Review: Cute Kawaii Cross Stitch

Kawaii is a style that has taken over around the world, and it is found in lots of different crafting genres, too. Kawaii cross stitch patterns are usually small, colorful and have smiling faces to add to their adorableness.

Sosae and Dennis Caetano, the designers behind Trellis and Thyme, have collected more than 400 cute little cross stitch designs in their book Cute Kawaii Cross Stitch.

There’s a brief introduction to cross stitching at the beginning of the book, but it’s mostly about the patterns, which are organized into general themes (a few of the patterns included are listed just to give you a taste):

Fruits and veggies like watermelon, fig, banana, jalapeno, carrot, button mushroom, leek, strawberry and corn
Sweet treats such as a rootbeer float, banana split, gumball machine, frosted cupcake, doughnut, churros and a fudge sundae
Yummy food, which includes things like a blueberry muffin, soft-boiled egg, hamburger, burrito, Sriracha, salad, kimchi, shrimp cocktail and toast
In the kitchen, with such options as a teacup, blender, microwave, pitcher of juice, frying pan, mixer, wok and French press
Adorable animals like a narwahl, hedgehog, mouse, iguana, tiger, giraffe, guinea pig and unicorn
Spring themed designs such as a bluebird, potted fruit tree, tulip, watering can, chocolate bunny, wheelbarrow, rain boot, birdhouse and dragonfly
Summer projects like a sailboat, camper, roller skate, little island, crab, tent, grill, flamingo and lighthouse
Projects made for fall such as a pumpkin, bubbling cauldron, mushroom, apple pie, witch’s hat, smore, apple bushel, haunted house and a pumpkin spice latte, of course
Winter designs including a plum pudding, Christmas tree, sleigh, holiday sweater, snowman, a lightbulb-style ornament, snow globe and gingerbread man

Each design is charted in color and a key at the side of each page shows the DMC number for each color used. Each design also indicates the full size of the project (most are meant to fit into 3-inch hoops) and skill level. Patterns are raked easy, medium or advanced, but the more complicated ones mostly just use more colors, they’re not actually that hard to stitch.

If you love kawaii designs, little cross stitch patterns or stitching everyday and holiday objects, you’re sure to enjoy the array of projects found in Cute Kawaii Cross Stitch.

About the book: 128 pages, paperback, 400 patterns. Published 2023 by David & Charles. Suggested retail price $24.99.

Next Pattern:

40+ Christian Cross Stitch Patterns

If you’re a fan of detailed and colorful cross stitch patterns, Design for Cross Stitch might have a pattern you want to try. This Etsy shop is based in Spain and has more than 50 designs with a focus on animals, holidays and landscapes.

I’m just going to start with the first pattern that caught my eye when I visited the site, which is this Sakura by the Lake project. This pattern is 200 by 200 stitches and the whole background is stitched, so it’s definitely not for a beginner, but it’s stunning and would be amazing to make for someone who loves Japan. Despite the detail it only uses 24 colors. Worked on 14 count fabric it will measure 14.64 inches, or 37.19 cm.

There are a few other landscape designs, including a canal in Venice and a few cabins in the woods.

The shop also has some cute animal cross stitch, with big, round faces and often holding a warm beverage. Holiday projects focus on Christmas and Halloween. Most of the patterns have a cute, chibi-like feel, but there are some that are more detailed and realistic as well. Take for examples the flower patterns, which are full of details and soft colors.

You’ll also find some fun bookmark cross stitch patterns with a watercolor feel, as well as some that look kind of like paint pouring turned into stitches.

If this sort of stuff sounds like fun to you, check out their Etsy store at Design for Cross Stitch.

Do you have a favorite cross stitch designer who I haven’t featured yet? Let me know in the comments or share more about them by clicking on “suggest a DIY” at the center top of the page and let me know the details. I’d love to share the designers you’re enjoying with a wider audience.

[Photo: Design for Cross Stitch]

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