I’ve always been fascinated by cross stitch knitting stitch, also called the criss cross stitch or the yarnover cross stitch. Just by wrapping, slipping, and dropping the stitches in a couple of rows, you can get a unique construction that is sure to get compliments. Updated 1/24/23
To get the knitting patterns, scroll down the page to the individual pattern you want and click on the link to that pattern.
These patterns are not my designs but links to other designers who have generously shared their patterns. If you have questions about how to knit a specific pattern, please contact the designer directly.
All links on this site are for informational purposes, but please note that some links are to affiliate sellers that pay me a small commission on purchases.
Free Patterns
Frosted Glass Sweater
An eye-catching lattice lace pattern adorns the hem and collar of this easy-to-wear pullover. The loose fit and long silhouette can be paired with anything from jeans to leggings for a sweater that will easily take you from day to night. Sizes Bust: 30½ (34¾, 38½, 43¼, 47½)" DK weight yarn. Designed by Jill Wolcott
Criss Cross Stripes Blanket
Throw worked in an 8 row repeat of a garter stitch and crossed stitch combination to achieve the rich criss cross design that defines this cushy throw. Super bulky weight yarn. Designed by Bernat
Tangled Lines Cowl
Buttoned scarf knit flat with a 12 row repeat cross stitch openwork that showcases hand-dyed yarn. Uses one skein of DK weight yarn. Designed by Vanessa Ewing
- Get the free knitting pattern
- Get the yarn used in this pattern (limited supply!)
- See Vanessa's hand-dyed yarn and more patterns
Malemute Poncho
This ethereal poncho by Emily Nora O’Neil for Berroco uses three alternating yarns to create a soft and beautiful, lace fabric.
Crossover Stitch Head Wrap
Headband knit with an openwork cross stitch. Designed by Iesha Dover. Fingering weight yarn. Pictured project by oldhyde.
Maya Cowl/Stole/Scarf
Featuring the openwork crossover stitch, this accessory is knit flat as a rectangle. Many knitters then seamed or grafted the ends to form a cowl. Great showcase for multicolor yarn. Designed by Anniken Allis. Pictured project by elsiee who cast on 44 stitches and used one skein of Malabrigo Yarn Mechita fingering weight yarn. Rated easy by Ravelrers.
- Get the free knitting pattern
- Get the Malabrigo Yarn Mechita yarn in the pictured project at Amazon
- See more Easy Cowl Knitting Patterns
Dominika Shawl
Crescent shaped shawl with a garter stitch body and cross stitch lace edge. It can be knit with any weight yarn. Designed by Ardilanak. Available in English and Spanish.
Signs of Spring Cowl
Criss Cross Stitch cowl infinity scarf in sport weight multi-color yarn. Designed by Lisa R. Myers Manos del Uruguay. Pictured project by shippona who made a longer cowl in fingering weight.
- Get the free knitting pattern
- See the Ravelry page
- Get the recommended Manos del Uruguay Serena yarn on Amazon
Cross Over Stitch Top
Sleeveless openwork pullover knit with a 4 row repeat version of the Criss Cross stitch. Knit in 2 identical pieces and seamed. Finished bust: 36.25, 40.125, 43.25, 47.25″. Designed by Fil Katia. Bulky weight. Originally designed for a ribbon yarn. Available in English and Spanish. Note: Make sure you scroll to the end of the pattern for a correction to the stitch instructions.
- Get the free knitting pattern on the Internet archive
- Get the recommended Katia Tahiti Spark yarn on Etsy
- See more Sleeveless Top knitting patterns
Xcellent Shawl
Crescent shaped shawl with Criss Cross stitch and looped hem. Worsted weight. Designed by Margaret Holzmann. 3 sizes
Reversible Cross Stitch Cowl
This cowl knit Criss Cross Stitch and Slip Stitch Honey Comb patterns gives 2 different looks depending on which side you turn outside. Turquoise Beach Cowl designed by Nevin Dermenci.
More Free Patterns
Exes and Ohs Shawl
A garter lace and Criss Cross Stitch shawlette/capelet that covers the upper shoulders and back and closes on the neck with a button. . Mixes sport yarn with ribbon yarn. Designed by Amy Williams. Great with multicolor yarn!
Modern Love(y) Blanket
The Criss Cross stitch gives this striped blanket a fluffy lacy texture. 2 sizes baby blanket or afghan – 47″ x 34″ or 64″ x 55″ Designed by Vickie Howell
- Get the free knitting pattern
- Get the recommended Vickie Howell Sheep(ish) Yarn on Amazon
- See more knitting patterns by Vickie Howell
Thinking of You Bolero
Knit a rectangle in Criss Cross Stitch and seam to get this stunning shrug by DROPS Design. Size: S – M/L – XL – XXL – XXXL. Pictured project by Himlajord
- Get the free knitting pattern
- See Ravelry page
- Get the recommended yarn on Etsy
- See more Easy Shrug Knitting Patterns
Elis Cowl
This cowl is knit with the Criss Cross Stitch and easily adapted to longer or wider styles. Designed by Reiko Kuwamura. Pictured project by knittily
- Get the free knitting pattern
- Get the recommended Manos del Uruguay Silk Blend yarn on Amazon
- See more Cowl Knitting Patterns
Yarnover Cross Scarf
This scarf is knit with sections of cross stitch and drop stitches. Designed by Rozetti Yarns. Pictured project by gulf714
- Get the free knitting pattern
- Get the video demonstration for $3.99 – not necessary to download the free pattern
Cross Stitch Stole
Approximate Finished Measurements 16” wide x 61” long after blocking. Great with multi-color yarn. Designed by Vanessa Ewing.
Elis Shoulder Warmer
This is an adaptation of the Ellis cowl. Knit with the Criss Cross Stitch, it is knit larger to work as a capelet. Designed by Reiko Kuwamura. Pictured project by danimily
- Get the free cowl knitting pattern
- See the shoulder warmer mods
- Get the recommended Manos del Uruguay Silk Blend yarn on Amazon
- See more Capelet Knitting Patterns
Lattice Cowl
Ridges of alternating Criss Basketweave stitch and Garter stitch create this cowl in your choice of short or long size. Great with multicolor yarn! Designed by Melissa Reynolds. Pictured project by missbabs
Cottage Garden Cowl
This infinity scarf cowl combines Criss Cross Stitch with a 3x2 rib and the added textural detail of a Vikkel braid. Designed by Kezia Cole. Great with multicolor yarn!
Lava Baby Blanket
The unique Criss Cross Stitch makes this blanket durable and reversible, with a curving border. Designed by Golden Heart Knitting Pictured project by greensong
- Get the free knitting pattern
- Get the Cascade Yarns Cascade 220® yarn used in the pictured project on Amazon
- See more Baby Blanket Knitting Patterns
Maja
Semi circular shawl in Criss Cross Stitch designed by Anniken Allis for Knitty. Stole version also available.
- Get the free knitting pattern
- See Ravelry page
- See the stole pattern
- Get the recommended Manos del Uruguay Silk Blend yarn on Amazon
- See more Lace Shawl Knitting Patterns
Crosshatch Vest
This versatile accessory by Robyn M. Schrager can be worn many different ways. Knit one rectangle in a drop-stitch cable and garter pattern and then make a clever Y-shaped seam to fashion the armholes. You can now wear the Crosshatch as a swing vest, a sleeveless jacket: with tuxedo cutaway styling, or draped with a handkerchief neckline and fastened at the shoulder with a shawl pin. Knit in lace yarn on large needles.
Cross the Night Sky Vest
Open front vest knit sideways in a yarnover cross stitch pattern. Bust: 34 (36, 38, 40, 42, 44)” Great with multicolor yarn. Designed by Sandy Huff for Universal Yarn
- Get the free knitting pattern
- Get the recommended Wisdom Yarns Poems worsted on Amazon
- See more Vest Knitting Patterns
Criss Cross Inspiration Shawl
This oversized shawl features sections of lace, Criss Cross Stitch, and textured stitches. Designed by Gudrun Neumann-Mack. Available in English and German. Pictured project by Beatas. Great with multicolor yarn!
Patterns for Purchase
Wings of the Dove Shawl
Half circle shawl with cross stitch rows on a stockinette body and a lace border inspired by feathers. Knit from the bottom up. Elegant showcase for gradient yarn. Designed by Joan Forgione.
Haslam Shawl
No longer free. Worked sideways from tip to tip, this shawlette features a cross stitch openwork on garter stitch. Uses one skein of fingering weight yarn. Designed by Lily Kate France for Joli House.
Beatrice Cardigan
Garter stitch long sleeved cardigan sweater trimmed with crossover stitch. Sizes 30¼ (34, 38, 42, 46, 50, 54, 57¾)" with 3¾" open at front. Worsted weight yarn. Designed by Carrie Bostick Hoge.
Equation Top
Short sleeved pullover tee with crossover stitch rows on a stockinette background. Finished Chest Circumference: 29 (32, 35, 38.5, 41.5)”/73.5 (81, 89, 98, 105.5)cm. Designed by Mindy Gayle. Pictured project by FiAli. DK weight yarn.
Criss Cross Scarf
Stockinette scarf with eyelet border and criss cross lace edging. This scarf can be made in a range of yarn weights, from fingering through worsted weight. Designed by Roxanne R. Richardson
Brigid's Cross Top
Boat-neck style top with dropped cap sleeves, Brigid's Cross Lace on the yoke, peppercorn pattern on the body, and eyelet cable ribbing at hem. Sport weight yarn. Designed by Coryna Blasko
Settler Shawl
Settler is a stylish, airy, crescent-shaped shawl with a garter stitch body and criss cross lace, using just one skein of fingering yarn. Designed by Truly Myrtle
Infinity Cardi-Wrap
This long sleeved cardigan features a large infinity motif that forms the sweater back and Criss cross stitch openwork on the front. Designed by Kristin Omdahl. One of the 18 patterns in A Knitting Wrapsody: Innovative Designs to Wrap, Drape, and Tie.
Cross Stitch Shawl and Aran Stole
Vintage pattern set in downloadable PDF file includes a pattern for lace triangular shawl and cable rectangular wrap.
