Cross stitch name patterns are the most personal gift you can make. A baby's name, a wedding couple, a beloved pet — stitched by hand, kept forever. This guide covers how to create name patterns, font choices for different occasions, and tips for professional-looking results. ## How to Create a Cross Stitch Name Pattern ### The Quick Method (30 seconds) 1. Open the [Text Generator](/text/) 2. Type the name 3. Choose a font (Block for babies, Script for weddings) 4. Pick a colour 5. Download PDF Done. Your pattern includes the grid, symbols, thread colours, and finished size. ### Planning a Name Sampler For a complete birth sampler or name piece: **Gather your information:** - Full name or just first name - Birth date (optional) - Birth weight/length (optional) - Decorative elements you want **Layout approach:** 1. Generate the name pattern first — note the dimensions 2. Plan your fabric size with 2-3 inch margins 3. Add decorative elements around the name 4. Generate date/details in a smaller font ## Baby Name Cross Stitch Patterns Baby gifts are the most common use for name patterns. **Font choice:** Block or Serif. Avoid script — parents need to read it at a glance. **Colour choice:** - Traditional: Blue or pink (if you know) - Modern: Yellow, green, or rainbow (gender neutral) - Bold: Black on white (always works) **What to include:** - First name (essential) - Middle name (optional) - Surname (optional — adds length) - Birth date - Birth weight and length - Small motifs (hearts, stars, animals) **Size guide:** - Just the name: 5" x 2" finished - Name + date: 6" x 4" finished - Full birth sampler: 8" x 10" finished ## Wedding Name Patterns Wedding samplers traditionally feature both names. **Format options:** ``` Emma & James ``` ``` Emma ♥ James ``` ``` The Smiths Est. 2024 ``` **Font choice:** Script for elegance, Serif for tradition. The couple's style matters. **Colour suggestions:** - Ivory/cream thread on white (subtle elegance) - Gold on cream (traditional) - Their wedding colours - Single colour for cohesion **What to include:** - Both first names - Surname (new shared name) - Wedding date - Small heart or decorative element ## Pet Name Patterns Don't forget the furry family members. **Popular formats:** ``` [Pet Name] Best Dog Ever ``` ``` In Loving Memory [Pet Name] 2015–2024 ``` **Font choice:** Depends on the pet's personality. Playful Block for a bouncy dog, elegant Script for a refined cat. **Motifs to add:** Paw prints, bones, fish, pet portrait (use our image converter). ## Cross Stitch Name Generator Our [Text Generator](/text/) creates name patterns in seconds: **Features:** - Multiple font styles - Rainbow and gradient colours - Multi-line support (name + date) - Instant PDF download - DMC thread colour matching **To use:** 1. Type the name 2. Select font 3. Choose colour mode 4. Generate and download No account needed for basic patterns. Pro unlocks script fonts and advanced colours. ## Font Recommendations by Occasion | Occasion | Best Font | Why | |----------|-----------|-----| | Baby gift | Block | Clear, readable, bold | | Wedding | Script | Elegant, formal | | Pet | Block or Serif | Versatile, easy | | Memorial | Serif | Dignified, classic | | Kid's room | Block + Rainbow | Fun, colourful | | Kitchen/home | Serif | Traditional sampler look | ## Sizing Your Name Pattern Pattern size depends on: 1. **Name length** — "Jo" is 2 letters, "Alexandria" is 10 2. **Font choice** — Script is taller than Block 3. **Fabric count** — Higher count = smaller finished size **Quick calculation:** Name length × stitch width per letter = total width in stitches Divide by fabric count = inches wide Example: "EMMA" in Block font - 4 letters × ~6 stitches each = ~24 stitches wide - Plus spacing: ~28 stitches total - On 14-count: 28 ÷ 14 = 2 inches wide Our generator calculates this automatically and shows finished sizes for 14, 16, and 18-count Aida. ## Multi-Line Name Patterns For samplers with multiple lines: ``` [Name] [Date] ``` Type each line separately in the generator: ``` Emma Rose 15th March 2024 ``` Lines auto-centre and space correctly. **Tip:** Use a larger font for the name, smaller for the date. Generate separately and plan your layout. ## Colour Ideas for Names **Single colour** — Classic and timeless. Black, navy, or burgundy. **Rainbow** — Each letter a different colour. Works surprisingly well for children's names. **Gradient** — Colours flow left to right. Modern and subtle. **Themed:** - Baby boy: Blues and greens - Baby girl: Pinks and purples - Gender neutral: Yellow, mint, coral - Wedding: Ivory, gold, burgundy **Per-letter custom (Pro):** Set each letter's exact colour. Match a nursery theme or wedding palette. ## Common Mistakes **1. Name too long for fabric** Check finished size before cutting fabric. Leave 3" margins on all sides for framing. **2. Wrong font formality** Casual Block for a formal wedding looks off. Fancy Script for a baby bib is unreadable. **3. Low contrast** Light blue name on white fabric = nearly invisible. Choose colours that stand out. **4. Forgetting spacing** Multi-word names need breathing room. "Mary Jane" needs space between words. ## Tips for Professional Results **Before stitching:** - Wash and iron fabric first - Grid your fabric with water-soluble pen - Count twice, stitch once **While stitching:** - Keep tension consistent - All top stitches should go the same direction - Use two strands of floss on 14-count **After stitching:** - Wash gently to remove grid marks - Press face-down on a towel - Frame professionally or use a quality hoop ## Frequently Asked Questions ### How do I make a cross stitch pattern with a name? Use a cross stitch name generator. Enter the name, choose a font and colour, download the pattern. Our generator at [xstitchify.com/text](/text/) does this in seconds. ### What is the best font for a name cross stitch? Block for babies (bold, readable), Script for weddings (elegant), Serif for traditional samplers. Match the font to the occasion. ### How big should letters be for cross stitch? 7 stitches tall is standard for names. This creates ~0.5" tall letters on 14-count Aida. Smaller (5) for details, larger (9-11) for display pieces. ### Can I create a cross stitch pattern for free? Yes. Our text generator is free for basic fonts and colours. No signup required. ### How long does it take to cross stitch a name? A simple 4-letter name: 2-4 hours. A full birth sampler with name, date, and motifs: 15-30 hours. ## Create Your Name Pattern **[Open Name Generator →](/text/)** Enter any name. Download the pattern instantly.