Free hand-embroidery patterns

We’ve chosen the best hand-embroidery patterns for you to attempt this week! We offer something for everyone, whether you’re a novice or a seasoned veteran. Our free cross-stitch patterns range from simple cross-stitch patterns to more complex floral and animal motifs. With so many styles to choose from, you’re sure to find one that suits your preferences. Our designs are really easy to follow, so even if you’re a beginner, you’ll be able to finish your project quickly. Why not give it a try? You’ll be surprised at how quickly your own embroidered designs may be completed. It’s also a great way to express yourself creatively and unwind after a long day. So bring your needles.

Please keep in mind that all designs were available for free at the time of authoring these cross-stitch articles. Many free cross stitch and embroidery designs appear and disappear on the internet, so if you find a beautiful pattern or one of the links to the cross stitch patterns below does not work, please leave a comment below and let us know.

Looking for more curated lists? Check out these Embroidery and Needlework Patterns.  For supplies, we highly recommend purchasing directly from DMC threads.

(1) Vintage teddies from Sweet Bee
(2) Les derniers hérissons de Yoko et Yuri from Le blog de Vick
(3) Sunbonnet Sue and Hannah’s Great Adventure series from Lace ‘n’ Ribbon Roses

(4) Russian princesses from La Baleine à Plumes
(5) Bonnet Gal Kitchen Towel Patterns from TipNut
(6) Cheerful vintage tableware from doe-c-doe
(7) Fire Lizard from Ruth O’Leary Textile Art
(8) Quaker Motif 2 for Surface Embroidery from Needle ‘n’ Thread

2026 Update: This article was originally published many years ago, and while we’ve carefully reviewed and refreshed it where possible, the world of free embroidery patterns is always changing. Some designers have moved on, websites have closed, and a few links may no longer be available. That said, many of these hand embroidery patterns are still well worth bookmarking for inspiration, technique ideas, and classic motifs that never really go out of style. We’ll continue updating this page whenever we can, so feel free to check back—and if you stumble across a broken link, thank you for your patience and for being part of the CraftGossip needlework community.