Scandinavian Christmas Cross Stitch Patterns: 10 Designs to Stitch and Give

Scandinavian Christmas cross stitch patterns combine simple, graphic Nordic motifs – snowflakes, robins, wreaths and festive lettering – with natural fabrics such as hessian, aida and evenweave. My collection includes a 25-pocket advent calendar, small sets for ornaments and cards, a festive alphabet, banners and wall art. Every design is an instant-download PDF chart, so you can start stitching the same day.

Christmas in Sweden is full of handwork – woven runners on the table, stitched hangings on the wall, little ornaments that come out of the same box every year. I grew up with it, and much of my Christmas needlework carries that feeling: calm colours, clear shapes and plenty of natural cloth.

A handmade piece also makes one of the loveliest gifts. It holds the hours you spent on it, and it keeps giving long after the wrapping paper is gone. Below are ten of my Scandinavian Christmas designs, from a weekend ornament to an heirloom advent calendar.

All ten patterns at a glance

A cross stitch advent calendar to keep for years

ADVENT CALENDAR is the biggest project here, and the one I think of as an heirloom. It is a wall hanging with 25 pockets, each with its own small Christmas design, and the pockets are large enough for a little treat.

The pattern comes with three colour combinations to choose from, a black-and-white and a colour chart, material and thread requirements, and detailed instructions with diagrams for sewing the calendar together.
Fabric: 14ct aida · each pocket 6×8 cm · finished piece approx. 60×80 cm, depending on the spacing between the pockets

It is a project to start early – or to stitch slowly over a year, so it is ready to hang the next time Christmas comes around.

Small designs for ornaments, cards and gift tags

If you would rather finish something in an evening, these small motifs are where to begin. Each one can become an ornament for the tree, a handmade card or a gift tag.

CHRISTMAS DECORATIONS is a set of six designs made for handmade cards or ornaments for the Christmas tree.
Fabric: 28ct evenweave or 14ct aida · 56×56 stitches, approx. 10×10 cm per design

PURPLE CHRISTMAS gives you 24 small designs in one pattern – for cards, gift tags, table settings or ornaments. Instructions are in English and Swedish, with inspiration photos for projects.
Fabric: 28ct evenweave or 14ct aida · approx. 5×5 cm per design

CHRISTMAS CARDS is a set of six designs stitched in half cross stitch on hessian, which gives them a soft, rustic texture.
Fabric: hessian or 14ct aida · approx. 35×35 stitches, approx. 6×6 cm per design

CHRISTMAS ALPHA is a festive alphabet for personalised gift tags, place cards and monograms. Stitch the letters one by one, or all together as a Christmas wall hanging.
Fabric: 14ct aida · each tag 6×8 cm · 33×53 cm stitched together

Rustic Christmas pieces on hessian

Natural hessian (burlap) has a texture I love for Christmas – earthy, warm and very Scandinavian. It frays easily, so secure the edges before you start. My guide on how to stitch on burlap takes you through it step by step.

CHRISTMAS BASKET has white snowflakes that stand out beautifully on natural hessian. Fill it with winter apples, home-baked bread or a bunch of pine branches. The pattern includes 12 different snowflakes and a photo tutorial for making the basket.
Fabric: 13ct hessian or 14ct aida · approx. 50×50 stitches per snowflake · finished basket approx. 34×20 cm

CHRISTMAS BANNER RED is an easy design with a real Scandinavian feel, made to hang above the fireplace or on a large wall.
Fabric: natural hessian · large half cross stitch in wool · finished size approx. 100×50 cm

CHRISTMAS BANNER WHITE works as a mantelpiece banner or as wall art.
Fabric: natural hessian · needlepoint/half cross stitch · finished size 75×45 cm

Christmas wall art on aida

MERRY CHRISTMAS has a fun Scandinavian look with a contemporary feel – a small piece that is quick to frame.
Fabric: 14ct aida · finished size 30×13 cm

ROBIN carries a little piece of Christmas history. In Victorian times postmen wore red tunics and were nicknamed Robin Redbreasts – and that is how the robin found its way onto early Christmas cards. The pattern includes a tutorial for a simple slipcover cushion, or you can frame it.
Fabric: 14ct aida · 224×224 stitches · finished size 40×40 cm

Looking for Christmas cushions?

I have gathered thirteen cushion designs – from Reindeer and Snow Star to Lingonberry – in a separate post: Scandinavian Christmas cushions to cross stitch, grouped by hessian, aida and linen.

Good to know

What do I get? Each pattern is an instant-download PDF with a chart and instructions. Most include a DMC colour key; the product page lists exactly what is in each one.

Which fabric should I choose? 14ct aida is the easiest to count and the best place to start. 28ct evenweave gives a finer, softer look. Hessian gives rustic texture and is usually stitched in half cross stitch.

Where can I see them all? Every design is in my Christmas cross stitch patterns collection.

I hope one of these finds its way onto your table, your tree or your wall this year – and if you stitch one, I would love to see it. Tag me on Instagram at @anetteerikssondesign.

Happy Stitching!
Anette