The holidays are synonymous with cherished traditions, and there's nothing more personal than decorating your tree with handmade treasures. Creating your own cross stitch ornaments adds a unique, heartfelt touch that can be enjoyed for years and passed down through generations. But finding the right pattern, one that matches your style, skill level, and timeline, can be a challenge.
Whether you're a seasoned stitcher looking for intricate heirloom designs or a beginner eager to start a new festive hobby, the perfect pattern is out there. To help you get started, we've curated a list of the top sources for beautiful cross stitch patterns christmas ornaments, from instant digital downloads to all-in-one kits. This guide will navigate you through the best online shops, marketplaces, and resources, ensuring you find the ideal design to make your holiday season extra special.
We'll explore where to find specific styles, what makes each source unique, and how to get the most value for your crafting budget. This roundup provides a straightforward look at the best destinations for your next project, complete with screenshots and direct links. We will also introduce a way you can create your very own patterns using your favorite holiday photos, making for truly one-of-a-kind heirlooms.
1. 123Stitch
For stitchers who crave variety and fast shipping, 123Stitch is a one-stop shop for physical cross stitch patterns and kits. As a large specialty retailer, its primary strength lies in its massive, well-organized inventory. The site offers thousands of cross stitch patterns for Christmas ornaments, ranging from individual printed charts to comprehensive, all-in-one kits from well-known brands like Bucilla and Stoney Creek.
What sets 123Stitch apart is its blend of classic and contemporary designers. You can find patterns from legacy names alongside modern favorites like Tiny Modernist, ensuring a style for every taste. The platform excels at providing detailed product information, including stitch counts, fabric recommendations, and complete floss lists, which is crucial for planning your holiday projects.
Navigating the Selection
The website features a dedicated “Christmas Ornaments” category that can be filtered by designer, item type (chart vs. kit), and new releases. This makes it easy to narrow down the vast selection. A key benefit is the clear inventory status, so you know if an item is in stock and ready to ship, which is vital for time-sensitive holiday crafting. Most orders ship within one to two business days from their US-based warehouse.
Key Details & User Tips
Here's a breakdown of what to expect from the platform:
| Feature | Details |
|---|---|
| Pricing | Competitive, with frequent sales and a dedicated "Sale" section. Prices range from a few dollars for a chart to over $30 for a large kit. |
| Format | Primarily printed leaflets, charts, and physical kits. Instant PDF downloads are not widely available. |
| Shipping | Fast US fulfillment, typically shipping in 1–2 business days. International shipping is also available. |
| User Experience | The desktop site is robust, but the mobile interface can feel cluttered. Using the search and filter functions is the most efficient way to shop. |
Pros:
- Expansive selection from hundreds of designers.
- Quick shipping and visible stock levels.
- Mixture of affordable charts and complete kits.
Cons:
- Limited availability of instant PDF downloads.
- Mobile site navigation can be dense.
Find your next project at: 123Stitch Christmas Ornaments
2. Etsy
For stitchers who value instant gratification and unique, artist-driven designs, Etsy is the go-to marketplace. It serves as a global hub for independent creators, making it an unparalleled source for cross stitch patterns for Christmas ornaments available as instant PDF downloads. This means you can purchase a pattern and start stitching within minutes, which is perfect for last-minute holiday projects.
What makes Etsy stand out is its sheer diversity. You can find everything from intricate, traditional Santas to quirky, modern pop-culture-themed baubles. Many shops specialize in small designs (2 to 4 inches), which are ideal for ornaments, and often offer themed bundles or personalized options. This direct-to-creator model fosters a vibrant community of unique styles you won't find in larger retail stores.
Navigating the Selection
Etsy's powerful search engine is your best tool. Use specific terms like "gnome ornament cross stitch" or "mini christmas pattern" to narrow your results. Pay close attention to seller ratings and customer reviews, as these are the best indicators of a pattern's quality and clarity. You can also "favorite" shops to keep track of designers whose styles you love. Beyond browsing, creative individuals looking to sell their work may find it useful to know that many Etsy sellers can also leverage Pinterest to promote their cross stitch patterns, which helps them connect with a broader crafting audience.
Key Details & User Tips
Here's a breakdown of what to expect from the platform:
| Feature | Details |
|---|---|
| Pricing | Highly variable, but generally very affordable. Individual PDF patterns often range from $2 to $8, with bundles offering even greater value. |
| Format | Almost exclusively instant PDF downloads. After purchase, files are available immediately in your Etsy account. |
| Shipping | None required for digital patterns. You get your file instantly, which eliminates wait times and shipping costs. |
| User Experience | Both the desktop and mobile app interfaces are user-friendly and visually driven. The search filters are effective for sorting by price, format, and more. |
Pros:
- Immediate access to patterns via instant download.
- Massive variety of unique and modern designs from independent artists.
- Very budget-friendly, with many patterns under $5.
Cons:
- Pattern quality and clarity can vary significantly between shops.
- Overwhelming number of options can make searching feel noisy.
Find your next project at: Etsy Christmas Cross Stitch Patterns
3. LoveCrafts (US)
For stitchers who enjoy a well-curated marketplace experience, LoveCrafts (US) offers a delightful blend of patterns, kits, and supplies from both major brands and independent designers. As a comprehensive crafts hub, its strength is in providing a trustworthy platform where you can purchase a PDF pattern and simultaneously add all the necessary threads and fabric to your cart. The site features a large, dedicated Christmas category with plenty of cross stitch patterns for Christmas ornaments, including many quick motifs and smaller designs perfect for festive finishing.
What makes LoveCrafts a great destination is its mix of paid and free patterns. You can find high-quality, instant-download charts from well-known names like DMC and Zweigart, often alongside free festive downloads perfect for a quick, budget-friendly project. The platform frequently runs promotions and highlights specific designers, making it a great place to discover new favorites while stocking up for the holidays in one convenient order.
Navigating the Selection
The website's "Christmas Cross Stitch & Embroidery Patterns" section is the best place to start. From there, you can use filters for skill level, brand, and format to refine your search. While the category isn't exclusively dedicated to ornaments, many of the smaller, individual motifs are easily adapted. The site's clean layout and clear product pages make it simple to see what's included with each pattern and what supplies you'll need to add.
Key Details & User Tips
Here's a breakdown of what to expect from the platform:
| Feature | Details |
|---|---|
| Pricing | Varies widely, from free PDF downloads to premium kits. Frequent sales and promotional discounts are common. |
| Format | Strong focus on instant PDF downloads, but physical kits are also available. |
| Shipping | For physical goods, LoveCrafts ships from its US-based warehouse. Shipping times and costs are clearly stated at checkout. |
| User Experience | Clean, modern, and user-friendly on both desktop and mobile. The ability to shop for patterns and supplies in one place is a major benefit. |
Pros:
- Convenient one-stop shop for patterns and supplies.
- Good mix of paid and free patterns from reputable designers.
- Trustworthy checkout with frequent sales and discounts.
Cons:
- Requires some browsing to find ornament-specific designs within the broader Christmas category.
- Selection can fluctuate based on seasonal stock and designer availability.
Find your next project at: LoveCrafts Christmas Patterns
4. Herrschners
For stitchers who appreciate the convenience of an all-in-one package, Herrschners is a legacy crafting retailer specializing in comprehensive kits. Its main appeal lies in offering multi-ornament sets that provide exceptional value, making it an ideal choice for those looking to create a coordinated collection for their tree or to make multiple gifts. The site is a treasure trove of cross stitch patterns for Christmas ornaments, primarily in kit form, which means you get the fabric, floss, needle, and instructions all in one go.
What makes Herrschners stand out is its selection of exclusive, house-branded ornament sets. These often feature charming, whimsical designs like festive gnomes, jolly snowmen, and colorful Santas. Many kits even include finishing materials like backing felt or plastic canvas, taking the guesswork out of turning your stitched piece into a polished ornament. This open-and-stitch convenience is perfect for beginners or anyone with limited time during the busy holiday season.
Navigating the Selection
The Herrschners website organizes its needlework by craft type, with a dedicated "Counted Cross Stitch" section that can be filtered for "Christmas." A search for "ornament kits" yields the best results. Product pages are detailed, providing clear information on kit contents, finished ornament dimensions, and fabric count. Customer reviews on select items also offer valuable insights from fellow stitchers.
Key Details & User Tips
Here's a breakdown of what to expect from the platform:
| Feature | Details |
|---|---|
| Pricing | Excellent value, especially for multi-ornament sets. Frequent sales and a "Clearance" section offer significant discounts. |
| Format | Almost exclusively physical kits that include fabric, floss, and instructions. Some kits use perforated paper or plastic canvas. |
| Shipping | Standard US shipping with options for expedited delivery. They frequently run promotions for free shipping on qualifying orders. |
| User Experience | A traditional e-commerce layout that is easy to navigate. The search function is effective for finding specific themes like "gnome ornaments." |
Pros:
- Great value with multi-ornament sets perfect for tree decorating.
- Open-and-stitch convenience ideal for beginners and gift projects.
- Finishing materials like backing felt are often included.
Cons:
- Designs lean heavily toward cute and whimsical rather than traditional or primitive styles.
- Some kits use plastic canvas, which may not appeal to all stitchers.
Find your next project at: Herrschners Cross Stitch Kits
5. Fat Quarter Shop (Cross Stitch)
For stitchers who love creating coordinated sets, Fat Quarter Shop offers a curated collection of patterns perfect for building a cohesive theme on your Christmas tree. While primarily known as a quilting powerhouse, its cross stitch section is thoughtfully stocked with small, seasonal designs ideal for ornaments. The platform excels at offering cross stitch patterns for Christmas ornaments from popular series and designers, making it easy to find matching motifs year after year.
What makes Fat Quarter Shop stand out is its focus on project completion. When you find a pattern you love, the store often allows you to easily add the recommended fabric and all the necessary floss to your cart from the same page. This streamlined shopping experience is perfect for stitchers who want to gather all their supplies in one go, ensuring they have the correct materials and dye lots for a polished finish.
Navigating the Selection
The website has a dedicated "Ornament Cross Stitch Patterns" category, which simplifies the search for holiday-specific projects. Most designs are perfectly scaled for 3-inch or 4-inch hoops or other small finishing methods, taking the guesswork out of sizing. You can filter by designer or format (PDF vs. printed chart) to quickly locate the type of pattern you need. Its reputation for reliable US-based shipping and strong customer service adds confidence when ordering supplies for time-sensitive projects.
Key Details & User Tips
Here's a breakdown of what to expect from the platform:
| Feature | Details |
|---|---|
| Pricing | Prices are competitive, reflecting standard retail for charts and kits. Watch for seasonal sales and clearance events. |
| Format | A mix of printed paper charts and instant PDF downloads is available, though not all patterns are offered in both formats. |
| Shipping | Fast and reliable shipping from their US warehouse. They are known for well-packaged orders. |
| User Experience | The site is clean, modern, and easy to navigate on both desktop and mobile. Product pages clearly list required materials. |
Pros:
- Excellent for finding cohesive ornament sets and series.
- Offers both physical charts and PDFs for many patterns.
- Easy to buy coordinating accessories for cross stitch like fabric and floss.
- Reliable shipping and customer service.
Cons:
- The selection is more curated, with fewer niche or indie designers.
- PDF versions are not available for every pattern.
Find your next project at: Fat Quarter Shop Ornament Cross Stitch Patterns
6. DMC (Official US Site)
For stitchers who want to go straight to the source, the official DMC US website is a trusted hub for high-quality threads and a surprisingly robust library of free patterns. Its strength lies in offering brand-authored cross stitch patterns for Christmas ornaments at no cost, allowing crafters to download professional charts and then easily purchase the exact materials needed. This is ideal for ensuring color accuracy and project success.
What sets the DMC site apart is its seamless integration of patterns and products. Each free design comes with a complete materials list, and with one click, you can add all the required floss skeins to your cart. This eliminates the guesswork of color conversion and is perfect for beginners or anyone wanting to start a project quickly. The patterns often feature DMC's specialty threads, like Light Effects or Étoile, encouraging stitchers to try new materials.
Navigating the Selection
The site features a "Free Patterns" section with a dedicated "Christmas" category. While not exclusively ornaments, this is where you'll find festive baubles, mini motifs, and other small designs perfect for holiday finishing. The key is to click into an individual pattern to find the free PDF download link. The site also advertises its frequent free shipping thresholds, making it a convenient one-stop shop for both your chart and your supplies. For a deeper look into the brand's offerings, you can explore more about DMC free cross stitch charts.
Key Details & User Tips
Here's a breakdown of what to expect from the platform:
| Feature | Details |
|---|---|
| Pricing | The main attraction is the large selection of free patterns. The cost comes from purchasing the necessary floss and fabric. |
| Format | All free patterns are available as instant PDF downloads. |
| Shipping | Fast US-based fulfillment for thread and supply orders, with free shipping often available over a certain spend. |
| User Experience | Clean and modern design. The primary challenge is that the free pattern library's content rotates, and you must click into a project to find the download link. |
Pros:
- High-quality, brand-authored patterns are available for free.
- One-click option to purchase all required DMC threads for a project.
- Charts are well-formatted, clear, and easy to read.
Cons:
- The selection of free patterns changes over time.
- Finding ornament-specific designs may require some browsing within the broader Christmas category.
Find your next project at: DMC Christmas Baubles
7. Just CrossStitch – Christmas Ornaments Annual (Digital)
For stitchers who love the excitement of a curated collection, the Just CrossStitch Christmas Ornaments annual issue is a beloved holiday tradition. Instead of selling individual charts, this "bookazine" gathers over 50 brand-new, exclusive cross stitch patterns for Christmas ornaments from a wide variety of designers into a single digital publication. It offers an incredible value for those looking to build a diverse collection of patterns each year.
What makes this annual issue a must-have for many is the sheer volume and variety packed into one purchase. You get a mix of styles, from classic Santas and elegant snowflakes to whimsical animals and modern typography, all professionally charted and edited for consistency. Each issue also includes helpful articles on finishing techniques, making it a comprehensive guide to creating beautiful heirloom ornaments from start to finish.
Navigating the Selection
Since this is a digital magazine, access is typically granted through platforms like PocketMags or Zinio. You can purchase the current year's issue or sometimes find back issues available. The digital format allows for instant access, and you can zoom in on charts for easy reading on a tablet or computer. The content is usually organized into themed chapters, such as "Winter Wonderland" or "Classic Christmas," making it simple to browse for a specific style. For more general information and ideas, you can also explore a variety of cross stitch christmas ornament patterns from different sources.
Key Details & User Tips
Here's a breakdown of what to expect from the digital issue:
| Feature | Details |
|---|---|
| Pricing | Excellent value. A single issue containing 50+ patterns often costs less than buying three or four individual designer charts. |
| Format | Digital PDF format, accessible via magazine apps or websites. Not sold as individual pattern files. |
| Shipping | N/A - Instant digital delivery upon purchase. |
| User Experience | Varies by the digital newsstand platform used (e.g., PocketMags). Generally user-friendly on tablets and desktops for viewing charts. |
Pros:
- Outstanding value with over 50 patterns in one issue.
- High-quality, curated designs from various popular artists.
- Immediate digital access on multiple devices.
Cons:
- You must buy the entire issue, even if you only want a few patterns.
- Distribution is through third-party magazine platforms, not a dedicated pattern shop.
Find your next project at: Just CrossStitch on PocketMags
7-Site Comparison: Christmas Ornament Cross-Stitch Patterns
| Item | Implementation Complexity 🔄 | Resource Requirements 💡 | Expected Outcomes ⭐📊 | Ideal Use Cases | Key Advantages ⚡ |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| 123Stitch | Low–Medium — mix of printed charts and kits | Kits include supplies; charts may need separate threads/fabric | ⭐⭐⭐⭐ — broad selection, reliable fulfillment | Shoppers wanting wide selection and fast shipping | Large inventory, fast processing, competitive pricing |
| Etsy | Low — instant-download PDFs (quality varies) | Digital downloads only; buyer supplies materials | ⭐⭐⭐ — immediate access; variable clarity | Last-minute projects; unique or indie designs | Huge variety, instant access, direct designer contact |
| LoveCrafts (US) | Low — curated marketplace with PDFs and kits | Combine patterns with threads/fabric in one order | ⭐⭐⭐ — trustworthy checkout; seasonal variety | Buyers who want bundled supplies and promos | Curated selection, frequent discounts, free patterns |
| Herrschners | Very Low — ready-to-stitch kits dominate | Mostly all-in-one kits (fabric, floss, instructions) | ⭐⭐⭐⭐ — convenient, gift-ready results | Beginners; bulk decorating; gift projects | Complete kits, good value, seasonal restocks |
| Fat Quarter Shop (Cross Stitch) | Low — small ornament designs and sets | Option for printed charts or PDFs; coordinating supplies sold | ⭐⭐⭐ — cohesive sets for matching trees | Shoppers seeking coordinated ornament series | Cohesive sets, reliable US service, select PDFs |
| DMC (Official US Site) | Low — free pattern downloads; brand formatting | Pattern-only downloads; easy add-on of exact DMC threads | ⭐⭐⭐ — consistent charts; exact color guidance | Stitchers needing official thread matches or free charts | Brand-authored free patterns; precise color info |
| Just CrossStitch – Christmas Ornaments Annual (Digital) | Medium — single purchase contains many designs | Digital issue; buyer supplies threads/fabric | ⭐⭐⭐⭐ — high variety and consistent editing | Collectors and frequent ornament stitchers | Excellent value per chart, curated multi-designer issue |
Crafting Your Own Holiday Heirlooms
The journey to creating a beautifully decorated Christmas tree, adorned with personal, handmade touches, begins with the perfect pattern. As we've explored, the resources available for finding enchanting cross stitch patterns Christmas ornaments are as diverse as the designs themselves. From the vast, specialized inventory of 123Stitch to the artisan-driven marketplace of Etsy, you have access to an incredible spectrum of creativity at your fingertips.
Whether you're a beginner seeking the all-in-one convenience of a kit from Herrschners or an experienced stitcher curating your own supplies from DMC and Fat Quarter Shop, the path to a finished ornament is clear. For those who love curated collections, the Just CrossStitch Christmas Ornaments Annual offers a treasure trove of seasonal inspiration in a single digital issue. Each of these platforms provides a unique gateway to crafting decorations that are not just beautiful, but also deeply meaningful.
Choosing Your Path: Kits vs. Patterns
Your next steps depend largely on your personal crafting style and available resources.
- For the Beginner or Time-Crunched Crafter: An all-inclusive kit is an excellent choice. Platforms like Herrschners and LoveCrafts often bundle the pattern, Aida cloth, pre-sorted floss, and a needle, eliminating guesswork and letting you start stitching immediately.
- For the Customizer and Experienced Stitcher: Purchasing a digital PDF pattern from Etsy or Just CrossStitch gives you ultimate flexibility. You can choose your own fabric count and color, adapt the floss palette to match your existing holiday decor, and truly make the project your own.
Turning Passion into a Potential Venture
As you stitch, you might discover that your collection of beautiful ornaments is growing faster than your tree can hold them. This passion can easily blossom into a small side business, especially around the holidays when demand for unique, handmade gifts is high. If you find yourself considering selling your finished pieces at craft fairs or online, understanding the financial side is crucial. A solid pricing strategy ensures your hard work is valued correctly. For those inspired to turn their crafting passion into a small venture, a strategic guide on how to price handmade products for creative business success can provide valuable insights.
Ultimately, the act of creating a cross stitch ornament is about more than just decoration; it's about building a collection of memories. Each tiny "x" is a moment of peace, a stitch in time that captures the spirit of the season. As you hang these creations on your tree year after year, they become more than just ornaments, they transform into cherished holiday heirlooms, each telling a small part of your family's story.
Ready to create an ornament that’s truly one-of-a-kind? At Cross Stitched, we turn your favorite holiday photos into custom cross stitch kits, complete with everything you need. Transform a precious memory into a timeless heirloom by visiting Cross Stitched and uploading your photo today.
