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.
![DIY Cross Stitch Sweater in a Few Easy Steps](https://diycandy.b-cdn.net/wp-content/uploads/2015/03/DIY-cross-stitch-sweater.jpg.webp)
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!
![Gray sweater, embroidery pattern, yarn, and scissors](https://diycandy.b-cdn.net/wp-content/uploads/2015/03/IMG_5177.jpg.webp)
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).
![Starting to cross stitch on a gray sweater front with pink yarn](https://diycandy.b-cdn.net/wp-content/uploads/2015/03/IMG_5190.jpg.webp)
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.
![Small pink cross stitch on the front a gray sweater](https://diycandy.b-cdn.net/wp-content/uploads/2015/03/IMG_5192.jpg.webp)
![Partial cross stitch design on the front of a sweater](https://diycandy.b-cdn.net/wp-content/uploads/2015/03/IMG_5199.jpg.webp)
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.
![Rose cross stitched onto the front of a gray sweater](https://diycandy.b-cdn.net/wp-content/uploads/2015/03/IMG_5202.jpg.webp)
Put your sweater on and be ready to get lots of compliments on your one-of-a-kind item!
![how to cross stitch on a sweater](https://diycandy.b-cdn.net/wp-content/uploads/2015/03/IMG_5369.jpg.webp)
![cross stitch on sweater](https://diycandy.b-cdn.net/wp-content/uploads/2015/03/IMG_5363.jpg.webp)
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!!