Freebie: Back to School

For kids, back to school are three dirty words…to parents, those words are better than hitting the jackpot in Las Vegas. I can’t believe that we are on the downside of summer. So many of my friends have been telling me that their kids go back to school in two weeks. Two weeks! I’m sorry, kids…really I am. August is the perfect time to start crafting for those long school days. Ruth Cartwright created this free pattern of Colorful Pencils. It would look so great on a pencil bag or maybe framed in a classroom.

You can find the pattern, as well as other freebies, HERE. \

Looking for more Bookmark charts and cross-stitch patterns? Check these out on Etsy

Stitch a Sweet Pencil for Back to School – the perfect back-to-school project that combines creativity with education! This delightful cross-stitch design features an adorable pencil, symbolizing knowledge and learning, making it an ideal gift for students and teachers alike. Embark on this stitching journey and let the joy of learning infuse your needlework as you craft a charming masterpiece to kick off the new academic year!

Stitch a Book for Back to School – Celebrate the love of reading and knowledge with this captivating design that beautifully captures the essence of learning adventures. Whether you’re a bookworm yourself or looking for an exceptional gift for a fellow scholar, this pattern promises to fill your stitching moments with delightful literary magic.

Back To School Cross Stitch – Embrace the spirit of learning and growth as you immerse yourself in the art of cross-stitching with this vibrant design. From the iconic symbols of education to the nostalgia of school days, this pattern encapsulates the essence of starting a new chapter. Stitch, create, and commemorate your educational journey with this charming cross-stitch masterpiece.

School Days, School Days – Relive the magical memories of laughter, friendship, and the pursuit of knowledge with this nostalgic design. Whether you’re stitching it as a keepsake for yourself or as a thoughtful gift for a dear friend, this pattern encapsulates the essence of those unforgettable school days that shaped us into who we are today.

Teacher Name Cross Stitch Pattern – This personalized design allows you to stitch a heartfelt tribute to the teachers who inspire, support, and guide us on our educational journey. Craft a token of appreciation that they’ll cherish forever, showcasing their name in a beautifully crafted cross-stitch artwork that celebrates the impact they make in shaping young minds.

Teacher Word Art Cross Stitch Pattern This unique and intricate design combines the power of words with the beauty of cross-stitch, allowing you to create a visual ode to the teaching profession. With words like “inspire,” “educate,” and “nurture,” this pattern reflects the essence of being a teacher

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Teacher Cross Stitch Patterns

If you like repeating cross stitch designs, borders you can use on other projects or as bookmarks, florals and Japanese-inspired designs, you’ll want to check out 200 Japanese Cross Stitch Designs by Saeko Endo. This collection of 200 cross stitch charts is low on instruction but big on inspiration for those who are comfortable taking a chart and running with it.

The book includes a brief introduction to the needed supplies and basics of stitching, but mostly is just photographs of finished designs and the charts that go with them. The charts vary widely in size and there can be anywhere from one to six charts printed on a single page.

Many of the designs are repeating patterns, but the chart shows a larger version so you can see how the repeats go together. Each chart has marked what portion is repeating and how many stitches and rows it includes. Other than that the charts are not numbered, but there are darker lines every five rows to help you count.

The patterns all range from one to three colors, and some include half cross stitches or back stitching, but most are full stitches.

The book is arranged into categories of motifs: geometric patterns, retro patterns, traditional Japanese patterns, floral and fauna and borders and pictorial motifs.

My favorites are the Japanese designs, many of which are recognizable from woodcuts, kimono designs and traditional shashiko embroidery. You’ll find cherry blossoms, suns, knots, and simple line designs that would be lots of fun to stitch.

There are a few pages devoted to different ways to modify charts such as changing colors, changing the way to design is repeated, flipping and rotating designs.

Other than that you’re on your own for how you actually want to use these designs. Of course they can just be stitched and framed but it might have been nice to see some of the projects stitched and staged in a way you might use them in everyday life (repeating motifs as coasters, or a bigger design turned into a pillow, for example).

Sometimes it helps to see designs used in different ways to get you thinking about how you might use them yourself. If you don’t need that creative push, this is a fine book full of patterns you’ll have fun playing with in different ways.

About the book: 112 pages, paperback, 200 patterns. Published 2025 by David & Charles. Suggested retail price $24.99.

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