Cross Stitch and Needlepoint Designs


Peter Fournier and Catherine Fournier

by Catherine Fournier

Several years ago, we began to 'restore' Advent in our home. In addition to beginning to follow the Jesse Tree readings and light an Advent wreath every evening, we got rid of any decoration that had a secular Christmas theme. Out went Santa!

This left me with a bit of a problem, though. It is difficult to find 'liturgically appropriate' decorations and designs for the Advent and Christmas season. Snowmen, candy canes, elves and stockings abound, but few or no shepherds, stars, birds, wheat sheaves and mangers. So, over the years I have created my own. The following designs are small and simple cross stitch patterns suitable for Christmas tree ornaments (which is how I used them), or embroidered onto bookmarks, placemats and napkins. They are small and simple enough that mid-aged children, eight and up, should be able to finish them.

Angel Cross Stitch Pattern
Angel:

Angels sang glorious songs of praise and thanksgiving when Christ was born.

Click here to download a PDF pattern with color stitches chart, symbol chart and color key of recommended thread colors (though you can use what you like or have on hand.)

Candle Cross Stitch Pattern
Candle:

Symbolizing light, used in our Advent Wreath, what more appropriate image is there?

Click here to download a PDF pattern with color stitches chart, symbol chart and color key of recommended thread colors (though you can use what you like or have on hand.)

Cradle Cross Stitch Pattern
Crib

After Mary's arms, this humble stable furnishing was honoured to hold Our Lord while He slept.

Click here to download a PDF pattern with color stitches chart, symbol chart and color key of recommended thread colors (though you can use what you like or have on hand.)

Star Cross Stitch Pattern
Star

The Wise Men followed a Star. In our home, we begin the Christmas Eve Feast when the first star is visible in the sky.

Click here to download a PDF pattern with color stitches chart, symbol chart and color key of recommended thread colors (though you can use what you like or have on hand.)

Tree

The evergreen tree symbolises our eternal life and evergreen faith.

Click here to download a PDF pattern with color stitches chart, symbol chart and color key of recommended thread colors (though you can use what you like or have on hand.)

Stag Cross Stitch Pattern
Stag

The stag is a symbol for Christ. Maybe this is where the reindeer nonsense started!

Click here to download a PDF pattern with color stitches chart, symbol chart and color key of recommended thread colors (though you can use what you like or have on hand.)


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