Stitchers' essentials
Indispensable in any stitcher's chart library: a chart full of joyful mini Christmas motifs, always handy whenever there is a personalized gift to make - or just for the fun of stitching cheerful and quick pieces, one for every day leading up to Christmas!
A British Christmas
Traditional designs with a special touch - we love Christmas as seen through the twinkling eyes of British designer Lesley Teare.
>> see all Christmas patterns by Lesley Teare
>> see all the recent news for Lesley Teare Designs
Christmas Ornaments from Tempting Tangles
New from designer Deborah A. Dick, 2 designs inspired by the all-time favorite poem "The Night before Christmas". All Tempting Tangles designs, no matter how small, are elaborately designed with fun stitch detail such as the loop-made beard of Santa Claus, the red-bead-tipped noses of the reindeer, or the decorative borders worked with Sofia crosses and beaded diamonds.
>> see all Christmas ornaments (all designers)
Kyoko Maruoka's little Christmas shop
One a year in Japan, GERA! designer Kyoko Maruoka stages her pretty embroidered creations in a small shop and invites stitchers to attend. It is an opportunity to exchange and proudly showcase one's achievements, find new ideas, seek inspiration and ask for advice. For those stitchers who live too far to attend, here is a glimpse of the GERA Christmas Shop!
>> see all Christmas patterns by GERA! Kyoko Maruoka
Jewel like ornaments in Blue, Silver and Gold
Beautifully detailed, with soft curves enhancing every tiny stitch, these new ornaments by Faby Reilly sparkle in a contrast of icy blues and silver highlights. They are part of the exquisite Frosty collection.
Everything you can dream of for Christmas
Here's a wonderful pattern by Shannon Christine Designs. It's chockfull of everything you can dream of for Christmas.
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Christmas Joy | | Counted cross stitch pattern by Shannon Christine Designs |
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>> see more Christmas patterns by Shannon Christine Designs
>> see all Christmas patterns (all designers)
Happy Christmas times
Let designer Maria Diaz take you way back in time, with these nostalgic scenes of Christmas. The joy of Christmas is very much in the times leading up to it - cross stitching these cheerful pieces, with all their wonderful detail, is sure to bring you many hours of happiness.
>> see more Christmas patterns by Maria Diaz Designs
Christmas with a baroque touch
How about giving your tree an elegant baroque style this year? For a sophisticated decor, stitch to a set of limited colors, say red and gold, for a luxurious opera house feel. Pick matte gold, for a vintage touch. This cute ornament with winged cherubs will be the perfect final touch. A design by Perrette Samouiloff.
Small is beautiful
Even if you hardly have time to stitch, of if you have a huge piece underway, you'll find time to stitch these lovely little Christmas motifs designed by Perrette Samouiloff. The color range is absolutely gorgeous. See our tips further down for some cute finishing ideas.
>> see more Christmas patterns by Perrette Samouiloff
Finishing ideas for Christmas ornaments
Take a look at how the Perrette Samouiloff ornaments further up. Here are some finishing ideas worth looking at. Maybe they will trigger some more creative ideas. Do contact us if you have any you'd like to share too!
 | Jingle bells, jingle all the way Idea: Stitch a row of tiny jingle bells, so they hang at the base of the ornament and add a merry touch. Tip: Make sure all the bells are stitched at an equal distance. You can sew them loosely first with a basting thread, then slide them into the exact position and secure them and remove the basting thread. Make sure the stitch is not too taut or they will hang at an awkward angle. |  |
 | Pleats, please! Idea: To make a change from satin and organza ribbons, how about a pleated ribbon, with preformed folds, accordion style, which gives it a lovely texture. Tip: For a refined finish, instead of tying a knot, a loop of ribbon is slipped through a golden bead (using a tiny wire, folded in two). The loop is then made into two bows with a tiny stitch. |  |
 | Beads Express Idea: For a highly decorative finish in minimum time, how about using a pre-beaded trimming ribbon? Tip: The beads are already sewn on the side of the ribbon. The ribbon part only serves for holding them in place. Mount the ornament as you would a small cushion, slipping the ribbon part inside so only the beads show. |  |
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There are plenty more ideas and tutorials for your Christmas ornaments.
>> see all tutorials and finishing ideas for Christmas ornaments
When needlework meets jewelry
Looking at this jewel-like ornament, you might actually wonder if it's actually cross stitch. Well yes, it is mostly counted cross stitch and backstitch that have been complemented with seed beads and sequins and embellished with a little crystal sew-on in the center. The combination of white, silver and light reflecting textures creates this extraordinary jewel-like effect while the biscornu shape with its hollow center and curved sides captures the light in a wonderful way.
Sophisticated needlework brought to you by expert designer Faby Reilly.
>> see more Christmas patterns by Faby Reilly Designs
Miniature snow landscapes
New from Barbara Ana Designs. Tiny little treasures with rustic simplicity, just the right size to attach on your Christmas tree.
>> see more Christmas patterns by Barbara Ana Designs
Cute teddies to celebrate Christmas
Adorable teddy-boys and teddy-girls to cross stitch for the festive season. Decorate your house, send them as greeting cards, make tiny decorative cushions, there are so many ways these mini charts will come handy for your Xmas stitching.
>> see more mini Xmas motifs and motifs for greeting cards
Finishing ideas: mini frame embellishments
Don't neglect the last part of your stitching: the finishing!
We have added a new article on Creative Poppy's website where we discuss ideas for pairing mini motifs and embellishments. Searching through your stash for the perfect accessories that will compliment your stitching is so much fun!
>> see ideas for mini frame embellishments
Christmas cut-outs
How about stitching a couple of new ornaments in the manner of paper cut-outs. You can get stitching right away with these cute new cross stitch patterns designed by Shannon Christine Wasilieff. Like all other patterns on Creative Poppy's website, these motifs and available for instant download. Search through your stash to find some fun color combinations or stitch to classic back on white, red or green fabric.
>> see more patterns by for Christmas ornaments (all designers)
This year's Christmas banner
Welcome visitors into your house with a cute Christmas banner, scandinavian style. Stitch in your favourite color of red (overdyeds look great too) and pick a fun background fabric. A new design by Agnès Delage-Calvet.
>> see more patterns with Christmas wishes and welcome banners
Christmas maiden
New from Lesley Teare, meet the holly girl, sheltering from the cold in an elegant fur hat and muffer, and a buttoned-up red jacket.
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Holly Girl | | Counted cross stitch pattern by Lesley Teare Designs |
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>> see more Christmas patterns by Lesley Teare Designs
Beautifully detailed Christmas stitching
Encased in their own hoops and ready to display, here are four exquisitely detailed cross stitch projects which have been embellished with beads, sequins, specialty stitches and even some miniature ribbons which you learn to make yourself. They come with very detailed tutorials by Faby Reilly.
>> see more Christmas ornament patterns by Faby Reilly Designs
Jingle bells
Christmas will be jolly and musical with these cute little motifs by Lesley Teare, each featuring a little bird inside a different Christmas wreath. A design by Lesley Teare.
>> see more patterns by Lesley Teare Designs
In a hurried stride
A jolly expression on his face, Santa is walking in a hurried stride. Will he make it in time? An exquisitely detailed combination of cross stitch and beadwork brought to you by Shannon Christine Designs.
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Jolly Santa | | Counted cross stitch pattern by Shannon Christine Designs |
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>> see more patterns by Shannon Christine Designs
Waiting for Santa
This new advent calendar by Agnès Delage-Calvet is large enough to accommodate sweets or tiny gifts on each day of the month. Gifts can become bigger as you get closer to Christmas. Sew mini rings onto the stitched piece right under each date and use strings or miniature clothes pegs to attach each treat.
>> see more Advent calendars and Christmas projects for cross stitch
Stitching ideas: snowflakes in the background
Did you know there are needlework fabrics available with a printed white polka dot on a raw linen color background? They come in both Aida and in 32 ct linen (available from Zweigart, Maison Sajou and other sources). Here's a stitched model of the Victorian lady that was stitched on Zweigart polka dot Aida. It was stitched by Sylvie B. who sent us the photo. Naturally she omitted stiching the original snowflakes in the background (check the original piece here). We find it's a great idea and wanted to share it will all. Thank you Sylvie!
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Victorian Lady | | Counted cross stitch pattern by Shannon Christine Designs |
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Christmas with GERA! by Kyoko Maruoka
Lovely, sweet designs, now available in English and in Color, as downloadable charts on Creative Poppy's website. Check out all the Christmas cross stitch designs by Japanese designer Kyoko Maruoka.
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Santa's House | | Counted cross stitch pattern by GERA! by Kyoko Maruoka |
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>> see more patterns by GERA! by Kyoko Maruoka
What Else for Christmas? A Biscornu!
If you've only got time for one more small project, then check out our biscornu ornaments. They are so much fun to make and will add a cheerful Christmas touch to your home.
>> See all Christmas biscornu patterns to cross stitch
Pictures of the Victorian Lady
We've just received from Shannon Christine Wasilieff some lovely pictures of the Victorian Lady, with amazing beading details. We just love the way the flowing satin is embellished with golden highlights as well as the attention to detail such as the lamposts decorated with Christmas garlands.
She is stitched on 32 count Crystal Sprite by Picture This Plus Fabrics, which is an opalescent soft purple.
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Victorian Lady | | Counted cross stitch pattern by Shannon Christine Designs |
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>> see more patterns by Shannon Christine Designs
A traditional Saint Nicholas
He comes of course under many names,St. Nicholas originally, then Santa Claus, now simply Santa. We love the vintage feel of these 4 motifs that were designed for cards but can be stitched on many other Christmas projects too! A design by Lesley Teare.
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4 Santa cards | | Counted cross stitch pattern by Lesley Teare Designs |
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Fun Christmas cards
In a totally different style, also by Lesley Teare, here's a good way to have some fun this Christmas. Cross stitch these ... Christmas legs.... and send them to your best friends!
>> see more patterns by Lesley Teare Designs
A selection of Christmas Trees
Christmas wouldn't be Christmas without a Christmas tree. Here'a sampling of some of the trees growing on Creative Poppy's website. Which one would you pick?
>> all cross stitch patterns for Christmas
New Free Tutorial: a shooting star
Here's a pretty embellishment idea you can add to many Christmas cross stitching projects. Seen here are the 3 Kings designed by Perrette Samouiloff. The star is a combination of a metal embossed charm and Metallic pearl applied using a couching technique. There is a chart to help precisely position the Metallic Pearl threads.
We offer many ideas and free tutorials on Creative Poppy's website. You can check them out here:
>> see more free tutorials
Creative Poppy Gift vouchers: great to give ...or to receive
Are any of your loved ones asking you what you would like to receive for Christmas? Why not suggest some Creative Poppy Gift vouchers. They make great gifts for your stitcher friends too.
- starting from $9.99 (about £6.50)
- valid one year
>> find out more about Creative Poppy Gift vouchers
On her way to a Christmas party
It's snowing as this young woman makes her way down the street, warmly clad in a red coat under which we can guess an elegant dress. She's carrying several gifts one of which is a teddy bear.
This lovely Christmas scene, combining cross stitch and beadwork, is designed by Shannon Christine Wasilieff of Shannon Christine designs.
>> see more patterns by Shannon Wasilieff
Old fashioned Christmas
How about getting rid of all the glamour and glitter and returning to the simple joys of Christmas? When each child only received one but - oh so treasured - toy, when Christmas trees were simply lit with candles, and when the family would gather around the chimney place in front of a warm fire.
Designer Faby Reilly captures those simple joys of Christmas in these two lovely projects with the same centre piece featuring a Victorian Christmas scene.
The first pattern is an ornament that stands or can be hung.
Below is the frame version
>> see more Christmas patterns by Faby Reilly Designs
Here comes a messenger
New for Christmas by Barbara Ana Designs. This messenger has a little surprise for us!
Christmas Joy on a green background
Susan R. kindly sent us a picture of her latest project, a beautiful version of Barbara Ana's Chrismas Joy on green linen.
In the original piece stitched by Barbara Ana on Vintage Country Mocha from Zweigart, the white motifs blend softly in the background and the red motifs stand out by contrast.
In Susan's piece, the motif is stitched on green linen which emphasizes the white motifs in the background and the design turns out overall quite different. Below are the two versions side by side for you to compare. Aren't they both lovely? Congratulations Susan for stitching such a beautiful piece!
If you too have stitched an interesting variation on one of Barbara Ana's designs, do send us your pictures so we can share them with everyone. Many thanks!
More Christmas patterns by Barbara Ana
>> see all Christmas patterns by Barbara Ana Designs
Stitching for Christmas with Sharron Christine
Also new on Creative Poppy's website, take a peek at these fun Christmas patterns. You can hop on the Gingerbread train, stroll along Peppermint avenue ou checkout Mrs Clause's closet!
Click on the images for the full picture.
>> see all cross stitch patterns by Shannon Christine Designs
Christmas mini patterns
Four little birds have just paid us a visit. So cute! Turn them into ornaments, Christmas cards or mini frames on your mantelpiece. Cross stitch patterns by Lesley Teare Designs.
>> see more Mini motifs and card designs for Christmas
The three Magi: Balthazar, Caspar, Melchior
A beautiful cross stitch project for Christmas, the Three Kings design by Perrette Samouiloff shows Balthazar, Caspar, Melchior carrying their precious gifts, on their way to pay respect to Jesus, the newborn King.
The warm colors and the rich depiction of the 3 magi work beautifully in cross stitch and the stitched piece is something you will proudly display each Christmas, year after year.
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Three kings | | Counted cross stitch pattern by Perrette Samouiloff |
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>> see more cross stitch patterns by Perrette Samouiloff
A luminous ornament reflecting the evening lights
What a pretty little ornament to hang in your house as a refined and precious home deco touch!
Kathy Bungard of Gracewood Stitches was inspired by the soft lights of twighlight with the last rays of sun disappearing into a starry night.
>> see more cross stitch patterns by Gracewood Stitches
New tutorial: A precious finish for your stitched ornaments
Christmas is round the corner and you're probably giving some thought to your Christmas ornaments.
When it comes to stitching, especially those small pieces, attention to detail is essential. Here's a new tutorial that can give you some ideas on how to add some beautiful finishing touches to your stitching using pretty beads and ribbons.
>> see the new Jewel-like finishing for stitched Ornaments Tutorial
>> see all Ideas and Finishing touches for Christmas ornaments
Celebrating Christmas Scandinavian style
There is something particularly appealing in the way Nordic countries celebrate Christmas. Here is a selection of Needlework designs that convey the Christmas spirit, Scandinavian style.
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Noël Blanc | | Counted cross stitch pattern by Muriel Berceville |
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My true love sent to me... and more for Christmas by Lesley Teare
The 12 days of Christmas, have inspired many a designer. We must say however that we are particularly impressed Lesley Teare's interpretation in cross stitch of this old Christmas carol. The design seems to capture all the poetry of the song's mysterious first verse.
Next is a little guy who seems like he's done a little too much partying already. Ain't he extra cute?
And finally, here's a delicate and tender nativity scene, set among arches with a village and starry night in the background.
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Nativity | | Counted cross stitch pattern by Lesley Teare Designs |
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>> see more cross stitch patterns by Lesley Teare Designs
Say Merry Christmas in Stitches
Who can resist stitching a new project for Christmas. Here's a selection of a couple of charts that actually "say" Merry Christmas.
>> see all cross stitch patterns for Christmas
Stitch your very own nativity scene
How better to get into the true Christmas spirit than to stitch your very own nativity scene. Faby Reilly's depiction of holy Mary, Joseph and baby Jesus is incredibly peaceful and tender, the perfect medium for a message of Hope, Joy and Peace.
The motif comes in two versions, one an ornament than can be hung or placed on a mantelpiece, and the full version that is designed to be framed.
>> see more patterns by Faby Reilly Designs
Lighting up for Christmas
New! This cute lantern ornament by Tam's Creations has four sides with a clever "trompe-l'oeil" effect showing the candle as if it was inside the lantern. The design is stitched in two colors, an overdyed and a metallic. You can easily substitute the background colors and use your own choice of threads so you could even make several sets of lanterns!
>> see more patterns by Tam's Creations
Christmas at the Frosted Pumpkin stitchery
Gingerbread lane is bustling with activity, with friends meeting up and having a go at ice-skating. This is a thrilling Christmas pattern with tons of fun detail to cross stitch. The pink and turquoise palette is gorgeous set against the gingerbread and icing.
New! By popular demand, each of the houses on Gingerbread lane from the Frosted Pumpkin Stitchery are now sold individually. You can now cross stitch a single house, or combine two of them, or even add a house each Christmas!
The charts are will combine smoothly together, as long as you stitch them in the same order as the original row of houses of Christmas on Gingerbread lane.
Here's now the Frosted Pumpkin's take on the traditional Christmas carol, each of the 12 pictures lovingly depicted in Amanda and Ashleigh's trade-mark cute style.
Soft, luminous Christmas
This smaller piece, also by Barbara Ana designs, conveys an atmosphere of peace, with a luminous effect of light playing throughout the pattern.
More Christmas patterns by Barbara Ana
>> see all Christmas patterns by Barbara Ana Designs
Hot out of the oven: Christmas Baking
There's a welcome smell emerging from the kitchen that has inspired many a designer.
Faby Reilly and Barbara Ana's smaller motifs will make delightful ornaments and gift tags. You can turn Iveta Havlinova's Christmas baking into a striking Christmas apron while Sylvie Teytaud's amazing piece will look fabulous all year round on the kitchen wall.
>> see all patterns related to Christmas Baking
New Double Bow Tutorial
New! Check out our latest tutorial for making pretty bow-like embellishments for your Christmas ornaments
Try this! These ribbons have tiny bell-like beads that add extra interest to the bow. They are just perfect for embellishing cross stitched ornaments and they only take about a few minutes to make!
>> view Creative Poppy's Double Bow Embellishment Tutorial
>> view more Tutorials and ideas for embellishing Christmas Ornaments
>> see all Christmas Ornament patterns (all designers)
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