Religion is undoubtedly a major influence across the world and many cross stitchers will have considered stitching a piece that symbolises their faith; many have already done this. Well, for those yet to do so, just as with every other type of design that we frequently get the urge to search for, there are hundreds of beautiful religious cross stitch patterns available, both on- and off-line.
Admittedly, the majority of the patterns available are for the Christian and Catholic religions. However, there are a number of established sites that provide cross stitch patterns for stitchers from other religious backgrounds.
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For example at www.islamiccrossstitch.bravehost.com/ there are a number of patterns based on the art of Arabic calligraphy. You can even stitch your name in Arabic. While they have others which depict the geometric patterns that are often associated with the Islam religion.
Another great site, but this time for those of the Jewish faith, is https://www.embroidery.com/Cross-Stitch-Religious-and-Spiritual-Patterns.ec/ where stitchers can create a number of unique Judaic counted cross stitch designs. For example, there are Tefillin and Tallit bag sets on which you can have the recipients name stitched in the centre. Which means these are now ready for presentation as poignant gifts at Bar and Bat Mitzvahs.
New cross stitch patterns are added regularly so that those religious stitchers, interested in Judaism, will always have something new to try.
As mentioned above however, the vast majority of religious counted cross stitch patterns are related to the Christian and Catholic religions and gosh are there a lot of designs to choose from! The website www.123stitch.com/religio.html has nearly 300 patterns by themselves, some of which are absolutely exquisite (I have purchased a few myself).
Who these patterns are for
The bulk of these designs are simply patterns and so these may be tailored towards the more advanced stitchers. However, you’ll also find a number of complete kits, both stamped and counted cross stitch kits, aimed at newbies. This also appeals to those of us who haven’t the patience to buy everything separately.
The kits on the 123stitch site include: the Lord’s Prayer, Footprints, the 23rd Psalm, and the words to Amazing Grace. Additional religious pictures including the Last Supper, Madonna and Child, and my favorite: the Dove of Peace.
The patterns are also varied and include hymns, prayers, nativity scenes, samplers, the Ten Commandments, pictures of the Madonna and even a Star of David. And all of this from only one site!
At www.salt-and-pepper.com/Relig.htm there is a wide variety of general religious designs plus a number of intricate and incredibly beautiful crosses. Also, the Mother Teresa, Pope John-Paul II, and the Angel Gabriel have been included. There is also a selection of the most popular prayers and many more designs besides. But that’s not all, there is an entire page dedicated to cross stitch patterns of Jesus, including the Crucifixion. While not forgetting a separate page for patterns of the Blessed Virgin Mary.
These kinds of cross stitch items make excellent gifts that will be treasured and handed down through the future generations. Many patterns recommend the fabric type and number of skeins of cotton floss you’ll need for the project. This depth of information is most helpful for lazy stitchers such as myself.
Many religious cross stitch patterns available online
For newbies and even children who have developed an interest in our art, the website https://www.thesprucecrafts.com/christian-symbols-cross-stitch-patterns-4121772 has a few free cross stitch patterns for bookmarks and little designs that also follow the religious thread.
Also http://lcaminoreal.com/cart/index.php?main_page=index&cPath=101_230 has several free 
patterns and a wide variety of beautiful but easy cross stitch projects for sale. The site has many traditional and cute patterns for angels, religious figures, cherubs and pretty much everything else that can be associated with the Catholic religion.
Here at http://patternspatch.com/patterns/ we also have a number of religious cross stitch patterns, Agony in the Garden of Gethsemane is one of ours on the right.
Any religion-based cross stitch pattern gifted to a strong believer will bring tears to the recipients eyes. They will love and treasure it for a lifetime. It will almost certainly be on permanent display so make sure you choose the correct design and stitch it right!
Do you have a story?
Have you ever created a religious cross stitch masterpiece? If you have I’d love for you to share it with us. Tell us why you stitched it, and what it means to you. How long it took to complete and any funny or interesting tales linked to it. I answer all emails received, so if you’ve any stories, comments or questions – please feel free to send them this way.
Click here to check out the latest religious cross stitch patterns and kits on Amazon
’til next time – believe in yourself.
John ?
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