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How to Dye Cross Stitch Fabric

February 14, 2025 by Sarah White

When I was learning to cross stitch as a kid, there were not a lot of options when it came to the color of cross stitch fabric. Other things may have been available, but in that age before the Internet I had access to what was in my local crafts store or the craft section of the big box store (which wasn’t that big back then). So that was pretty much white and ecru, and maybe black or dark blue.

There are a lot more options available these days, even at the big box craft store in town. Add the Internet and you can get an array of colors, patterns and designs like this pretty galaxy fabric or muted mottled prints.

But sometimes you might want a particular color of cross stitch fabric that isn’t available, or that is expensive or you want to use something you already have in your stash. In those cases you might want to dye your own cross stitch fabric.

It makes sense that this wouldn’t be any more difficult or really a different process at all than dyeing other fabric, but sometimes it’s helpful to see someone else do it before you try it just to reassure yourself that you know what you’re doing.

In that case I direct you to this helpful tutorial from Stitching Corner, in which they turned plain cross stitch fabric into tye-dyed fabric using commercially available dyes.

The main thing to note before trying this at home is that the fabric you have is compatible with the dye you have (so if your fabric is cotton use a dye that works on cotton, for example).

Check the post for the step by step details of how to dye cross stitch fabric with a single color or a couple at once. Would you or have you tried this? I’d love to hear your thoughts.

[Photo: Stitching Corner]

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Backpack Cross Stitch Patterns

These backpack cross stitch patterns aren’t like the backpacks you would use for school, but they might inspire you to go on a different sort of adventure, and pack your sense of humor. 

When it comes to funny cross stitch, this Adventure Awaits rubber ducky cross stitch pattern from Relaxing Hobby Studio is super cute. It uses nine colors and measures 52 by 75 stitches, which comes out to about 3.8 by 5.4 inches, or 9.7 by 13.8 cm, on 14 count fabric. 

I also love this little pigeon adventurer from Happy Cross Stitchers. Actually, with hoodie and sneakers this pigeon does look like he’s ready for school! This one measures 88 by 138 stitches and uses 13 colors. On 14 count fabric it comes out to about 6.2 by 9.8 inches, or 15.97 by 25.04 cm.

This sleepy cat is ready for an adventure as soon as they wake up from their nap. This sweet design from MoonLit Patterns features a kitty curled up on a backpack and wearing a knight’s helmet. This project uses 19 colors and measures 130 by 130 stitches. That makes it about 9.3 inches square, or 23.6 cm, when stitched on 14 count fabric. 

Or stitch up this backpack filled with flowers from Owl and Thread. This looks like just the bag you’d want to have for a walk in the forest or a spring meadow. The design is 71 by 90 stitches and uses 32 colors. On 14 count fabric it comes out to about 5 by 6.4 inches, or 12.9 16.3 cm.

I also like this kind of watercolor look girl with a backpack pattern from StitchALong Studios. You can change the color of hair and clothes as you like. As shown it uses 20 colors and is 90 by 132 stitches. That’s 6.375 by 9.375 inches, or 16 by 24 cm, if you work on 14 count fabric. 

If you’re looking for a design with more of a fall or winter look, check out this girl with a backpack wearing a hat and coat from GlamourXStitch. At 150 by 150 stitches, this one uses 26 colors. It comes out to 10.71 inches, or 27.2 cm, on 14 count fabric. 

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