Cross-Stitch

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Tips to Make Cross Stitch More of a Habit

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This is the cross stitch page, so of course I’m talking specifically about cross stitch here, but these ideas for making cross stitch more of a habit really work for any craft or hobby that you want to deliberately spend more time on.

I got to thinking about this because of a post/podcast from Hannah Hand Makes, which talks about something she started doing that made it possible for her to cross stitch more. Briefly, though you should go read the post, she says she felt more energized to do cross stitch after finishing her evening chores when everything was set and ready in her crafting spot.

This makes a lot of sense. I always have a knitting project (OK, usually more than one) on the couch so I can pick it up whenever we sit down to watch TV or have friends over. There’s no excuse not to do it if it’s right there and ready to go.

In addition, having all the supplies you need handy makes it easier to get started and keep going. If you have different places in the house where you like to craft, invest in some basic tools in duplicate (like little scissors, needles, needle threaders if you use them) so you don’t have to hunt them down while you’re stitching.

I think it also helps to have a specific time that you intend to work on cross stitch or any other craft during the day. Say it’s 20 minutes after you take the kids to school or half an hour after cleaning up supper. The best way to form a habit is to tie it to another habit or something that happens every day so you’re less likely to forget about it.

I would love to hear your thoughts and if you have any ideas or tips that make it easier for you to work more cross stitch (or other crafting) time into your day.

[Photo by ? Monika ? ? Schröder ? from Pixabay]

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Super Cute Ghost Cross Stitch Patterns

I’m always looking for different approaches to holidays in different crafts, and this year I’m noticing a lot of cute ghosts. Check out these adorable ghost cross stitch patterns for tons of cute without the creepy. 

Cute Patterns by Maria has a set of six adorable ghosts doing ghosty things like reading a book, talking to a crow, decorating with pumpkins and mushrooms and more. Stitch a single one, all six on one canvas, or each on individually to make your own adorable set of ghosts to scatter around the house. Each ghost is 67 by 86 stitches; the full set is 205 by 174 and uses 28 colors. 

Another cute set is this little three pattern set of ghosts with pumpkins and mushrooms. Designed by Wild Bluebell Patterns, the dimensions vary on them but they are super cute all stitched and hung together in hoops as shown. 

This set of hipster ghosts is meant to be stitched up as ornaments for you Halloween tree or to display individually, or you can make one big piece. These designs are from Artmishka Cross Stitch and show ghosts getting coffee, reading a book, riding a broom and more. The whole set uses 11 colors. 

If you have a dog friend in your life you’ll want to stitch up this sweet puppy ghost pattern from Holly Deer Stitch. The puppy is carrying a cute jack ‘o lantern with a candle and the project measures 7.14 by 6.79 inches (18.14 by 17.24 cm) on 14 count fabric. It uses 14 colors. 

Find a ghost among the wildflowers with this design by Woven Wild Crafts. They call it spooky but I disagree. The design is 10 inches/25.5 cm square when worked on 14 count fabric and uses 19 colors. 

Or keep it super simple with this little fall ghost cross stitch pattern from Crystal Feather Crafts. This little one is 56 by 47 stitches, which comes out to 4 by 3.4 inches or 10.2 by 8.5 cm on 14 count fabric. It uses 13 colors.