Free Cross Stitch Chart

From LoveToKnow Crafts

Looking for free cross stitch charts? Here are a few sources you might not have thought of.

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Online Sources

All Info About Cross Stitch - Featuring a number of free patterns, from alphabets to wedding samplers
Free charts from Designs by Gloria & Pat - You may know them from their Precious Moments designs

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Brick-and-Mortar Sources

I've had luck finding free charts just by keeping my eyes open in the craft store or the craft aisle at department stores. Every once in a while there will be free charts by the DMC floss, or sometimes hanging around the yarn. The charts are usually on glossy paper and part of a tear-off pad. The only downside is that since the charts are promotional in nature, they usually feature a lot of colors or the newest, fanciest, most expensive floss out there. Then again, who says you have to stitch the chart exactly as it's written?

Ask if your local cross-stitch shop (if you're lucky enough to have one) has a newsletter. If they do, each one may feature a few small charts that companies provide as a form of advertising.

Visit your library. While they're not going to have single charts for you to check out (unless you have a very cool library), they will have "how-to" books on cross-stitch, topical and seasonal craft books, and possibly crafting magazines, all of which feature charts that are free for you to use.

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Beg, Borrow and Steal

OK, we're not really advocating that you steal your next craft pattern, but your friends and family can be an excellent source of free cross stitch charts. My largest free cross stitch chart acquisition to date came from visiting an aunt who had a stack of duplicate cross-stitch magazines she was looking to get rid of. Since I was the only other cross-stitcher in the family, I was the lucky recipient of dozens of fun projects. Know who your fellow crafters are, and don't be afraid to ask if you can borrow an interesting piece. Just be a good borrower and keep the chart in good condition and return it promptly.

But don't let the trading only flow one way. Offer to let your friends and family borrow charts that you think they might enjoy. If you're feeling ambitious, set up a swap or trading circle. Make it a social occasion, or gather the kids together for a combination playdate/chart swap.

Maybe this doesn't technically count as free, but when it comes to "begging," nothing beats asking for cross stitch charts and supplies as gifts. Set up a "wish list" at your favorite online store, or just drop broad hints about how great a new lighthouse design would look on the living room wall.

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