitch patterns.
4. Rainbow blackwork bookmark
Use a rainbow of colours to perfect your backstitching in this beautiful blackwork bookmark!
Blackwork is traditionally embroidered in black thread, but Lesley Teare’s used a spectrum of vibrant colours for a modern twist on the time-honoured technique. Easily completed in a weekend, you’ll have a perfect accessory for sunny days ahead!
Download some sunshine with this rainbow blackwork bookmark pattern.
5. Tea set pin cushions
Take a tea break and stitch up these pretty floral makes from Susan Bates – and you’ll have somewhere to keep your sewing stash too!
We upcycled a vintage tea service to make a simple sewing set. These dainty designs will each take a few hours to stitch, and they’re a piece of cake to make too!
Let your stitching bloom with the teacup pincushion cross stitch patterns.
6. Bees and florals cards
Busy bees like you can complete one of Durene Jones’ sweet floral cards in a day! These pretty cards are detailed without being overly complex, using just a few fractionals, backstitch, and a little shading to create an idyllic scene.
We mounted ours in pastel aperture cards to make cards suitable for any occasion.
Download the bee cross stitch patterns to make your own stunning cards.
7. Cute calico cat card
For a quick and cute card for a feline-loving friend, stitch up this adorable calico cat card by Durene Jones. There’s a few fractionals around our furry pal’s face details, and backstitch for her majestic whiskers.
A sweet patterned paper and deckle-edge card elevates your stitching to a lovely gift!
Get your paws on the cat cross stitch pattern.
8. DIY cake toppers
Why have the finishing touch on your extravagant cake be a cherry when it can instead be a colourful cake topper?
Adorned in pastel hues and colourful motifs, let them admire and eat your cakes with these cake toppers that are sure to wow the guests at your party.
Worked on plastic aida with a small colour palette, you’ll be able to use up the leftover threads in your stash in no time.
Stitch these sweet treat designs with our cupcake cross stitch patterns.
9. Peacock scissor fob
If you’re anything like us, your embroidery scissors and pins go walkabout far too easily.
Fortunately, Faby Reilly’s designed a beautifully embellished scissor fob that can double as a pin cushion. It’s a snap to stitch, and with our clear instructions, you’ll soon have a stylish stitching accessory.
Get started with our peacock cross stitch pattern.
10. ‘Home sweet home’ card
Stitched in delicate sepia shades, this ‘Home Sweet Home’ by Ursula Michael card is a simple, yet beautifully understated gift to give those settling in their new abode.
The warm-toned colour palette means it can go anywhere in their home and even yours, but we think it’ll look rather impressive sitting on the mantle for all to see.
Start stitching this Home Sweet Home cross stitch card for someone you care about.
Find more quick-to-stitch makes on our Etsy store
Want more small or mini stitches? Check out The World of Cross Stitching on Etsy, for more cards, tags and other quick and easy makes!
What about these fun ice lolly cards, with colourful summery designs for that recipient with the sweet tooth!
Download the ice lolly summer cards by Durene Jones from Etsy.
Tiny cross stitch patterns can be made in no time
Big things come in small packages and in this case, small cross stitch patterns!
We think these designs are handy for on-the-go stitching, to fuel creative inspiration when you’re working hard on a large project and to give meaningful, sweet-and-small gifts to those you care about most.
How to make a cross stitch card
Want to transform your stitching into beautiful cards? Head to our handy how-to for a tutorial on how to turn your stitching into an aperture card.
