🧶 Free Cross Stitch Crochet Pattern

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Calculating Your Foundation Chain (The Math)

To get the perfect size for your project, it is crucial to start with the right number of stitches.

The Formula: Use this simple math to determine your foundation row:

3 × number of pattern repeats+ 1 = total stitches

Example: If you need 20 pattern repeats: 3 × 20 + 1 = 61 stitches.

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Foundation and Setup Rows

Foundation chain: Create your foundation chain based on your calculation.

Row 1: Once you have your total, add 1 extra chain. Complete a row of Single Crochet (SC) across the entire chain.

Rows 2–3 (The Base):

1. Chain 3 (this counts as your first Double Crochet).

2. Turn your work.

3. Work one Double Crochet (DC) into each stitch across the row.

4. Count your stitches at the end—the number should match your foundation chain count!

5. Repeat

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The Pattern Row (The “Cross-Stitch” Technique)

This is where the magic happens! This row creates that beautiful, textured look. ‼️Highly recommend to follow video tutorial here‼️

Row 4

1. Chain 3 and turn.

2. Front Post Treble Crochet (FPTC):

• Yarn over twice.

• Insert your hook under the second Double Crochet from the 2 row below.
• Pull up a loop.

• Yarn over and pull through two loops, twice (do not finish the stitch yet).

3. Complete your Double Crochet in the next stitch of the main row. This effectively “locks” your cross-stitch in place.

4. Cross-Stitch

• Skip two stitches (2 row) and work your next FPTC around the third DC after “used DC” in the 2 row.
• Do regular double crochet.
• Go back from “used DC” skipping one DC and work your next FPTC around that DC in the 2 row.

Continue this rhythm: FPTC ( around third DC) + Double Crochet + FPTC ( second before that third), across the row.

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Completing the Pattern

Row 5: Work a standard row of Double Crochet across. This “resets” your fabric and makes it look neat and tidy.

Row 6 : Repeat the steps for the Pattern Row, but shift your FPTC placement to the next available post to create the alternating.

1. Chain 3 and turn.

2. Work FPTC around the the right post of the previous cross-stitch.

3. Do regular double crochet.

4. Work FPTC around the left post (first FPTC made in 4 row) of that same previous cross-stitch

By crossing back over to the left post, you create a new “X” that sits right on top of the gap between your previous row’s “X”s. It perfectly creates that alternating pattern!

🔁 Repeat Pattern

Alternate:

Row 3 (dc row)

Row 4 (pattern row)

Row 5 (dc row)

Row 6 (pattern row)

5. Finishing Touches (Optional)

If you want your piece to look perfectly proportional and symmetrical, you can add an optional final row:

1. Chain 1 and turn your work.
2. Work a row of Single Crochet (or slip stitches) across the top.
3. Tip: If using slip stitches, go under both loops of the stitch. This mimics the look of the foundation chain, giving your project a clean, “closed” border that perfectly matches the beginning.

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💡 Tips

• Don’t crochet too tight (especially foundation chain)
• Count stitches after each row
• If your piece starts to curl slightly, don’t worry! This is normal.

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