Cross stitching from PDFs: what to know before you start
So here you are, ready to add a lil extra something to your cross stitching. Don’t get me wrong, kits are amazing (I sell kits after all!), but designing kits isn’t the same as designing patterns. As a result, a lot of designers choose to only offer PDF versions of their work. And that means something pretty exciting: there are tons of amazing designs out there that exist only as PDFs.
But what am I really talking about? Let’s go back a little bit.
When I first started cross stitching, I was buying kits exclusively from my local arts and crafts store. It didn’t take long before I felt like I’d gone through all the designs I liked. At the time, I had absolutely no idea you could buy patterns as PDFs and purchase floss separately. That was what originally pushed me to start creating my own kits.
However, it didn’t take long for me to realize I had been completely blind. There were thousands of designs available out there! In the end, it worked out for me since it inspired me to design my own patterns, but not everyone wants to do that.
So if you’re at that stage where you’re craving more choice in what you stitch, keep reading. I’ll tell you where to find patterns and share a few common mistakes to avoid when starting your first project from a PDF.
Finding patterns
There are many ways to find cross-stitch patterns, both online and offline. Here are a few to consider.
The thrift store
One of my favourite places to look is the thrift store, especially for old cross-stitch magazines. I was recently given a bag of old cross-stitch supplies by a friend, and inside was a pattern made entirely with hand-drawn symbols!
These magazines are a great way to find unique designs you won’t see anywhere else online. Also, paper is not dead yet. There are still running monthly magazines dedicated entirely to cross stitching, and they can be a goldmine for inspiration.
On Instagram
Many designers use Instagram to share and promote their patterns. Searching hashtags like #crossstitch or #crossstitchpatterns will lead you down a very deep (but enjoyable) rabbit hole.
Instagram is also a great way to keep up with your favourite designers, discover new ones from all over the world, and get inspired by what others are stitching. I personally love the work of NeedleLotDesigns, HauntedFrames, and FlossyFoxShop (among many others).
On Etsy
If you’re looking for a go-to place to buy PDF patterns, Etsy is probably the most well-known option out there. It’s a good place to start, especially if you’re new to stitching from PDFs.
Buying your supplies
One of the great things about cross stitching is how low-key it is in terms of supplies. You really don’t need much. That said, there are a few things worth knowing before your next trip to the craft store.
Not all fabric is created equal
This was a very very VERY puzzling lesson for me when I started. I wanted to design a series of similar-looking patterns, each with a rectangular outline, and I wanted them all to fit nicely into the same little frames I had picked out.
After finishing the second design, I could not understand why they looked so different. I kept counting my stitches, inspecting my patterns, and questioning everything. Eventually, I realized the issue wasn’t my stitching, it was the fabric.
The “squares” on the fabric weren’t actually square. This is more common than you might think. It means that the 18-count AIDA you buy might not truly be 18-count in both directions. You could end up with something closer to 17-count one way and 19-count the other.
When does this matter? For small, standalone designs (say around 7 inches), it might not be noticeable at all. But it will matter if you’re stitching a series you want to look consistent, or a larger design where stretching becomes more obvious.
This is not a product placement, but I’ve personally found the Zweigart brand to be reliable in this area. The takeaway here is that if accuracy matters, always check your fabric. Use a ruler and make sure you actually have the correct number of stitches per inch (18 for 18-count, 14 for 14-count, and so on).
Upgrading your setup can make a huge difference
One of my favourite purchases ever was a Z Frame stand to hold my hoop. No more hand cramping from gripping the hoop for dear life. Being able to stitch with two free hands makes everything faster and more comfortable.
Pairing the stand with Q-snaps, which make it easier to maintain good fabric tension, really changed my stitching experience. There are other types of stands too, including scroll frames if you’re planning to tackle larger projects.
If you think cross stitching is something you’ll stick with long-term, investing in your setup can make a world of difference.
Floss colours are darker than they look in the store
Buying floss for a pattern is usually pretty straightforward: you grab the DMC numbers listed and call it a day. But you might feel tempted to swap colours for something more your style, and that’s totally fine. If you do, it’s best to pick a small range of similar shades and decide later which one works best. Colours almost always look darker once they’re stitched onto fabric.
If that little voice in your head is telling you the colour isn’t quite right, listen to it and switch early. It probably won’t feel better later, and waiting just means more frogging down the line.
So there you have it, a few tips later, and ready to start stitching from PDFs. I wish you the very best on this new journey!
Since you’re already here, feel free to take a look at my own PDF shop by clicking here. I haven’t turned all of my designs into kits (yet). And if you have tips of your own to share, I’d love to hear them in the comments below.
Happy stitching!