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Rabbit (Symbol of 2023) Free Cross Stitch Pattern

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According to the Chinese horoscope, 2023 is the Year of the Rabbit. May this cute rabbit-themed design bring you lots of luck, success and prosperity in the new year!

Designed by Darya Mastrakova, the free pattern uses 18 colors measures 100 by 88 stitches.

While this rabbit cross stitch pattern is far from traditional, it’s really cute and fun to stitch.

Get the free chart from Wizardi.

[Photo: Wizardi.]

 

The Chinese zodiac, which assigns an animal to each year in a 12-year cycle, is based on a traditional Chinese belief that the universe is divided into 12 parts, each associated with a different animal. The 12 animals in the Chinese zodiac are rat, ox, tiger, rabbit, dragon, snake, horse, sheep, monkey, rooster, dog, and pig.

The belief in the Chinese zodiac is rooted in ancient Chinese culture and mythology. The animals in the zodiac are believed to have been chosen by the Jade Emperor, who asked all the animals in the kingdom to race across a river. The first 12 animals to arrive at the other side would be rewarded with a place in the zodiac. The story goes that the rat and the cat, both very cunning and clever, asked the ox to help them across the river. However, as they were crossing the ox, the rat pushed the cat out of the way and landed first, becoming the first of the zodiac animals.

Each of the 12 animals in the Chinese zodiac is said to have certain characteristics and traits that are associated with the people born in that year. For example, those born in the Year of the Rabbit are believed to be gentle, diplomatic, and good at managing relationships.

Additionally, the Chinese zodiac is also related to the Chinese astrology, in which the animals are also related to the five elements of Chinese astrology: wood, fire, earth, metal, and water. Each year in the zodiac cycle is represented by an animal and one of the five elements, and it is believed that the element associated with the year influences the personality and fortunes of those born in that year.

Chinese zodiac is widely used and recognized in Chinese culture, many people still consult the Chinese horoscope for guidance in everyday life, for example, some people believe that the animal representing the year they were born will have an effect on their personality and future.

 

 

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Have you read?

Get Witchy with Potion Bottle Cross Stitch Patterns

There are so many fun ways you can go when stitching Halloween cross stitch patterns or giving your place a slightly spooky or witchy vibe any time of year. I love the look of little potion bottles, whether they’re real bottles lined up on the mantle or shelf or cross stitched versions like these. 

The gorgeous Elixir of Life cross stitch pattern from Makaronka Stitch is decidedly not Halloween in its vibes, so it would be fun to stitch and display any time of year. This is also definitely not a pattern for beginners, as it uses 37 colors and 34 blends to make the beautiful colors. It also uses full and half cross stitches, back stitch and French knots. The design measures 82 by 115 stitches, which comes out to 5.8 by 8.2 inches or 14.88 by 20.86 cm on 14 count fabric. 

If you’re looking for something a little smaller but still a lot of fun, check out this set of six potion bottles from MIYA Stitch. I love how each bottle seems to have its own personality, from one with a pumpkin and witch hat to one with crystals, mushrooms, or a butterfly and flower. The patterns are 60 by 88 stitches each. That’s 4.3 by 6.3 inches or 11 by 16 cm on 14 count fabric. The full set uses 26 colors and blends. 

Or try this set of five mini potion bottles from Plenty of Strings. I love the colors on these and they’d look great as a set on one piece of fabric or individually stitches as shown. Each one fits in a 3-inch hoop.

These minis from Giselles Cross Stitch are really cute, too, though they are meant to be worked together as one piece. The whole pattern uses 26 colors and measures 93 by 107 stitches, which comes out to 6.6 by 7.6 inches or 16.8 by 19.4 cm on 14 count fabric. They’re perfect on black or a dark blue fabric. 

I also like this bigger set of potion bottles from SamXstitch, which is meant to be stitched as a set but you could also work individual bottles in their own frames if you’d rather. The full design uses 10 colors and is 123 by 173 stitches. Taht comes out to 8.78 by 12.36 inches/22.31 by 31.39 cm on 14 count fabric.