Finding Free Cross Stitch Patterns The Birds Of A Feather Collection

Oct. 31, 2025, 11:05 p.m.

Tags: bird stitch feather cross

Cross stitch enthusiasts seeking free patterns, particularly those featuring birds, have several resources available. Among these, the "Birds of a Feather" collection stands out as a notable series offering both paid and free designs. This article explores the available free bird cross stitch patterns, their sources, and how crafters can access them.

Background on Birds of a Feather

The Birds of a Feather cross stitch company was founded in 1999 by Barb Adams and Alma Allen, who sought to share their love of color, pattern, and fiber through needlework designs. As of 2019, the company celebrated its 18th anniversary, indicating a long-standing presence in the cross stitch community. Lesley Teare, who holds a degree in printed and woven textiles, works as a freelance designer for the retail trade, needlework, and card companies, contributing to the Birds of a Feather collection.

The company's designs are available at local quilt and cross stitch shops, and they also have a line of fabric produced in collaboration with Moda. Their patterns can be found on various platforms, including Etsy, where Birds of a Feather cross stitch patterns are listed for sale ranging from $10.99 to $59.99.

Free Bird Cross Stitch Patterns

Several sources offer free bird-themed cross stitch patterns, with varying designs and complexity levels. These free patterns provide crafters with opportunities to practice their skills without financial commitment.

Birds of a Feather Free Patterns

The Birds of a Feather company offers at least one free pattern referred to as the "Birds of a feather freebie." This pattern is described as full-sized and saved at 300 dpi, maintaining the same quality as the rest of the series. The free pattern features a bird design created by Lesley Teare.

Among the company's patterns is a Halloween-themed design titled "Birds of a Feather Halloween Fun," which has a stitch count of 120w x 171h. Other patterns available from Birds of a Feather include seasonal designs like Santa Claus and Mermaid sampler, though it is unclear which of these are offered as freebies.

The company operates a message board at www.crosstitch.com where enthusiasts can discuss patterns and share their work. This community resource may provide additional information about free patterns or seasonal promotions.

Alternative Sources for Free Bird Patterns

Beyond the Birds of a Feather collection, several other sources offer free bird cross stitch patterns:

A collection of 14 bird-inspired cross stitch patterns created by an individual designer features artistic interpretations rather than exact replicas of specific bird species. The patterns include designs inspired by finches, golden palm weavers, lazuli buntings, mountain bluebirds, northern cardinals, pigeons, robins, Siberian blue robins, sparrows, swallows, towhees, wrens, and yellow warblers. These patterns are intentionally unlabeled, allowing stitchers to enjoy the identification process or avoid potential misidentifications.
Five free cross stitch bird patterns inspired by quilt designs are available for download. These patterns are specifically noted as being suitable for beginners while still offering visually appealing results. They utilize a limited color palette, making them accessible to those new to cross stitching. The designer suggests that crafters can get creative with these patterns, potentially modifying colors to create unique variations such as a "Pinkjay" instead of a traditional "Bluejay."
Pinterest boards dedicated to "Birds in Cross Stitch Freebies" compile various free patterns and design ideas. These boards include related interests such as cross stitch charts, free patterns, and embroidery designs, providing additional resources for enthusiasts exploring bird-themed cross stitch projects.

Technical Specifications and Materials

When working with free bird cross stitch patterns, crafters should consider the following technical specifications:

Fabric: Most patterns are designed for 14-count Aida cloth, which is recommended for its suitability to cross stitching projects. Some patterns may be worked on either white Aida or complementary colored fabric to enhance the design.
Thread: Patterns typically specify either DMC or Weeks Dye Works (WDW) floss, with charts provided in black and white for easy following.
Stitch counts: Vary by design, with examples including 120w x 171h for the Halloween pattern and 182w x 182h for other designs.
Format: Digital patterns are usually provided as high-resolution images (300 dpi) when available as free downloads.

Accessing Free Patterns

The process for accessing free bird cross stitch patterns varies by source:

Birds of a Feather free patterns may be available through the company's website or social media channels. Some patterns might require newsletter subscription or follow specific promotional periods.
The 14 bird-inspired patterns mentioned in Source [2] appear to be available directly from the designer, though the exact access method is not specified in the source material.
The five quilt-inspired bird patterns from Source [4] encourage sharing on social media platforms like Pinterest, Facebook, Reddit, Twitter, and Instagram as a way to support the free designs. This suggests that the patterns might be accessible after sharing or through social media engagement.
Pinterest boards compile links to various free patterns, though users should verify the current availability of these patterns as links may become inactive over time.

Beginner-Friendly Options

For those new to cross stitching, several free bird patterns are specifically designed to be accessible:

The five quilt-inspired bird patterns mentioned earlier are explicitly noted as suitable for beginners, offering gratifying results for developing skills.
Patterns with limited color palettes reduce complexity while still producing attractive finished designs.
Smaller stitch count patterns, such as the 120w x 171h Halloween design, require less time and commitment than larger, more detailed works.

Customization Opportunities

Free bird cross stitch patterns often provide opportunities for customization:

The quilt-inspired bird patterns can be creatively modified with different color schemes, allowing for personal expression.
Some patterns may be adapted to different fabric colors to achieve various effects.
Stitchers have the freedom to interpret artistic bird designs in their own style, particularly with the unlabeled patterns that focus on aesthetic rather than scientific accuracy.

Community Resources

Cross stitch enthusiasts can benefit from various community resources:

The Birds of a Feather message board at www.crosstitch.com provides a platform for discussion and pattern sharing.
Pinterest boards dedicated to bird cross stitch freebies offer visual inspiration and pattern collections.
Social media sharing of free patterns not only supports designers but also connects crafters with similar interests.

Conclusion

Free bird cross stitch patterns offer accessible entry points into the craft while providing satisfying projects for stitchers of all skill levels. The Birds of a Feather collection stands out as a notable source, with its 18-year history and association with designers like Lesley Teare. Additional resources include collections of 14 bird-inspired patterns and five beginner-friendly quilt-inspired designs. These patterns typically use 14-count Aida cloth and can be customized with various color schemes. While access methods vary, many free patterns are available through designer websites, social media engagement, or community platforms like Pinterest. For those seeking to explore cross stitching without financial commitment, these free bird patterns provide an excellent starting point for creative expression.