Free Patterns for Counted Cross Stitch Alphabet

Tips to Try

Counted cross stitch is a great hobby for virtually everyone. Even young children can try their hand at simple cross stitch pieces with a little help from an adult.

Whether you are just venturing into this popular hobby or you’re a seasoned expert, you’ll still want to remember the following tips:

• Start your thread. You'll need to secure the end of your thread before you start by pulling the thread through the material and leaving about an inch on the wrong side. Make sure you work over that thread, capturing it with the first stitches. While many people often use knots to secure the thread, this can leave bumps on the material. You don't want to take away from the smooth, finished look.
• End your thread. Again, you might be tempted to tie a knot, but you'll end up with awkward bumps. Instead, pull the thread with the needles through the back of several stitches.
• Find the center of pattern. It's typically best to begin a cross stitch piece at the center. To find the center of a piece, count the number of squares across the pattern from one edge to the other, then divide that number in half. This is the vertical center of your piece. Next, count the number of squares from top to bottom and divide in half to determine the horizontal center. Once you’ve done this, begin counting at the bottom left-hand side of the design the half number of horizontal squares, and then count half the number of vertical squares. You’ve found the center of the piece.
• Find the center of material. To find the center of the piece of fabric you are using, you'll need to fold the fabric in half and then into quarters. Next, pull a thread of contrasting color through the hole located at the fold point. When you open your fabric, the thread will be at the center of the material.
• Keep the stitch square. Whether you are adding stitches scattered across a piece or to fill up large areas, keep the stitches square.
• Watch your direction. Make sure the top stitches on each of your cross stitches are pointing in the same direction for a neater more finished look.

Free Patterns for Counted Cross Stitch Alphabets

There are many free patterns for counted cross stitch alphabets that are simple and easy to use. Many of these patterns list suggested thread colors, but you can use your own color combinations to match your décor. Check out the following free patterns for counted cross stitch alphabets:

• Bird Cross Stitch: You'll the jackpot when you visit this site. You can find patterns such as a bluebird alphabet and an old English alphabet.
• Free Patterns Online: You'll find over 40 alphabet patterns at this site.
• All Free Crafts: Check out the block alphabet pattern here.
• Cross Stitch Academy: Find lots of great cross stitch patterns at this site.
• Yarn Tree: Another free alphabet block cross stitch pattern is here.

Finally, if you're feeling really creative, try your hand at creating your own pattern. Draw it out on a piece of paper, then transfer it to cross stitch material. You may decide you love designing your own cross stitch patterns!

If you have a pattern you'd like to share, please do so in our comments section. We'd love to hear from you!