Cross-Stitch

Charts, patterns and everything needlepoint

Tips for Changing Colors in a Cross Stitch Project

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It’s pretty common to use the same colors in a cross stitch project as those that are used in the chart, but sometimes you might want to change a color or two in a design.

It’s not always as easy as just swapping in whatever colors you like that you have in your stash. It’s helpful if you can compare the colors you want to change with the colors used in the original design to make sure they are similar in tone.

Check out this tutorial and video at Peacock and Fig for more information about how to make the best choices when substituting colors in different projects.

[Photo: Peacock and Fig.]

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Cross Stitch Keychain Patterns

One little cross stitch project that’s fun to make, use and give as a gift is a cross stitch keychain. There are lots of different styles of keychain you can make with a cross stitch element, so let’s take a look at a few ideas for a cross stitch keychain. 

I love the long key fob style keychains as a medium for cross stitching. This lemon pattern from Stitched by Brook calls for 18 count fabric and comes out 6.9 inches long by 1.1 inches wide (that’s about 17.5 by 2.8 cm). It’s 125 by 21 stitches and uses five colors. 

This floral keychain cross stitch pattern from (not so) Modern Millie is a great one because it walks you through how to turn your strip of cross stitch into a keychain using felt backing and some basic hardware. There’s a full shopping list in the project if you need help knowing what to buy. 

You can also find cross stitch keychain kits that are like a little plastic frame for your stitching. This one from Rouge Stitchery is a full kit for the Home Sweet Home Keychain. The kit includes cross stitch fabric and thread, coordinating fabric for the back of your keychain and the keychain itself, as well as the pattern. 

Another option is to stitch a shape and have your keychain be that shape. For example these double sided cat keychains from Hobbyist RAF, which include a tutorial video to help you put them together. Or how about some Poekmon cross stitch patterns designed for keychains, like these from Video Game X Stitch? 

Of course you can also use any mini cross stitch pattern you like, or draw your own, to fit in the space of a purchased cross stitch keychain blank. I love these rounds ones from Rustic Reflectio Store, or you can stitch onto a blank like these from Wonder Stitch UA.