Year of the Rabbit Cross Stitch Pattern

The other day I shared a funny rabbit cross stitch pattern to celebrate the year of the rabbit.

This one is no less cute but a little more reflective of the Lunar New Year celebration, featuring lots of the color red and the year on lanterns.

The pattern is from Frosted Pumpkin Stitchery and measures 58 by 67 stitches. It comes out to about 4.1 by 4.8 inches on 14-count fabric.

You can purchase the pattern for download from Frosted Pumpkin Stitchery.

[Photo: Frosted Pumpkin Stitchery.]

The Chinese zodiac, which assigns an animal to each year in a 12-year cycle, is based on a traditional Chinese belief that the universe is divided into 12 parts, each associated with a different animal. The 12 animals in the Chinese zodiac are rat, ox, tiger, rabbit, dragon, snake, horse, sheep, monkey, rooster, dog, and pig.

The belief in the Chinese zodiac is rooted in ancient Chinese culture and mythology. The animals in the zodiac are believed to have been chosen by the Jade Emperor, who asked all the animals in the kingdom to race across a river. The first 12 animals to arrive at the other side would be rewarded with a place in the zodiac. The story goes that the rat and the cat, both very cunning and clever, asked the ox to help them across the river. However, as they were crossing the ox, the rat pushed the cat out of the way and landed first, becoming the first of the zodiac animals.

Each of the 12 animals in the Chinese zodiac is said to have certain characteristics and traits that are associated with the people born in that year. For example, those born in the Year of the Rabbit are believed to be gentle, diplomatic, and good at managing relationships.

Additionally, the Chinese zodiac is also related to the Chinese astrology, in which the animals are also related to the five elements of Chinese astrology: wood, fire, earth, metal, and water. Each year in the zodiac cycle is represented by an animal and one of the five elements, and it is believed that the element associated with the year influences the personality and fortunes of those born in that year.

Chinese zodiac is widely used and recognized in Chinese culture, many people still consult the Chinese horoscope for guidance in everyday life, for example, some people believe that the animal representing the year they were born will have an effect on their personality and future.

Next Pattern:

Stitch a Rabbit for the Year of the Rabbit

Summer is the time of patriotic holidays in the United States, so it’s a great time to stitch up some red, white and blue cross stitch projects for the Fourth of July or just for summer decor.

Curious Carrie Designs has this cute Americana pattern that would be great to have on display all summer long. It includes an American flag in a watering can full of flowers. The design measure 55 by 60 stitches, which comes out to 4 by 4.375 inches, or 10 by a little more than 11 cm, when worked on 14 count fabric. (The sample is shown on 32 count linen, which is more like 16.) It uses 16 colors.

This Fourth of July design from Lotus Lake Stitching is specific to the holiday, but it wouldn’t have to be if you didn’t stitch the words. The little buildings and fireworks are so cute, and I love that random red, white and blue bird. It uses nine colors and measures 247 by 83 stitches. That’s 17.3 by 5.9 inches, or about 44 by 15 cm on 14 count fabric.

The burlap colored fabric on this project from Needle Treasures Nook makes it look especially rustic, but it would have a different look with pure white or light blue fabric behind the stitches. This one uses nine colors and is 72 by 71 stitches, and was worked on tea-dyed 36 count linen fabric.

The Sub Rosa Design has this patriotic garden design full of geometric red, white and blue flowers. This is one of a series of their designs so if you like it you should check them all out. This one is 131 by 71 stitches and is about 7.8 by 4 inches/20 by 10 cm on 36 count linen.

Wombat Stitching offers this one that is fully Fourth of July (and a little Captain America for fun I guess). It uses nine colors and is 193 by 193 stitches. That comes out to about 13.8 inches or 35 cm square on 14 count fabric.

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