A simple cross-stitch sampler of lowercase and uppercase letters that can be stitched in any color of thread.

When I started designing my own cross-stitch patterns this year, I knew I would need a font, but I didn’t really know where to start. I went to the National Gallery website and searched for cross-stitch samplers to get inspired. My purpose wasn’t to create a sampler, but to create a font that I could pull from to write words on my designs.

After looking at a few samplers, I jumped in and started creating the letters, both uppercase and lowercase. I threw in the numbers for funsies. One thing I discovered about creating letterforms for a cohesive style is the ability to “share” shapes. The “C” has the same curve as the “O”. The “V” and “W” share the same valleys. The “b” and “p” are mirrored. And, so on. It makes creating the letters a little less daunting, but also adds the fun of figuring out which letters can share a shape.

 The digital PDF file for my Alphabet Sampler Cross-Stitch Pattern can be purchased here.

While this alphabet serves its purpose of being used in other designs, at some point, I decided to go ahead and stitch a sampler. The letters and numbers by themselves looked a little bland. Most samplers have a lot of decoration. I added a decorative border to give it a finished look. This particular border looks like a zipper.

My embroidery floss stash has a lot of greens. In an attempt to use them up, I stitched the sampler in a variety of green hues. But the design is so simple and the pattern is easy to follow, so it can be stitched in any color. I like the idea of each maker putting their own spin on it. Maybe you want to practice mixing and matching colors by making this sampler. Or, you want to make this for a specific person in their favorite colors. Perhaps, you have a spot in your home where you want to display this and you know what hues will work best. No matter why you’re making the sampler, you can make it in a variety of colors.  

On 14-count aida cloth, the design measures 7.07” x 5.64”. The pattern has a palette of only black DMC thread, but you can easily choose your own colors. Go have fun with it!

The PDF pattern can be purchased from my Etsy shop.