Learn how to make this adorable and easy DIY cross stitch sweater for under $10! Perfect for personalizing your own fashion. Free pattern included.
Skills Required: Beginner. Even if you’ve never crafted before, you should be able to tackle this project. You’ll be stitching a design on the front of a sweater using yarn and a needle.
Hello DIY Candy! This is Sam from The Pretty Life Girls here with another fun fashion craft for you! You might not know, I am going through a bit of a cross-stitch/embroidery phase right now.
When I saw this gray sweater on clearance for $6.50 the other day, I knew it would be perfect to embellish with cross stitch since it has a grid-patterned, chunky knit. So I got on Pinterest (of course), where I saw this adorable faux cross stitch sweatshirt, which was the perfect inspiration.
Then I scoured the bajillions of cross stitch flowers until I found the perfect pattern – one that is easy to follow, doesn’t have too many colors, and is cuuuuute.
I worked on it for a few evenings while my husband was engulfed in March Madness (anyone else a March Madness widow?).
I love how my DIY cross stitch sweater turned out!
Cross Stitch Sweater
Gather These Supplies
- Sweater
- Cross stitch pattern
- Yarn
- Yarn needle
- Scissors
Alternatively to yarn, you can use a smaller needle and embroidery thread to cross stitch on your sweater. We were lucky to find one with a “grid,” but not everyone is that lucky! You can also use a fabric marker to draw out your design (one that washes out).
Steps:
Starting from the inside of the sweater and following the pattern (I just looked at the pattern instead of marking it on the sweater), stitch an X.
Continue stitching Xs and switch colors according to your pattern. I found it helpful to stretch out the sweater and stitches periodically to help it lay flat.
Put your sweater on and be ready to get lots of compliments on your one-of-a-kind item!
Happy stitching! And be sure to come visit my sister and me as we blog about style, food, and the things we love over at The Pretty Life Girls.
I hope you loved this cross stitch sweater and I hope you’ll visit these other projects as well:
Carla
Saturday 7th of January 2017
Hello. Where you by the sweater? Thank you.
Kendra
Saturday 20th of February 2016
I love your idea of adding a cross stitch design to a shirt. That turned out so cute! I saw this cross stitch rose on a little clutch purse that was posted on ravelry and thought it was adorable. the pattern wasn't available for free and since i have more faith in my crochet/knitting abilities than i do cross stitch, i didn't want to jump too soon and end up losing $6. :/
Anyways, i've never really done cross stitch before, but knowing i can use it in my knitting and crochet (such as on a Tunisian design or in a similar fashion as you did on this cute sweater), i decided it's finally time to try my hand at it. I just hope my stitching comes out looking half as gorgeous as yours!
p.s. it'd be awesome if you could credit the free pattern you found and used on your shirt. ;) I assume you found it online somewhere?
Alexandra
Saturday 4th of July 2015
Seems like this sweater was made for this project! It would appear that I need to visit a few of my local thrift stores in search of something made with the same waffle pattern now.
Julie
Saturday 2nd of May 2015
I used to do loads of cross stitch but haven't really done any for years. I remember pinning a lovely rose design that someone had painted on a wall (my daughter wants it in her room). i love the idea of wearing the art instead!
Stephanie R
Friday 1st of May 2015
This is such a cute idea!!