When it comes to finding a unique gift for a bride and groom, wedding cross stitch patterns will give you ideas that make for a gift that’s a unique and wonderful choice. They serve as a beautiful reminder of this most important day in a couple’s life.
Also known as marriage patterns, these works of art provide a family heirloom for the couple to pass down to their children and future generations. The theme from the marriage pattern can also be used for anniversary presents, creating a collection of cross stitch art for the couple to add to over the years.
Start with a cross stitch wedding sampler
The primary style of cross stitch wedding patterns is the sampler. These popular patterns come with instructions to complete every letter of the alphabet as well as the numerals 0-9. This allows the sampler to be personalized for the individual couple with their names and wedding date.
Most sampler patterns will have an elaborate border and the larger patterns often contain Scripture or a romantic quote or poem within the design.
If a friend or family member is tying the knot why not make them a wedding card that will take pride of place in the display? Maybe you can use the colors of the bridesmaids dresses or brides flowers in your wedding cross stitch to keep everything coordinated.
Along with choosing the dress, deciding on flowers for the bouquet and writing the guest list, put some time aside for stitching invitations, place setting cards, wedding favors, a ring pillow or even a sampler.
Here’s a short interesting video that has no sound but is fascinating none-the-less as the montage of images grows into a fabulous wedding gift:
Wedding Cross Stitch Motifs
If you obtain an existing pattern, it isn’t difficult to change a color or two in your chosen pattern. You can do this to personalize the finished item, and of course make it unique.
However, try not to pick two consecutive color numbers in your choice of floss as the difference may be too subtle. Therefore, miss out one number and use the next for a more noticeable effect.
Keep in mind traditional motifs when choosing cross stitch wedding patterns. Motifs such as a bride and/or groom, hearts, wedding rings, a wedding cake, and bouquets of flowers.
Further motifs you can add include the wedding dress, wedding bells, ribbons and lace and perhaps a dove or two.
Although, of course, not all marriages are held in a church. For those that are, the building itself could be included in a cross stitch wedding sampler.
Marriage cross stitch kits
Many companies offer cross stitch kits with a marriage theme. Janlynn and Bucilla produce these patterns and Bucilla also cross brands some of their patterns and kits with Mary Engelbreit.
Dimensions has a wide variety of cross stitch wedding patterns. Dimensions has over 20 different patterns in this theme and most of them are sold as a kit that includes the mat, threads, needles, and of course, instructions for completion.
Leisure Arts has two books of patterns for cross stitch art and each book has at least one or two wedding patterns among them.
Look for the pattern titled “Wedding Ring Bouquet” in The Best of Paula Vaughan.
Also pick up The Best of Teresa Wentzler: Sampler Collection. McCall’s, famous for sewing patterns. This latter publisher has also issued a cross stitch pattern book with several wedding sampler patterns.
You’ll find it under Better Homes & Garden’s Country Cross Stitch.
Cross stitch art can also be used for items used in the wedding ceremony, which then become cherished mementos of the day.
From a monogram on the ring bearer’s pillow to a stitched handkerchief for the bride to carry, the cross stitch can be used to personalize and beautify the ceremony.
Some brides even choose the beauty of cross stitch to embellish their wedding dress.
Wedding cross stitch ideas with a Religious theme
A considerable number of wedding patterns feature a religious theme. Scripture verses such as
1 Corinthians 13:38 and Luke 6:48 are two of the most commonly used in reference to love and marriage.
Religious symbols such as the Cross or the Star of David are also common in religious themed samplers.
You could even take the idea of the bride and groom further. Perhaps depict them as cute animals such as teddy bears or mice. I was even once asked for chickens dressed as the happy couple!
The names of the bride and groom, along with the date and perhaps the location can all be included.
These will make the counted cross stitch wedding sampler much more personal. If there isn’t enough room for the complete names why not just include the initials?
Why not try embellishments
You can really go to town with embellishments on your wedding cross stitch. A few seed beads and a little ribbon or lace can all add to the finished piece.
You can also add some metallic thread, perhaps silver or gold. Finished off with an attractive card, a beautiful mount or frame, you have an heirloom to help you remember your special day.
and Finally
So whether you choose a sampler, a pillow for the ring bearer, a picture frame or any one of a number of other items, cross stitch wedding patterns are a wonderful piece of artwork that allows you to give a unique wedding gift that will always provide a reflective memory for the bride and groom.
Has this article given you some ideas, or do you already have an interesting tale to tell? If so, I’d love to hear from you. I answer all emails received, so if you’ve any stories, comments, or questions – please feel free to send them to me (john@patternspatch.com).
Click here to check out the latest Wedding Cross Stitch kits and projects on Amazon
’til next time – believe in yourself.
John
