Beginners: Start Here!
Welcome to the wonderful world of cross stitch—where creativity meets calm, and even total beginners can create something beautiful, one stitch at a time. At Pattern Crafters, we believe cross stitch should be fun, modern, and approachable—no dusty samplers or overwhelming instructions here.
Whether you're picking up a needle for the first time or rediscovering the hobby with a fresh twist, this guide is packed with modern cross stitch patterns designed just for beginners. Think clean lines, playful colors, and designs you’ll actually want to frame.
And if you’re the kind of person who loves clean lines, bold color palettes, and fresh, contemporary designs—you’re in luck. Welcome to the world of modern cross stitch patterns for beginners.
(Psst: Some of the links in this post may be affiliate links, which means we may earn a small commission at no extra cost to you. We only recommend tools and supplies we truly love—these links just make it easier for you to find everything you need to get started!)
Why Choose Modern Cross Stitch?
Traditional cross stitch patterns often feature ornate florals, country scenes, or vintage samplers. While beautiful in their own right, they’re not for everyone. Modern cross stitch embraces minimalist designs, geometric shapes, pop culture references, and inspirational quotes, and ours are often stitched in bright colors - and sometimes modern monochrome schemes.
If you’re a beginner, modern patterns are especially great because:
- They’re usually smaller and quicker to finish
- They use fewer colors, making it easier to start
- They look great framed as home decor or handmade gifts
What You Need to Get Started
You don’t need much to dive into modern cross stitch. Here’s a quick list of beginner essentials:
- Aida fabric: 14-count is standard for beginners, and we recommend splurging on the pre-gridded cloth to make it easier for you to count your stitches as you learn.
- DMC embroidery floss is widely used and known as the gold standard of embroidery / cross stitch floss.
- Any embroidery hoop will work; however, we recommend a premium hoop if you plan to display your work or gift it. They come in different shapes and sizes. Make sure your hoop is one to two inches larger than your pattern at first.
- Embroidery needles (size 24 is a solid choice)
- A simple pattern
- Small embroidery scissors
Optional but helpful: good lighting, thread chest, an embroidery hoop stand, floss bobbins, bobbin rack, DMC floss number stickers and a project bag to keep everything organized.
Tips for Beginners
- Start small. A tiny pattern you finish in a weekend is more motivating than a
- huge project that gathers dust. Our carefully crafter mini patterns are small and beautiful
- Use a highlighter to mark your pattern as you go—it helps you avoid mistakes. You can also use an app like Pattern Keeper instead!
- Join online communities like r/CrossStitch or Instagram hashtags like #moderncrossstitch for inspiration.
- Don’t stress perfection. Every stitcher makes mistakes. It’s part of the charm! Or, in our case, sometimes your dog eats your project like in this picture to the right!
Final Thoughts
Modern cross stitch is the perfect blend of craft and creativity—especially for beginners who want something fresh and fun. Whether you're into bold colors, clever quotes, or simple shapes, there's a pattern out there waiting for you.
Looking for more inspiration? Subscribe to my newsletter and get a new free pattern every month, plus tips and tutorials to level up your stitching.
A small, mini cross stitch pattern is the perfect place to start. Check out our collection here!
🧵 Happy stitching!