Have you ever tried cross-stitch before? It’s an older craft for sure, but it’s making a comeback as all vintage things tend to do. I’ve seen just about everything out there on Pinterest from silly sayings cross-stitched for bathrooms to hand painted cross-stitch styled murals in homes. Hand-embroidered pieces are also popular and I’ve seen embroidery on clothing and accessories for awhile now. I even started to embroider a little owl on some fabric the other day just for a “hoot” and she is turning out to be quite adorable.
I’m by no means an expert on cross-stitch or embroidery, but it’s certainly fun to play around and see what you can create. And there’s a really great way to try out needlework – on your crocheted afghans! Now, I do recommend trying some cross-stitch samplers before you dive into one of these patterns if you haven’t played with needlework before. All of these are vintage patterns with the exception of number seven, the Songbird Square. This pattern is probably a good place to start since it’s a granny square with basic stitches.
I love the vintage and intricate look of these afghans. I’m curious to know if any of you have tried any kind of needlework on crochet. Or maybe one of you has a cross-stitch afghan that’s been passed down from your grandparents. If so, I’d love to see your creations, so post a photo on our Facebook page!
- Fleur de Lis Afghan
- Queen Anne Blanket
- American Rose Afghan
- Royal Splendour Afghan
- Marie Antoinette Afghan
- Olive Rose Afghan
- Songbird Square
- Sailboat Baby Blanket
- Maize Fireside Afghan
There are so many ways to use needlework in your crochet. You can even embroider names, or “crocheted by” little labels on your projects. There are so many possibilities and your crocheted afghan can be your blank canvas!
Have you tried needlework on any of your crochet projects?
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I tried an NFL helmet pattern many years ago that had the logo for the team, as well as the team name, cross-stitched over the tunisian crochet. It looked “okay” but the next time I made one, I incorporated the logo pattern and team name into the tunisian stitch and worked the afghan as one cohesive piece. I was afraid that after a number of washings the cross-stitching would come undone or break apart.
I made a baby afghan for my son 24 years ago that was tunisian crochet with bunnies cross-stitched on it. It was washed many times and the stitching never came out. Would love to make one with flowers sometime.