Free Embroidery Patterns

Free Patterns from Web Sites

The Internet is pretty much the only place to find free embroidery patterns. Be sure to read the fine print, though, because there can be some hidden charges. For example, some designs are only free if you purchase something.

Free Embroidery Stuff

Get a year's worth of free embroidery patterns! According to Free Embroidery Stuff's policy, you can download seven free designs each week, up to 365 each year, if you sign up for its email program. The designs are chosen for you, but they are still beautiful and timely. To download designs of your choice, the Web site will allow three per month with no purchase necessary. Each pattern is available in several different formats.

Erica's Craft & Sewing Center

Erica, the owner of this fabulous site, showcases free embroidery patterns. Her site is updated regularly and currently includes some free birdhouse designs, as well as Americana, angels and spring patterns. There is also a complete section dedicated to free stitching projects.

ABC Embroidery Designs

ABC Embroidery Designs' free patterns include holiday, flowers and butterflies. This is one of the easier sites in which free embroidery patterns are quickly available without a lot of searching. To sign up, all you need to do is enter your first name and a valid email address, and up pops more than 30 different free designs. These are also updated on a timely basis.

Pattern Bee

For those who hand-embroider and are looking for some vintage patterns, this is a great site to visit. Pattern Bee offers numerous patterns that can be created into printable iron-ons and transferred to your fabric. Included are old-time nursery rhyme blocks, quilt blocks and other items for children. The site also includes free sewing patterns for some of these items.

Free Patterns From Manufacturers

The manufacturer of your embroidery machine may offer free downloadable designs made specifically for your model. Here are just a few.

Singer Sewing Co.

Singer has free embroidery patterns available on a monthly basis. The company also includes a complementary project to go along with each design. Singer patterns are available in PWS and XXX formats.

Husqvarna Viking

Zip files for these free Viking designs contain VP3, VIP, HUS or DST formats. There are about 20 basic patterns available.

Brother USA

Brother has about a half-dozen free designs available for each month and they are archived. The patterns, available in PES format, even include a "Taste of Brother," which seems to be the manufacturer's choice for the month.

Storing Your Free Embroidery Patterns

It is wise to organize these files as hard and soft copies. Once you are done editing your choice, print a copy and either put it in a three-ring binder or file folder with all the pertinent information listed on it, including the Web site from which it was downloaded. On your computer, create file folders sorted by either format or type of design and make frequent backup copies.