DLTK's Crafts for Kids
Autumn Themed Cross Stitch Pattern

Two beginner cross stitch patterns for children to make for Fall!  The first pattern works well as a bookmark on 8 or 11 count aida cloth (though those counts are a bit harder for the kids to use as the stitches are smaller).  The second pattern would make a small pillow on 6 or 8 count aida -- just cut a piece of matching fabric to the same size as the finished project, sew together and stuff -- add a little bit of cinnamon and/or clove to the stuffing to give it a nice fall scent.

Both patterns also makes a nice picture on plastic canvas or 6 count aida (terrific for beginners!).

The words on this project require backstitching.  If you're just starting to learn cross stitch, you can skip the words.  (For example, on the autumn pattern, you can just cut the words off the pattern template before giving it to the child).

To learn more about cross stitching (including ideas on how to turn projects into bookmarks, pillows or pictures), check out our "How to Cross Stitch" directions.

When I do these projects with the girls, I encourage them fill in the white backgrounds with white cross stitch instead of leaving it unstitched.  The long rows of single colored stitches are terrific practice.  But it's completely up to you!  It does make the project take a lot longer.
 

Materials:

• printer,
• paper,
• embroidery floss:

  Template 1:  Orange and white

  Template 2:  see the template for recommendations for the colors needed
   

  • feel free to substitute colors!
    • If your child wants a red leaf don't get stuck... just substitute red floss for the orange.
    • If you have left over floss lying around you can use that too (ex:  black for the words instead of orange).
       
• Aida cloth with a low number (6 count Aida is 6 stitches per inch while 10 count is 10 stitches per inch...  The lower the number, the bigger the project ends up being and the easier it is for a beginner to complete)
  OR
• plastic canvas.
   
• embroidery hoop (a must! unless you're using plastic canvas).
   
• needle (20 or 22 work well, but any that fit 3 strands of floss will do).
   

Dimensions:

• Maple Leaf pattern (first template)
  • 6 count aida:    5.0 x 7.8 inches
  • 8 count aida:    3.8 x 5.9 inches
  • 11 count aida:  2.7 x 4.3 inches.
     
• Oak Leaf pattern (second template)
  • 6 count aida:    6.3 x 6.5 inches
  • 8 count aida:    4.8 x 4.9 inches
  • 11 count aida:  3.5 x 3.5 inches
     

Instructions:

• Print out the template of choice (we have two different templates to choose from).
   
• Fold cloth in half and then in half again to find the center.
   
• Place hoop around cloth.  Start as close to center as you can.
   
• Cut about 18 inch pieces of floss and divide in half (so you have 3 strands of floss to work with).
   
• Start cross stitching!  To learn more about cross stitching, check out our "How to Cross Stitch" directions.
   

Templates:

• Close the template window after printing to return to this screen.
   
• Set page margins to zero if you have trouble fitting the template on one page (FILE, PAGE SETUP or FILE, PRINTER SETUP in most browsers).
   

Maple Leaf Template   (color)   or   (B&W)

Oak Leaf Template   (color)   or   (B&W)

Printable version of these instructions