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Download These Dark, Delightful Halloween Cross-Stitch Patterns
Cross-stitch goes macabre with patterns from Lindsay Swearingen's Creepy Cross-Stitch: 25 Spooky Projects to Haunt Your Halls.
Anya McInroy. Reprinted with permission from Creepy Cross-Stitch by Lindsay Swearingen, Page Street Publishing, Co. 2021
Abandon hope, all ye who enter here ... or rather, abandon your traditional ideas about cross-stitch. This art form has a long history, dating back to the sixth century B.C., and it continues to persist and evolve. Cross-stitch is an art form that can easily be picked up by anyone interested in learning, and the materials are easy to find and usually very affordable. Despite the fact that, historically, needlework is most often associated with women (and often, for this very reason, not considered a true art form but rather “craft”), this creative pursuit should be enjoyed by anyone who takes an interest in it.
Within these pages you’ll have the opportunity to stitch spooky and peculiar patterns, perfect for any lover of the macabre! I am so pleased to present this book to you, as it’s filled to the brim with ideas that have been rolling around in my head for ages. Although you may be interested in stitching these patterns around Halloween, most of them are appropriate to hang in your haunted home year-round!
I began cross-stitching as a child when my mom pulled out a bag of embroidery floss and an old pattern from the 1980s. I found it difficult, but not impossible, for my small hands to achieve the stitches. I learned to follow the pattern and to count stitches. The end result wasn’t perfect (I don’t think I even finished), but I enjoyed the process. I didn’t revisit cross-stitch for a number of years until one day I stumbled across some cool, modern patterns that cross-stitch designers were selling online. It was a whole new world to me; cross-stitch had always been a dated craft in my mind, but here I was seeing something I wanted to make. Pair that with my love of Halloween (and all things spooky, to be fair) and you have Creepy Cross-Stitch. Each pattern is sufficiently dark but also whimsical — my favorite combination. I like to use moody tones and dark hues to help express the macabre theme.
Materials + Tools
Trick or Treat
Trick or treat! These spine-chilling pumpkin heads are ready for an evening of collecting confections. The colors in this pattern are muted, giving it a vintage Halloween feel. My favorite parts of this pattern are the cute candies along each side, which create a sweet little border. This piece will certainly make a delicious addition to your Halloween decorations this year.
Anya McInroy. Reprinted with permission from Creepy Cross-Stitch by Lindsay Swearingen, Page Street Publishing, Co. 2021
Witch's Cauldron
This witch’s cauldron is extra special — the front features a grinning jack-o’-lantern face. My tip for stitching large black areas on light-colored Aida is to use three strands of embroidery thread as opposed to the usual two. This fills in the space a bit more, so the light-colored Aida doesn’t show through. A relatively quick piece, this could likely be completed in a few evenings. Pour a glass of your favorite potion and settle in for a bit of cozy stitching.
Anya McInroy. Reprinted with permission from Creepy Cross-Stitch by Lindsay Swearingen, Page Street Publishing, Co. 2021
Halloween Cocktails 51 Photos
What's your poison? We've got you covered with 45 devilishly delightful cocktail, martini, punch and shot recipes.
Springtime in the Graveyard
Need a quick gift for your favorite spooky friend? This is a speedy stitch that you can likely finish in an evening (or two). Consider customizing the flowers with any colors that suit you best. Mount it in a vintage frame and you have the perfect handmade present for anyone with an appreciation for the macabre.
Anya McInroy. Reprinted with permission from Creepy Cross-Stitch by Lindsay Swearingen, Page Street Publishing, Co. 2021
Shop Lindsay's Etsy Shop
Lindsay Swearingen is a part-time illustrator and fiber artist originally hailing from Denver, Colorado. Shop more cross-stitch patterns, prints and stickers at her Etsy shop, Tusk and Cardinal.
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