Stitch up a Sweet Diwali Greeting

I try to share cross stitch patterns for lots of different holidays and occasions, even if they aren’t something I’m that familiar with. Thanks to the large Indian population where I live, I have learned a little bit about Diwali through the years and love to share information about this festival of light.

Diwali is all about the victory of light over darkness and good over evil, and it is celebrated by Hindus and other Indian religions. It is celebrated on the Hindu calendar so it moves around between September and November, and the celebrations last for several days.

There are many symbols related to Diwali but one of the most common is the clay lamp or diya, which pays respect to the sun and symbolizes the light of wisdom.

The diya is the focus of this pretty Diwali cross stitch pattern with the sentiment “Spread Light, Spread Joy” and the diya held in two cupped hands.

The design is from Luba Davies Atelier on Etsy, and it measures 125 by 125 stitches. On 14 count fabric that would make it 9 by 9 inches, or 22.68 cm. If you want to make it smaller, using 18 count fabric would make it 7 inches on each side, or 17.64 cm.

I love the look of this using a brightly colored cross stitch fabric, but of course you can use whatever you like and what fits with your decor. You could also change the colors for the hands if you wish to show a darker skin tone.

As it is written the pattern uses 10 colors, and it incorporates full cross stitches, back stitch and French knots.

You can find the pattern on Etsy.

Looking for more Diwali cross stitch patterns? Check out this pattern for a diya, this one showing hanging lanterns and this pretty mandala that’s similar to a Diwali ragnoli.

[Photo: Luba Davies Atelier]

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Cross Stitch Patterns to Celebrate Holi

If you like your cross stitch designs full of color and with a bit of an 8-bit video game feel, you’ll want to check out Flossy Fox Shop. This Etsy seller based in Washington state specializes in fantasy creatures, cozy witch scenes, magic and myths, as well as other designs that are sure to delight.

I know that shop category “cozy witch scenes” caught my attention, so let’s take a look. It’s mostly sampler style designs with lots of little elements, and some are specifically parts of the house like a cozy with kitchen or library. The one shown here is called Bats and Bells, Tea and Spells, and it includes a table in front of a window with plenty of fun creatures like a fox, crow, dragon and cat.

On the wall there are swords and an axe, and maybe also some drying herbs and a teapot. The design is 82 by 77 stitches and uses 22 colors. On 14 count fabric it comes out to 5.9 by 5.5 inches, or almost 15 by 14 cm.

The largest category is myths and magic, which includes cryptids, dragons, mermaids, kitsune and other fanciful creatures. Another large group is animals and nature, which is heavy on cats and corgis, as well as foxes.

There’s also a handful of cute bookmarks, some Christmas designs, and a few cute video game inspired designs. They also have a few stitchalongs if that’s something you enjoy.

These projects are colorful, cute and whimsical, and look like they would be a lot of fun to stitch if you like this style.

The shop also includes some cute needle minders and washi tape in a similar style if you want to coordinate your stitching.

Check out all the cuteness at Flossy Fox Shop, and if you stitch up one of their patterns I’d love to hear about it!

[Photo: Flossy Fox Shop]

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