Cross Stitch & Embroidery Patterns and Charts

Cross stitch is a form of embroidery worked on an evenly woven, grid-like fabric with regularly spaced holes, by making X-shaped stitches. Since every square equals one cross, designs are easy to follow from charts drawn in colored squares or symbols. In Turkish the craft goes by two names: kanaviçe traditionally refers to both the technique and the canvas it is worked on, while etamin is the name of the even-weave fabric most often used for it (what English speakers call Aida cloth). Because you count your way across, it rewards patience and attention, and it is a deeply relaxing pastime. This category covers not only cross stitch but free-hand embroidery such as satin stitch, chain stitch and stem stitch, and telkırma, a metal-thread embroidery from the Bartın region.

In Turkey, cross stitch is one of the most loved parts of preparing a çeyiz, the hope chest of handmade linens a bride brings to her new home. Towel borders, prayer rugs, wrapping cloths and pillowcases are often worked in the same design as a matching set. The basic supplies are simple: Aida cloth, six-strand embroidery floss, a blunt tapestry needle with a large eye, and a hoop to keep the fabric taut. Floss is separated into strands, and on most fabrics two strands are enough for cross stitch. Fabrics come in different counts; large-count fabrics are easier on the eyes and better for beginners. Telkırma is a traditional embroidery unique to Bartın: thin silver or gold colored metal strips are bent through fine muslin or silk fabric, and its bright, durable finish gives headscarves and linens a special elegance.

Towel borders and prayer rugs are the most established cross stitch pieces; geometric borders, tulips, roses and carnations appear in them again and again. Wrapping cloths and table covers carry designs spread across larger areas. Framed pieces and wall pictures bring landscapes, flower bouquets or names and dates into a frame as decoration. Hand-embroidered headscarves, hope chest linens and hoop art, along with telkırma headscarves and covers, are the most loved projects on the embroidery side of the category.

In El İşi Dünyası you can filter cross stitch and embroidery patterns by the Towels & Prayer Rugs, Covers & Wrapping Cloths, Embroidery & Telkırma or Framed Pieces subcategories, or type a motif name into the search box to search post titles. Save the work you love, and ask the maker about the fabric, floss or chart in the comments. When you photograph and share your own cross stitch, you get the community's feedback through likes, comments and ratings. All it takes is the free El İşi Dünyası app and a quick sign-up.