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The oldest form of embroidery, cross stitch is making a comeback among crafters—but do you know a few creative tattoo artists brought it into the world of body art? We rounded up the most creative cross-stitch tattoos to reveal your artistic side.
What Is a Cross Stitch Tattoo?
These tattoos create the effect of cross stitch embroidery with x-shaped stitches and a pixelated look. It’s a unique design that combines craft and body art. Instead of dark outlines, the tattoo is known for its colorful and unique patterns.
A great thing, tattoo artists come up with complex compositions such as floral motifs, portraits, abstract patterns, pixel art, 3D embroidery, and cartoon character designs. Do you know some intricate designs can even look like they have been stitched into your skin?
Even if the tradition of cross-stitching is quite old, the tattoo designs can be modern, classic or anywhere in between. There’s always a fresh new idea to try, and you can even incorporate symbolisms or opt for a design that pays homage to your loved ones.
Best Cross Stitch Tattoo Inspirations for You
A Traditional Rose Tattoo
Flower symbolisms have fascinated people for centuries, and a red rose tattoo will never go out of style. In the language of flowers, it represents love, which will make your cross stitch tattoo not only creative but also romantic.
Cartoon Character Tattoo
If you want a playful statement, think of your favorite cartoon character as your tattoo design. This cross stitch design is perfect for cartoon lovers and people who want to stay young at heart.
Paper Boat Cross Stitch Tattoo
There are lots of symbolisms associated with paper boats from setting sail on a new adventure to returning to home and so on. If you want to reminisce your childhood memories, this cross stitch tattoo is also great for you.
A Minimalist Red Heart
If you’re into heart tattoos but want something simple, go for a cross stitch design. Who says minimalist designs are boring? This one will let you cherish your introverted side while being expressive at the same time.
A Floral Statement
Who would have thought that a creative embroidery and body art will look this cool and expressive? With this cross stitch tattoo, you’ll be a walking masterpiece.
A Symbol of Love
There are many meanings behind the heart tattoo, but it generally represents love. This red heart cross stitch design might be the simplest, but it can also be the most meaningful.
Snow White Cross Stitch
Do you want to add a touch of romance and fantasy into your body art? If you want to channel your inner Snow White, think of this cross stitch tattoo. After all, she’s one of the sweetest princesses and the “fairest in the land.”
Creative Flower Art Tattoo
From peonies to roses, tulips, and carnation, flowers have long been symbols of natural beauty and life. If you want to get a more artistic tattoo, think of mixing different designs such as cross stitch, watercolor and even 3D art.
Cross Stitch Wristband Tattoo
Do you know cross stitch tattoos can double as a fashion accessory? If you’re not into statement necklaces, ring stacking, and arm party, think of this wristband tattoo that will add some color and life to your style.
Floral Border Tattoo Design
Border tattoos are simple, but look beautiful, especially when done in color. If you want to make your cross stitch tattoos more personal, know the language of flowers and opt for ones that represent you. Apart from roses, you may also think of tulips which are a symbol of rebirth and determination.
Matching Heart Cross Stitch Tattoo
Heart motifs are common in tattoos, but they look more creative in cross stitch designs. Why not think of getting a matching tattoo with your special someone? You may go for a coordinating style, but opt for a different color to make it more fun.
Kettle and Heart Tattoo
Cross stitch tattoos are all about being original and personal, so feel free to incorporate every symbolism that you find meaningful in your life. This kettle-and-heart design might be mysterious, but it surely means something significant for the wearer.
“You’re a Star” Tattoo
Whether you’re into the symbolisms of fame, honor, or guidance, a star tattoo is perfect for you. Its cross stitch design and bright color make it playful and sweet.
Emo Heart Cross Stitch Tattoo
Who says a cross stitch tattoo must be loud and colorful just to look pretty? Going for black and minimalist designs will let you channel your emo spirit while being artistic at the same time.
Colorful Seahorse Tattoo
Do you love the island life and looking for symbolisms associated with the sea? Think of a seahorse tattoo that looks artistic in cross stitch design! More than that, the creature is known as a symbol of good luck, which is perfect if you’re looking forward to achieve something that you set out to do.
A Sweet Dedication Tattoo
A dedication tattoo in cross stitch design looks sweet and artistic! It’s the perfect choice if you want to pay tribute to someone, as well as represent your passion, hobby, or lifestyle.
A Cartoon Cross Stitch Design
If you want to add some quirk to your body art, think of a character from your favorite cartoon! Abstract art is fashionable, and going for a cross stitch design will make your tattoo look more of a mysterious art than a caricature.
Colorful Pineapple Tattoo
If you want to add some fun and flavor to your tattoo, think of a pineapple cross stitch design. Do you know the tropical fruit can express your warmth and happiness? It’s a great choice if you have a lot of joy in your life or you want to remind yourself to pursue the things that make you happy.
Cute and Adorable Tiger Tattoo
Is tiger your spirit animal? Most designs depict their ferocious and dangerous side, but they can look cute and adorable too, especially in cross stitch tattoo. If you’ve got that independent spirit, this tiger tattoo can be the perfect one to show your power and strength.
Floral Bloom Cross Stitch Tattoo
If you’re into traditional roses and forget-me-nots, think of this cross stitch tattoo. The best thing about a floral motif is that you can have a lot of them, and still make each one different.
Cloud and Lightning Bolt
Lightning has long-standing meanings and symbolisms, from mythologies to significant moments in life. The cross stich design looks quirky, but it can be a powerful reminder on keeping grounded or staying focused on your goals in life.
“Fixing a Broken Heart” Tattoo
Are you mending your broken heart? Instead of crushed or “crying heart” designs, this cross stitch tattoo lies on a positive note, inspiring you to be stronger and better person.
Beloved Cross Stitch Tattoo
If you want something straightforward, think of this shoulder tattoo design. Whether you’re into realism tattoo that mimics the look of a traditional painting or a cross stich design, flowers are the perfect symbol of romance.
Cute Mario Brothers Tattoo
If you’re a gamer, you might love this little plumber in your tattoo. Mario’s world is so colorful, and this cross stitch tattoo will surely add some fun in your life.
An Arm of Roses
Do you want to make roses the focal point of your body art? Place them on your arms and let them steal the spotlight! A rose shoulder versatile design anyone can appreciate.
Festive Pattern with Flowers
If you’re looking for finishing touches to your flower tattoos, think of a cross stitch design. It balances the over-the-top look, and even makes the overall design a piece of art.
A Subtle, Minimal Design
If you’re getting your first tattoo and find floral motifs over the top, think again. This cross stitch tattoo looks chic and not so basic, and is perfect for someone who isn’t ready to commit to a larger piece.
Cross Stitch Armband Tattoo
If you want to make cross stitch tattoo look more masculine, place them on your arms, and think of a tribal-inspired motif.
Something Simple and Blue
If you want to keep your tattoo hidden, this small and simple cross stitch design is the perfect choice. While you may go for black to keep it a bit subtle, going for blue makes everything cool and playful.
The Goddess of Flowers
In Greek mythology, Antheia was the goddess of flowers and wreaths. So if you want to channel you inner goddess, think of this cross stitch tattoo.
Rose Emoji and Face Tattoo
If you’re looking for a tattoo style that will look great with your existing body art, think of a cross stitch design. As you can see, it juxtaposes other design in a quirky and playful way.
Ant Cross Stitch Tattoo
Do you know ants are a symbol of hard work, intelligence, and strength? A cross stitch tattoo will make the motif more artistic and a bit unexpected.
An Ode to the Holidays
Are you longing for the Christmas season? Why not wear the holiday spirit in your tattoos? It might be a tattoo your parents and grandparents might approve of!
A Classic Rose Tattoo
If you’re looking for a timeless yet strong design, think of a rose cross stitch tattoo. But to make it more artistic, make it more detailed and add a uniquely textured effect.
Dreamy Purple Roses
The choice of color on your rose tattoo plays a huge role in its symbolisms. Do you know purple rose tattoos can represent enchantment or even love at first sight?
Cute Cross Stitch Tattoo
If you love all things cute and adorable, this cross stitch tattoo is perfect for you! You may even opt for bright colors and pastel shades that will give off a playful vibe.
A Bunch of Flowers Tattoo
When it comes to flower designs, the possibilities are endless. You may think of realistic and watercolor styles, 3D designs, or even cross stitch patterns.
A Sword and Heart Tattoo
If you’re into tattoo symbolisms, think of a sword-and-heart design. While some use it to represent betrayal or broken heart, it can also symbolize courage of the heart.
Field of Flowers Tattoo
If you’re looking for tattoo design that you’ll love to wear forever, think of flowers. You may think of a field full of roses, tulips, daisies, sunflowers, lavenders, carnations, lilies and so on.
Cute Crab Cross Stitch Tattoo
If you love sea adventures, think of a crab tattoo. It can also symbolize wealth and renewal, and looks cute in a cross stitch design.
“Just Like a Fox” Tattoo
If you’re into a mix of abstract design and animal silhouette, think of a fox tattoo. In many cultures, it symbolizes wisdom, beauty, and luck.
When You Love to Cross Stitch
If you want to bring the embroidery art to the next level, think of a cross stitch tattoo depicted with a needle. It says a lot about your playful personality and artistic side.
Tribal Armband Tattoo
In some cultures, tribal tattoos symbolize social status, spirituality, and family history, but you can always make the design more unique and personal to you.
A Dog’s Silhouette Tattoo
Whether you want to show your love for your pet or simply find the animal symbolism fascinating, this cross stitch tattoo is perfect for you. Do you know it is considered a symbol of friendship and loyalty to some cultures?
An Armband Statement
If you’re into bohemian fashion, this cross stitch tattoo will be the next level of your favorite bandana scarves, and will instantly channel your gypsy spirit in music festivals.
Who says tattoos must scream tough or edgy? These look more traditional and creative than the usual tattoo, and more approachable to minimalists and conservatives. Indeed, cross stitch tattoos are the new inking trend you should not miss!