Cross stitch QR codes aren't just for WiFi passwords and Rick Rolls. A scannable piece of needlework can link to anything — and unlike printed QR codes, handmade ones last forever. Here are the best uses for cross stitch QR codes, from practical to sentimental. ## Practical QR Code Ideas ### WiFi Password The most popular use. Frame it near your router, guests scan to connect. No more spelling out passwords. **Best for:** Homes, holiday rentals, Airbnbs, cafés **[Make a WiFi QR pattern →](/qr/)** ### Business Card Stitch a QR code linking to your portfolio, LinkedIn, or website. Mount it in a small hoop for your desk or give it as a memorable handmade business card. **Best for:** Freelancers, artists, crafters, anyone who wants to stand out ### Recipe Link Frame a QR code linking to your favourite family recipe. Hang it in the kitchen. When someone asks "how do you make that?", point to the wall. **Best for:** Family recipes you share often, signature dishes ### Contact Details A QR code can contain a vCard — your name, phone, email, all of it. Scanning adds you directly to someone's contacts. **Best for:** New neighbours, networking events, craft fair booths ## Sentimental QR Code Ideas ### Wedding Sampler Traditional wedding samplers include the couple's names and date. Add a QR code linking to: - Your wedding website - A photo album - Your first dance song on Spotify - A video message to future generations **Tip:** Keep the URL short. Use a link shortener if needed. ### Memorial Piece Create a lasting tribute that links to: - A photo collection - An obituary or life story - A favourite song - A video of the person Visitors can scan and remember. It's more personal than just a name and dates. **Best for:** Remembrance pieces, memorial gardens, grave markers (if mounted durably) ### Baby Birth Record Combine a traditional birth sampler with a QR code linking to: - A photo album of baby's first year - A video message from parents - The song that was playing when they were born The sampler grows more valuable over time. ### Anniversary Gift Link to: - A slideshow of your years together - Your wedding video - A Spotify playlist of your songs - A private message More personal than a card, permanent like jewellery. ### Love Letter Hide a message in plain sight. The QR code looks decorative. Only when scanned does it reveal a personal note, poem, or video. **Best for:** Romantic surprises, Valentine's gifts, proposals (yes, people have done this) ## Fun & Creative QR Code Ideas ### Rick Roll The classic internet prank. Stitch a QR code linking to "Never Gonna Give You Up", frame it nicely, label it "Scan for WiFi Password" or "Scan for a Surprise". **Works because:** It looks like a thoughtful handmade gift. The betrayal is exquisite. **[Make a Rick Roll pattern →](/qr/)** (just paste: `https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=dQw4w9WgXcQ`) ### Geocache Create a QR code with coordinates or a clue for a geocache or treasure hunt. Hide the stitched piece as part of the game. ### Escape Room Prop Stitched QR codes make great escape room clues. Players have to find and scan them to unlock the next step. ### Art Installation Contemporary artists use QR codes in installations. A stitched QR code adds craft heritage to digital art commentary. ## Home Décor QR Codes ### Guest Room A framed QR code with house rules, WiFi password, or a welcome message. Scan for everything guests need to know. ### Kitchen Link to your meal planning page, shared grocery list, or family calendar. ### Nursery Link to lullaby playlists, white noise, or a baby monitor feed. ### Workshop or Studio Link to safety instructions, tool manuals, or your creative portfolio. ## Event QR Codes ### Wedding Guest Book Alternative Instead of signing a book, guests scan and leave a video message. Set up a simple online form or video collection service. ### Party Invitations Send a stitched QR code as the invitation (or stitch small ones as decorations). Links to RSVP page with details. ### Exhibition or Gallery If you're displaying your cross stitch work, add QR codes linking to your shop, portfolio, or social media. ### Craft Fair Booth Small stitched QR codes linking to your Etsy, website, or Instagram. Customers scan instead of taking cards. ## Tips for All QR Code Projects ### Keep URLs Short Shorter URLs = simpler QR codes = smaller patterns. Options: - Link shorteners (bit.ly, tinyurl) - Custom short domains - Direct short URLs (some services allow custom paths) ### Test Before Framing Stitch the pattern, then scan it before framing. If it works un-framed, it'll work framed. ### Use High Contrast Black on white is most reliable. Dark navy on cream works too. Avoid pastels. ### Protect the Quiet Zone The white border around the QR code is essential. Don't crop it or add designs that touch the code. ### Consider Longevity If linking to something that might disappear: - Use a URL you control - Consider what happens if the link dies - For permanent pieces (memorials), host content somewhere stable ## What Can QR Codes Link To? **Websites:** Any URL works **Videos:** YouTube, Vimeo, personal hosting **Music:** Spotify, Apple Music, SoundCloud **Photos:** Google Photos albums, iCloud, Flickr **Text:** Our text message feature (`xstitchify.com/m/?t=yourmessage`) **Apps:** App store links **Social:** Instagram, TikTok, LinkedIn profiles **Files:** PDFs, documents (if publicly hosted) **Location:** Google Maps links ## Frequently Asked Questions ### How long does a QR code cross stitch take? 6-25 hours depending on size. Simple short URLs (like Rick Roll) are faster. Complex WiFi passwords or long URLs take longer. ### Will the QR code work forever? The stitched pattern will last decades. Whether the *link* works depends on whether the destination URL stays active. For permanent pieces, use URLs you control. ### Can I put a logo in the QR code? Traditional QR codes don't have logos. Some generators add them to the centre, but this reduces reliability. For cross stitch, we recommend plain QR codes — they scan better and stitch easier. ### What size should I make it? Start with "Small" (2 stitches per module) for most projects. This creates a ~60-80 stitch square depending on content length. Increase to "Medium" if you want it larger or more forgiving. ### Can I stitch a QR code on black fabric? Yes, but invert the colours. Stitch white on black. The contrast is what matters, not which colour is which. ## Start Creating **[Open QR Generator →](/qr/)** Choose Website Link, WiFi Password, or Text Message. Download the pattern free.