5 reasons to try a cross stitch advent calendar this Christmas

There’s something very satisfying about opening an advent calendar in December, but if you’re a cross stitcher, why not swap the usual chocolate for something a little more creative this year?

A cross stitch advent calendar gives you a festive project to enjoy throughout December, with new parts of the design or other stitching surprises to discover as Christmas gets closer.

I’ve been cross stitching for more than 20 years, and I love having a project to get stuck into when the evenings are dark and cold. So, if you’re wondering whether a cross stitch advent calendar deserves a place in your festive plans this year, here are five reasons I think it might!

1. It gives you a reason to slow down during a busy December

December can be one of the busiest months of the year. Between Christmas shopping, wrapping presents, decorating, parties and everything else that seems to appear on the to-do list, it can be difficult to find much time to actually enjoy the run-up to Christmas.

Having a cross stitch project waiting for you gives you an excuse to sit down for a while and do something just for yourself.

You don’t need to stitch for hours at a time, either. Even fitting in a few stitches with a cup of tea in the evening can be a lovely way to switch off after a busy day.

2. You get more than a five-second advent calendar treat

Don’t get me wrong, I’m definitely not against chocolate! But there is something wonderful about an advent calendar that gives you an experience rather than something that disappears in a few seconds.

With a cross stitch advent calendar, you’re gradually creating something with your own hands throughout the festive season.

And once Christmas is over, you still have the finished cross stitch to keep. You could frame it, turn it into something else, or find a creative way to display your finished cross stitch as part of your Christmas decorations every year.

3. The mystery makes it even more exciting

If you’re anything like me, part of the fun of an advent calendar is not knowing exactly what you’re going to find behind the next door.

A mystery cross stitch advent calendar brings that same feeling to your stitching. Rather than seeing the entire finished design before you begin, different sections can be revealed throughout December until the complete picture finally comes together.

It’s also one of the things I love about a mystery stitch-a-long. Everyone starts with the same information and gets to discover the design together as each new section is revealed.

If you’ve never joined one before, I previously shared 7 wholesome reasons to join a cross stitch-a-long, including some of my favourite things about stitching alongside a community.

4. It turns a bigger cross stitch project into manageable sections

Starting a larger cross stitch design can sometimes feel a little daunting, especially when you unfold the chart and see the whole thing in front of you.

An advent-style project breaks the design down into smaller sections, so you can concentrate on one part at a time.

And there's no rule saying you have to finish each section before the next one arrives. Cross stitch is supposed to be enjoyable, not another Christmas deadline! If December gets busy, you can simply carry on at your own pace.

If you're relatively new to cross stitch, you might also enjoy my guide to 5 ultra-quick 'n' easy cross stitch kits and patterns for beginners.

5. It can become a new Christmas tradition

One of my favourite things about Christmas is all the little traditions that come back every year, and there's no reason stitching can't become one of them.

You could make an advent cross stitch your December project each year, stitch while watching your favourite Christmas films, or make opening the next part of the pattern something you look forward to during the run-up to Christmas.

And unlike buying another Christmas decoration, you'll end December with something you've actually made yourself - complete with all the memories of stitching it along the way.

Looking for a cross stitch advent calendar this Christmas?

This year, I’ve created something a little different for the Meloca Designs Christmas advent - the Winter Wilderness Advent Stitch-A-Long.

Instead of opening a traditional advent calendar every day, you'll reveal a brand new section of a secret winter cross stitch design across six instalments throughout December, with the final part revealed on Christmas Day.

The design is inspired by a peaceful winter wilderness, but that's about as much as I'm giving away! I want the finished design to remain a genuine surprise as everyone stitches it together.

You can choose the PDF pattern if you already have your own stitching supplies, a complete cross stitch kit with everything you need, or the kit with a matching secret needle minder.

And there's absolutely no pressure to have each section finished before the next one is revealed. You can stitch along with us throughout December or take the project completely at your own pace.

The current product is suitable for confident beginners and above and uses full cross stitches only.

Whether you're already an avid cross stitcher or you're looking for a different way to enjoy the countdown to Christmas this year, a cross stitch advent calendar gives you something creative to look forward to long after the last chocolate would usually have disappeared!

Cross Stitch Advent Calendar FAQs

What is a cross stitch advent calendar?

A cross stitch advent calendar is a festive stitching project designed to be enjoyed during the run-up to Christmas. Depending on the calendar, you might receive different patterns, stitching gifts or sections of a larger mystery cross stitch design to open throughout December.

What is a cross stitch stitch-a-long?

A stitch-a-long, often shortened to SAL, is a cross stitch project that a group of stitchers works on during the same period. Some stitch-a-longs reveal a mystery pattern in stages, while others share the complete design from the beginning.

Do I have to keep up with a cross stitch advent calendar?

Not at all. Although an advent calendar may have particular dates for opening patterns or revealing new sections, you can stitch at whatever pace suits you. There's no reason your project has to be finished by Christmas.

Are cross stitch advent calendars suitable for beginners?

It depends on the individual design, so it's always worth checking the difficulty before buying. Some use simple full cross stitches and divide the design into manageable sections, which can make them suitable for newer stitchers.