Free Cross Stitch Pattern for Precious Moments

Precious Moments

For many, purchasing Precious Moments merchandise is a ritual. Collectors commemorate birthdays, anniversaries, Christmases, and other special events by purchasing dolls, figurines, and other items. Where did it all begin?

More than 30 years ago, Sam Butcher began sketching the beloved Precious Moments children. At first, he created them simply to give to family and friends and to express his artistic talents and abiding faith.

In the early 1970s, Butcher and friend Bill Biel formed a small company to produce Precious Moments on cards and posters. Before long, lines formed at the annual Christian Booksellers Convention in Anaheim as retailers wanted to order and stock the popular items. Soon, the cards and posters were joined by a three-dimensional porcelain figurine, and Precious Moments became a successful phenomenon.

Today, the collection is comprised of over 1,500 pieces with new introductions offered each year. There are collector’s clubs located all over the world, where members can get an exclusive member figurine and receive a one year subscription to a quarterly magazine. They can also get discount tickets to the Precious Moments Park in Carthage, Missouri, which was opened in 1989 and has welcomed approximately 400,000 visitors every year.

Free Cross Stitch Pattern for Precious Moments

Create a gift that is sure to please almost anyone with a free cross stitch pattern for Precious Moments. There are multiple forums, communities, and Web sites dedicated to keeping the spirit of Precious Moments alive.

Because of copyright law, most Precious Moments patterns must be bought. However, you may be able to find some free cross stitch patterns for Precious Moments at the following places:

• Web sites and forums dedicated to Precious Moments memorabilia, collectibles, and crafts may offer readers a chance to exchange pattern ideas and suggestions. Check out Precious Moments forums at sites, such as Garden Web and Precious Moments Community.
• Local crafting organizations may offer pattern swap ideas, tips and suggestions to help with your crafting needs.
• Fabric and craft stores may offer buy one/get one patterns and [[Cross Stitching Instructions|classes]
• Online auctions, such as eBay, may not offer free patterns, but you can often find some great bargains for a minimal fee.

Additional Web Sites

The following Web sites often feature Precious Moments patterns as well:

• Precious Moments Community: The creators of this site, Pat Carson and Gloria Steele, met with Samuel Butcher to show him his Goose Girl and two angels on a cloud, which they had converted into cross stitch. This site offers other links to patterns, collectors sharing, chats, local clubs, collection info, classified ads, and news releases.
• 123Stitch: More designs by Gloria and Pat can be found at this site.
• Bird Cross Stitch: At this site, you’ll find links to numerous cross stitch patterns and sites.
• Gloria-Pat: This adorable little Precious Moments bear was designed exclusively for use as a free cross stitch pattern to benefit charitable endeavors like Operation Teddy Bear.
• Crafty Traditions: This site offers booklets with an assortment of Precious Moments patterns for sale.
• Past Impressions: Here you can find cross stitch charts, kits, fabric, and thread.