Get 10 free patterns worth £60!

  • Log in
  • Cart (0)
  • Cart (0)
  • Log in
  • Checkout
  • NEW
  • Shop All

    All Kits & Patterns  

    Best Sellers
    Cross Stitch Kits
    Stitch-a-Longs
    Subscription Box
    Advent Calendar
    Cross Stitch Patterns
    Exclusive Member Patterns
    Crochet Kits

    By Skill Level  

    Beginner Kits
    Advanced Kits

    By Theme  

    Christmas
    Halloween
    Easter
    Nature
    Floral & Gardens
    Animals
    Adventure & Travel
    Inspirational & Quotes
    Positivity

    By Age  

    For Children
    For Adults
  • Accessories

    Accessories  

    Needle Minders
    Planner
    Hoops and Stands
    Scissors
    Project Bags
    Thread Holders and Bobbins
    Thread Wax

    Merchandise  

    2025 Advent Calendar
    Gift Cards
    Mugs
    T-Shirts
  • Subscription Box
  • Membership
  • Community

    Join Our World  

    Membership
    Facebook Group
    Stitching Socials
    2026 Stitch Retreat
    About Us

    Learn Cross Stitch  

    YouTube Tutorials
    Blog
    FAQs
  • Country

  • NEW
  • Shop All
  • All Kits & Patterns  

    Best Sellers
    Cross Stitch Kits
    Stitch-a-Longs
    Subscription Box
    Advent Calendar
    Cross Stitch Patterns
    Exclusive Member Patterns
    Crochet Kits

    By Skill Level  

    Beginner Kits
    Advanced Kits

    By Theme  

    Christmas
    Halloween
    Easter
    Nature
    Floral & Gardens
    Animals
    Adventure & Travel
    Inspirational & Quotes
    Positivity

    By Age  

    For Children
    For Adults
  • Accessories
  • Accessories  

    Needle Minders
    Planner
    Hoops and Stands
    Scissors
    Project Bags
    Thread Holders and Bobbins
    Thread Wax

    Merchandise  

    2025 Advent Calendar
    Gift Cards
    Mugs
    T-Shirts
  • Subscription Box
  • Membership
  • Community
  • Join Our World  

    Membership
    Facebook Group
    Stitching Socials
    2026 Stitch Retreat
    About Us

    Learn Cross Stitch  

    YouTube Tutorials
    Blog
    FAQs
  • Country

1,000+ 5-star reviews
Free UK P&P on orders over £40
01926 485 045
BLOG & NEWS

5 Cool Alternative Cross Stitch Uses

September 01, 2021

5 Cool Alternative Cross Stitch Uses

While cross stitch is a form of art expressed using fabric and thread, there are many different ways that this has been turned into something much more unique. Here are just some examples of the wonderful cross stitch uses out there in the world… 

CROSS STITCH TATTOOS

There’s nothing like expressing your love of cross stitch by getting something permanently inked into your skin with tiny crosses! This tattoo by @evakrbdk on Instagram is a tulip made up of a variety of pink cross stitches that really compliments the details in the stem and leaves, whilst adding a unique flair to the design. Combining both age-old traditions of body art and cross stitch really is a beautiful example of creativity.

 

 

CROSS STITCH CLOTHING

A less permanent way of displaying your love of cross stitch on your body is through the clothes you wear – check out this shirt by Oliver Bonas with a beautiful cross stitch border added to it. The choice of muted thread colours with a splash of red complements the denim blue of the shirt, while the floral border adds an edge of sophistication. Something that would ordinarily be a simple piece of clothing now looks like one of a kind, definitely making you stand out of the crowd. Why not have a go at upgrading some of your own shirts and be part of this fashion trend.

 

 

CROSS STITCH SHOES

Why not show off your hobby from your head to your toes with some cool cross stitch trainers? This pair of bright, tropical shoes was stitched up by u/the-alchymsyt on Reddit using motifs from a cross stitch magazine. The vibrant threads would bring together any outfit paired with these trainers, the perfect way to step into summer. Imagine stitching a pair of trainers for every occasion!

 

 

CROSS STITCH WALL ART

We all love to proudly hang up our finished cross stitch pieces on our walls, but how about painting on the walls instead? Eline Pellinkhof has a feature in Country Living which shares step-by-step instructions on creating this rose mural. The bright pinks and reds with the cool greens really pop against the white walls and furniture, with each individual cross helping to separate the colours.

 

 

You could even make like Sally and paint some cross stitches onto a peg board wall! Design any pattern on paper first, pick up some cheap sample paint pots from your local Wilkos or hardware store and go wild! Using a thin paint brush, simply paint on your half stitches and wait for them to dry before painting over them to complete the 'stitch!'

Instead of a whole wall, just grab one peg board from Ikea or Hobbycraft, paint on your design then use the board to hang your ribbon, hoops, scissors or other crafting supplies! Talk about adding another dimension to your craft room decor.

 

cross stitch paint peg board  

CROSS STITCH STREET ART

Aheneah has taken cross stitch wall art to a whole other level. Here’s a piece she has created in the city where she grew up in, Vila Franca de Xira, in Portugal. The meaning behind “Switch-over” is: “Every day, for many years, thousands of kids pass by this wall while going from home to school and from school to home. Most of the time just floating in their thoughts, lost in space, time, and routine. Until their paths have to change directions. This happened to me a few years ago.”

 

 

Using over 2300 screws and 700 metres of yarn, Aheneah has created a beautiful piece of art with a significant message. She has created many outdoor murals to achieve her goal of bringing together many cultures and generations, which is definitely the joy of cross stitch!

Feeling inspired? Why not shop our range of cross stitch kits and see where your inspiration takes you!



Also in BLOG & NEWS

Child cross stitching
Cross Stitch for Kids: A Parent's Guide to Getting Started

January 08, 2026

Teaching a child to cross stitch is one of those simple pleasures that creates lasting memories. Whether you're passing on a skill learned from your own parents or grandparents, or picking up a needle for the first time alongside your child, the experience of creating something together is genuinely rewarding.

Continue Reading

Caterpillar amigurumi model and crochet kit supplies
Crochet vs Cross Stitch: Which Craft Is Right for You?

January 07, 2026

If you're looking for a new hobby that's calming, creative, and keeps your hands busy, you've probably come across both crochet and cross stitch. Both crafts have devoted followings, and both offer genuine benefits for your wellbeing. But they're quite different in practice, and knowing which one suits your lifestyle can save you time, money, and frustration.

Continue Reading

Why Cross Stitch is The Hobby to Begin in The New Year
Why Cross Stitch is The Hobby to Begin in The New Year

December 24, 2025

January brings a familiar urge to start fresh. As the decorations come down and the routine returns, many of us look for something new to bring into our lives. If you have been considering a creative hobby but are not sure where to begin, cross stitch might be exactly what you are looking for.

Continue Reading

NEED HELP?
  • Contact
  • FAQs
  • Buy Gift Vouchers
  • Shipping & Delivery
  • Returns Policy
  • Privacy Policy
  • Cookie Policy

Address: Unit C15B Holly Farm Business Park, Warwickshire, CV8 1NP

Email: support@caterpillarcrossstitch.com

Tel: 01926 485 045

Join the Stitch Club newsletter below and you'll receive weekly emails with tutorials, offers and free patterns. We take your privacy seriously and never share data.

Sign up below to access your FREE eBook of 10 cross stitch patterns, worth £60.

ABOUT
  • Our Story
  • Blog
  • Subscription Boxes
  • Wholesale
  • Reviews
  • Tutorials
  • Giving Back
  • Press & Awards
  • Join Us

© 2026 Caterpillar Cross Stitch. Caterpillar Crafts Limited Company Number 08347850 VAT Registration Number 338300521 Powered by Shopify

American Express Apple Pay Diners Club Discover Google Pay Maestro Mastercard PayPal Shop Pay Union Pay Visa