Kelly Morgan

For those people that enjoy crafts and also have faith in God, spending time crafting may seem like the craft is more important than their faith. However, the two do not have to be exclusive of one another. Stitching a religious cross stitch pattern could well help YOU focus on your faith while happily relaxing.

The Christian faith has many symbols that have been used in cross stitch patterns and kits. Not only is there the cross, which helps those of faith remember Jesus Christ's death, but you can also find cross stitch graphs depicting angels. Other religious cross stitch patterns might include; Noah's Ark with doves, rainbows, and a multitude of animals. The choices you have for religious themed cross stitch is staggering.

Quite often, you will be able to find cross stitch patterns or kits that are based upon famous religious pictures of the past such as; Leonardo De Vinci's "The Last Supper" or portions of the Sistine Chapel by Michelangelo, including "The Creation of Adam." So many famous artists of the past captured Holy images in their works.  You may be hard-pressed to find your favorite artist had not completed at least one or two paintings with a religious theme.

One way you could incorporate your faith into your cross stitching, even if you have chosen a pattern that is not religious in nature, is to pray as you stitch. In this way you are still focusing on an activity that keeps God in mind, but also affords you the opportunity to engage in your favorite pastime.

If you follow a different faith than Christianity, don't fear. There are also cross stitch patterns for those that follow the Jewish faith. You should be able to find a number of cross stitch kits or patterns with a Star of David, as well as kits that have the Hebrew alphabet, and the various names of Yahweh.

You can also find cross stitch kits depicting gods of Hinduism, pagan and Wiccan symbols, as well as a number of Islamic themed designs. If you search on the Internet, you would probably be able to find a religious cross stitch kit or pattern for nearly every faith-type there is in the world.

When choosing an activity to spend time on and take pleasure in, a hobby is a great alternative to reading or watching television. You can easily incorporate your favorite hobby and your faith practices, whatever religion you may be.  Rest assured knowing that choosing a religious cross stitch pattern to complete will not only help you relax, but it can be even more beneficial by helping to strengthen your faith.