Free Cross Stitch Pattern
Curling Ribbon Alphabet 10

As curling ribbon makes a nice finishing touch on any gift, this curling ribbon alphabet adds to the surprise of designs for any holiday or other gift-giving occasion.

Perhaps it is a birthday cross stitch design that needs just the right alphabet. Or is it for Christmas or an anniversary or Saint Patrick's Day? Just about any occasion that might be accompanied by gift-giving will benefit from using this alphabet.

It mimics the appearance of one of the most common adornments of any present. A simple change of color makes it appropriate for just about any occasion. Hmm... even white on white, finished off with a fine outline of silver metallic filament, might be nice for a wedding cross stitch.

Click here for Alphabet 10 "Curling Ribbon Alphabet"

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Stitch details for curling ribbon alphabet

The "Alphabet 10" is stitched on 14-count Aida using DMC floss.

• 2 strands for cross stitches and partial stitches
• 1 strand for backstitches

Description:

• Block letters, standard/straight

Characters Included:

• Upper Case Letters
• Lower Case Letters
• Numbers
• Punctuation

Height:

• The upper case letters are 11 stitches high
• The lower case letters without ascenders or descenders (ex: a, c, o) are 6 stitches high
• The lower case letters wit only ascenders (ex: b, d, h) are 11 stitches high

Width:

These letters have varying widths. Narrow versions are provided for most upper case letters to assist in fitting letters into available space.

The majority of lower case letters are 5 stitches wide. If you need to squeeze them, look at the examples for an "n." As shown, you can reduce the widths for many by removing on stitch from the center.

Stitch complexity

• Full cross stitches
• 3/4 cross stitches
• 1/4 cross stitches
• Backstitches

For the partial stitches that make up the angels, you can use 1/4 stitches, letting the backstitch outline complete them. Or, use 3/4 cross stitches, with or without the outline for a fuller, rounder look. the fabric and floss strand count may affect your choice. If you are uncertain, try stitching a few sample letters in the corner of your fabric.

The bottom row on this chart demonstrates how you can alter the "curl" on the letters, ranging from a simple, single angled end to a complete circle. You can also change the "length" of the angled end, as shown in the lower case "m" and "n" examples.

Learn any unfamiliar stitches by clicking from the list above or on the "How to..." button on the left menu.

Floss

It is assumed that you will change the floss color reflect your tastes and to coordinate with the rest of your project. Use the same number of strands that you are already using throughout the rest of your cross stitch pattern.

How to fit text into a design

To learn how to select and adapt cross stitch alphabets, read "The 123's of the Counted Cross Stitch Alphabet." You can find it by clicking on the "Alphabet 123's" button on the left menu.