Easy DIY Cross Stitch Sweater Tutorial

This post was originally published April 2015 and updated as of July 2022.

This adorable and easy DIY Cross Stitch Sweater is a great beginner embroidery project. Follow the included free pattern to stitch a design on the front of a sweater using yarn and a needle!

Can you cross stitch onto a sweater?

One of our favorite crafts is cross stitch, and when I saw this gray sweater on clearance for $6.50, I knew it would be perfect for attempting cross stitch onto a sweater! I found this adorable faux cross stitch sweatshirt for inspiration and a simple floral cross stitch pattern for guidance. Since the sweater had a chunky grid knit, it worked perfectly for cross stitching!

How do you cross stitch a sweater?

Supplies needed to make a DIY Cross Stitch Sweater

Sweater
Cross stitch pattern
Yarn
Yarn needle
Scissors

How to make a DIY Cross Stitch Sweater

Step 1: Thread your yarn needle with yarn and tie a knot on the end.

Note: If your top doesn’t have a large grid knit like ours, you can use an embroidery needle and embroidery floss to cross stitch the design so it’s less bulky.

Step 2: Starting from the inside of the sweater and following the pattern, stitch an X.

Tip: Use a washable marker to draw your design on your top before stitching.

Step 3: Continue stitching Xs and switch colors according to your pattern. I found it helpful to stretch out the sweater and stitches periodically to help it lay flat.

Step 4: When your design is complete, tie off the yarn and trim any excess with scissors. Then, put your sweater on and be ready to get lots of compliments on your one-of-a-kind, hand-embellished top!

What do you think?! We had so much fun making this DIY cross stitch sweater, we decided to make another one you can see here!

Happy stitching!
xo, Sam