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If you enjoy cross stitch projects, it is likely that you are always on alert for interesting patterns, especially when they are free. The good news is that there are lots of free patterns available. Internet pattern sites are the most common place to look and a few of those are listed at the end of this article, but there are also several other sources for free patterns

CRAFT STORE
You probably need to look no further than the tread counter at your local store to find free patterns. Manufacturers are anxious to show you what beautiful items you can make using their treads. A colorful picture and a free pattern is a great motivator to encourage you to buy their product.

LIBRARY BOOKS
Another source of many free patterns is the library. Even the smallest libraries have a good selection of craft books. These may address one or two crafts, or they may deal with a wide variety of projects. Either way, if they mention cross-stitch at all they will probably include at least a few patterns. Take an afternoon to browse at your local library in order to take advantage of this great source of project information.

CHEAP USED BOOKS
While we are speaking of books, it should be noted that in the "almost free" category there are several used cross-stitch pattern books available at Amazon with hundreds of patterns for less than five dollars.

CROSS STITCH GROUPS AND FORUMS
Cross stitch groups can be found in a few cities but they are few and far between. But there are quite a few cross stitch groups online. I noticed several groups at http://groups.yahoo.com and several of facebook.com. Sharing patterns and tips via email can build a friendship in spite of the distance.

INTERNET PATTERN ARCHIVES
Probably the biggest gold mine of free patterns can be found by simply using your favorite internet search engine. You can just type in "free cross stitch pattern," or "free embroidery pattern" to find a load of great pattern archives. A few great sites are listed below.
- http://www.freepatternsonline. com/xspatterns2.htm
- http://www.cross-stitch-direct ory.com/
- http://www.free-cross-stitch-p attern.com/
- http://crossstitch.about.com/o d/finishedproducts/ig/Models-o f-Free-Cross-Stitch/
- http://www.alitadesigns.com/

By now I'm sure you are impressed with the number of free patterns which are available. Begin to build your pattern library now so you'll have plenty of good ideas the next time it's time to pick one out and have some fun. Good luck with your project and enjoy your cross stitching!

Learn more about this author, Susan Kliebenstein.
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