The Rick Roll has been around since 2007. Cross stitchers have finally found the perfect use for it: a handmade QR code that looks like a thoughtful gift but plays "Never Gonna Give You Up" when scanned. It takes hours to make. It looks lovely on a wall. And then... it's a Rick Roll. The commitment is what makes it funny. ## What is the QR Code for Rick Roll? The Rick Roll QR code links to this URL: `https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=dQw4w9WgXcQ` That's the official music video for Rick Astley's 1987 hit. When you create a cross stitch QR code with this URL, anyone who scans your finished piece gets Rick Rolled. Copy the link above or use our [QR Code Generator](/qr/) to create the pattern. ## Free Rick Roll Cross Stitch Pattern We've made a scannable Rick Roll QR pattern ready to download. **Pattern details:** - Size: 87 x 87 stitches - Finished size: 6.2 inches square on 14-count Aida - Colours: 1 (black on white fabric) - Difficulty: Easy - Time: 8 to 12 hours - Tested: Yes, it scans **[Download Free Pattern (PDF)](#download)** Or generate your own size: **[QR Code Generator](/qr/)** ## How to Make a Rick Roll QR Code ### Step 1: Generate the Pattern 1. Go to the [QR Code Generator](/qr/) 2. Select the Website Link tab 3. Paste: `https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=dQw4w9WgXcQ` 4. Choose Small size (easiest to stitch) 5. Click Generate QR Pattern ### Step 2: Download and Print Click Download PDF. The pattern includes: - Full grid with symbols - DMC thread colour key - Stitch count and finished size ### Step 3: Stitch It **What you need:** - 14-count Aida cloth (white) - DMC 310 (black), 2 strands - Embroidery needle - Hoop or frame **QR code tips:** - Count carefully. One wrong square breaks the code. - Use high contrast. Black on white works best. - Test scan halfway through. - Keep your tension even. ### Step 4: Frame and Wait Frame it behind glass. Add a label: - "Scan for WiFi Password" - "Scan for a Special Message" - "Scan Me" Then wait for someone to try it. ## Why Cross Stitch QR Codes Work QR codes are just grids of black and white squares. Cross stitch is also a grid of squares. They're made for each other. For a QR code to scan when stitched: - High contrast between colours - Accurate stitching (no missing squares) - White border around the code (the quiet zone) - Flat surface when scanning Our [QR Code Generator](/qr/) handles the technical bits. It adds the quiet zone, uses proper error correction, and calculates the right number of stitches per module. ## Rick Roll Gift Ideas ### WiFi Password Prank Frame it near your router. Label it "Scan for WiFi". Every guest who tries it gets Rick Rolled. ### Birthday or Christmas Wrap it nicely. "I made you something!" They'll never suspect handmade needlework. ### Wedding Guest Book "Scan to leave us a message!" It's not. ### Office Decoration Leave it on your desk. Wait for the curious colleague. ### Housewarming The longest prank. They'll have it on their wall for years before someone scans it. ## More QR Code Ideas Once you've done the Rick Roll, try these: **Useful ones:** - WiFi password (actually helpful) - Wedding RSVP link - Business card with your portfolio - Memorial linking to photos **More pranks:** - "Scan for Recipe" that links to a pizza delivery site - "Important Document" that links to a cat video **[Create any QR pattern](/qr/)** ## Common Problems ### QR code won't scan - Check for missed stitches - Make sure the white border is complete - Try better lighting - Scan from further away ### Pattern is too big Use our generator and select Mini or Small size. Longer URLs make bigger QR codes. The Rick Roll URL is short, so the pattern stays manageable. ### Colours look wrong Stick to black thread on white fabric. Coloured threads can work but reduce scannability. Test before committing to a full stitch. ## Frequently Asked Questions ### What is the QR code for Rick Roll? The Rick Roll QR code links to `https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=dQw4w9WgXcQ`, the official music video for Rick Astley's "Never Gonna Give You Up." ### Will a cross stitch QR code actually scan? Yes. Use high contrast (black on white), stitch accurately, include the white border, and keep the fabric flat when scanning. ### How long does it take to stitch a QR code? A small QR code (87 x 87 stitches) takes 8 to 12 hours. Larger patterns take longer but scan more reliably. ### What size should I make my QR cross stitch? Small (2 stitches per QR module) works well for beginners. This creates a 6 inch pattern on 14-count Aida that scans reliably. ## Get Your Pattern **[Download Free Rick Roll Pattern](#download)** Or create a custom QR code: **[QR Code Pattern Generator](/qr/)**