Modern Cross Stitch Pattern Round Up

Over the past year, glimpses of cute cross stitch designs on Instagram have slowly been luring me into trying a new hobby. 

For some reason, cross stitch never really appealed to me. I think I was intimidated by the tiny grids and exact patterns, not to mention the thought of starting another craft stash. Now that adorable designs are more plentiful, it was harder and harder for me to resist.

I finally caved a few months ago and I'm completely smitten. I'm drawn to the thrill of slowly seeing a pattern emerge and being able to mindfully finish a design stitch by stitch (kind of like colorwork knitting). Being able to buy a pattern and supplies to finish a project for under $20-30 isn't too bad either!

I've been scouring the web for patterns and here are some of my favorite designers and shops:

Frosted Pumpkin Stitchery   
The company that started it all for me. I'm anxiously awaiting their new Cherry Blossom design. I'm not a Halloween fan, but their adorable Frankenstein in the Mysterious Halloween Town Club is calling my name. 

    

* Sugar is Sweet Sampler * Fruit of the Month Sampler * Woodland Sampler *

Satsuma Street

I just started her Pretty Little Tokyo design. Her color sense is impeccable and designs are adorable. I'd love to stitch up every single one of her designs.

*  Voyage  *  Pretty Little Amsterdam  *  Forest  * 

Gera designs from Superbuzzy - Flickr group  

Adorably cute Japanese fairy tale and gnome designs

*  The Tortoise and the Hare  *  They Pull the Giant Turnip  *  Thumbelina  *

Tiny Modernist  

I heart their kitchen gadgets and cuckoo clock designs.

 *  Vintage Hot Air Balloon  *  Pink Typewriter  *  Kitchen Gadgets  *

Wee Little Stitches 

Cute character collections from your favorite television shows. The IT Crowd design was my first ever cross stitch project

*  Sound of Music  *  Modern Alphabet  *  The IT Crowd  *

And Wabi Sabi X-Stitch

Lots of cute, smaller designs.

*  Home Sweet Home *  Design No.5  *  Teal Stand Mixer  *

I combined the Bibimbap, Kimchi and Korean Thank You designs to make a thank you card cover.

Subversive Cross Stitch 

I'm not sure if I'd ever be able to stitch up one of these Bad Grammar Series designs due to OCD, but I am such a fan!

*  Your Awesome *   Your Welcome    *  Welcome to Are Home  * 

Kitschy Digitals 

Cute and vintage-style patterns from a variety of designers

*  Make a Wish  *  Sleepy Owl  *  Drinks All Around  *

Cross Stitcher Magazine 

I check these out digitally from my library's Zinio magazine collection (check to see if your local library subscribes!). I've had the best time poring through the last 10 issues of designs. Lots of great contemporary designs in all sizes. Each issue has a basic getting started guide with great pictures.

Stitchrovia  

I discovered this British designer through Cross Stitcher magazine and she's my new favorite. Her typography, pretty colors and fresh designs are so adorable. I want to make one of each of her designs.

 *  Home Sweet Home  *  Kitchen Vegetables  *  Bright Alphabet  *

I've started a Cross Stitch board on Pinterest for more inspiration. I'd love to find more great designs. Please comment if you have any favorites (or have a pinterest board you'd love to share)!

And, last but not least, I put together two zipper pouches to hold cross stitch projects. I have been trying for years and years to make a pouch with a crisp right angle next to each zipper. This tutorial from Jedi Craft Girl finally clicked for me when she pointed out that you should clip the zipper next to the seam before flipping right side out. I now have 2 new pouches with beautiful corners!