I’ve always been fascinated by cross stitch knitting stitch, also called the criss cross stitch, the Indian 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.
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
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
Haslam Shawl
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.
- Get the free knitting pattern - scroll to the bottom of the destination page for links to patterns
- See the Ravelry page
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
Indian 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
- Get the Dream in Color Smooshy with Cashmere yearn used in the pictured project on ebay
Cross Over Stitch Top
Sleeveless openwork pullover knit with a 4 row repeat version of the Indian 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 Indian Cross stitch and looped hem. Worsted weight. Designed by Margaret Holzmann. 3 sizes
Reversible Cross Stitch Cowl
This cowl knit Indian 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.
Modern Love(y) Blanket
The Indian 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
Exes and Ohs Shawl
A garter lace and Indian 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!
Thinking of You Bolero
Knit a rectangle in Indian Cross Stitch and seam to get this stunning shrug by DROPS Design. Size: S – M/L – XL – XXL – XXXL. Pictured project by Himlajord
More Free Patterns
Elis Cowl
This cowl is knit with the Indian 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.
Criss Cross Cloth
Wash or disch cloth knit with a lacy cross stitch. Designed by Anita Elmore. Pictured project by woodchick
Elis Shoulder Warmer
This is an adaptation of the Ellis cowl. Knit with the Indian 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 Indian 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
Tote Bag
This market bag is knit in the round using a modified version of Indian cross stitch with stockinette stitch handles. Approximately 14 inches wide by 14 inches high. Designed by Kathy Zola. Available in English and German. Pictured project by kpollard22
- Get the free knitting pattern
- Get the Lion Brand Cotton-Ease yarn used in the pictured project
- See more Tote Knitting Patterns
Cottage Garden Cowl
This infinity scarf cowl combines Indian 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 Indian 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 Indian 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
Crossover Scarf
Lacy scarf created with the eyelet cross stitch. Designed by Candi Jensen. Pictured project by yalliejane
- Get the free knitting pattern
- See the Ravelry page
See more knitting patterns by Candi Jensen- See more Lacy Scarf 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
Indian Inspiration Shawl
This oversized shawl features sections of lace, Indian Cross Stitch, and textured stitches. Designed by Gudrun Neumann-Mack. Available in English and German. Pictured project by Beatas. Great with multicolor yarn!
Reversible Fair Isle Scarf
This scarf features a reversible Indian cross stitch lace section at each end. The body of the scarf is knit in the round as a tube so the scarf looks pretty on both sides. Designed by Clare Hutchinson.
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.
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 Indian 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 Vest
Cross stitch lace adds a stylish touch to this classic v-neck pullover vest. Designed by Christine Marie Chen. Sizes X-Small, Small, Medium, Large, X-Large, and XX-Large. One of the patterns in Vogue Knitting, Spring/Summer 2016.
Cross Stitch Top
Airy Indian cross stitch lightens up this sleeveless pullover, which works up quickly in bulky yarn. Designed by Christine Marie Chen. Sizes Small, Medium/Large, X-Large. One of the patterns in Noro Knitting Magazine, Spring/Summer 2017, Issue 10
See more pics and get Noro Knitting Magazine, Spring/Summer 2017, Issue 10
Cross Stitch Shawl and Aran Stole
Vintage pattern set in downloadable PDF file includes a pattern for lace triangular shawl and cable rectangular wrap.
Cross Stitch Skirt and Shell
The skirt and shell both have are bordered with Indian cross stitch. The shell buttons in the back.S, M, L, XL. Designed by Arenda Holladay. One of the patterns in Cast On, May-July 2012
