Tips to Make Cross Stitch More of a Habit

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]

If you like your fall decor on the punny side, this collection of funny gourd cross stitch patterns was picked just for you!

If you have a tuxedo cat, which I do, you’ll love this Hello Gourdgeous design form Witch Garden Crafts. It’s no surprise the cat has picked a favorite pumpkin to sit on! This design is 60 by 65 stitches, which comes out to 5.1 by 5.5 inches, or about 13 by 14 cm, on 14 count fabric. That means it will fit in a 6 inch hoop if you want to display it that way. It uses 9 colors.

Another great cat and gourd design (I wonder why cats are so popular in these fall cross stitch patterns?) is this Gourd Vibes Only design with a very fat cat from Happy Sloth Patterns. At 82 by 68 stitches, this design comes to 5.9 by 4.9 inches, or 14.9 by 12.3 cm, if stitched on 14 count fabric. That will fit in an 8 inch hoop. It uses 10 colors.

Keep it simple with My Darling Plum‘s Oh My Gourd pattern, featuring a gourd instead of the word. This mini uses 6 colors and comes out to just 1.79 by 2.58 inches, or 4.5 by 6.5 cm, when worked on 14 count fabric.

Or you can spell it out and stitch a few different gourds with this pattern from Needle Muse Creations. Use the muted palette of 5 colors shown, or use richer colors for a more traditional look. Either way, the pattern is 170 by 78 stitches. On 14 count fabric that comes to 12.1 by 5.5 inches, or 30.7 by 14 cm.

The original “decorative gourd season” expression includes a swear, but this one from Samwise Simple Stitch uses a cleaner version and has a fun patterned pumpkin reminiscent of Fair Isle knitting designs. The pattern calls for 6 colors and measures 200 by 154 stitches. On 14 count fabric that comes out to 14.3 by 11 inches, or 36.3 by 28 cm, though other counts are given in the pattern listing if you want to change the size. (And if you want the not-clean version, check out this one from Wicked Stitch Co and don’t say I didn’t warn you.)

Give your pun a primitive look with the Gourdness Gracious pattern from Needle Case Goodies2. Designed by Brenda Gervais, this one is a printed pattern you can use to make a funny set of gourds and a witch who looks a little surprised at what’s happening in her container. The pattern is 148 by 75 stitches, or a little more than 8 by 4 inches, or 20.3 by 10 cm when stitched on 36 count linen as shown. It uses 14 colors.

Have you read?