Your next cute cross stitch project: a giraffe wrapped in a scarf!

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Reach new heights with this adorable wintery giraffe cross stitch designed by Jane Henderson.

Could anything be cuter than a giraffe keeping his long neck nice and warm? This adorable giraffe cross stitch card is so handy to keep in your stash, be it for a winter birthday, last-minute Christmas greeting, or even a thank you for those festive gifts you’ll receive. And you can easily finish a design over a couple of evenings.

Just because this card is quick and easy to stitch, it doesn’t mean it’s not filled with details, though. Using whole cross stitches and backstitch for definition, there’s still enough technique to keep your needle busy from the first stitch to the last.

This pattern is suitable for beginners, if you are new to cross stitching, however, we have lots of helpful guides available, find out how to cross stitch or learn more about cross stitch needle sizes.

Decorate your finished card with sequins like ours, for a touch of seasonal sparkle, and adapt the thread shades in the borders and scarves to suit your recipient, use up your stash, or add even more yuletide glitz.

This giraffe cross stitch is one of a set of four greetings cards created by Jane Henderson, originally published in The World of Cross Stitch issue 263. You can purchase a digital version of this issue via the app if you want to stitch the rest of the colourful characters.

Giraffe cross stitch fact box:

Stitching Time – Approx 4-5 hours
Type of Stitches – Cross stitch, backstitch
Ease of Stitching – Advanced beginner

What you’ll need for the giraffe cross stitch:

Zweigart* 14-count white aida measuring 15x15cm (6x6in) for each design
Stranded cotton as listed in the key
Size 24 tapestry needle
Square white aperture cards
Double-Sided Super Sticky Tape
Sequins of your choice (optional)

Giraffe cross stitch pattern

Click the link to download the free giraffe cross stitch pattern. The download is an A4 PDF containing the giraffe teacup pattern and an accompanying key.

How to make your giraffe cross stitch into a card:

Step 1

Place the card aperture over the finished piece of stitching. When you’re happy with the positioning, place a few pins carefully around the aperture to mark your place.

Step 2

Turn the card over and stick double-sided tape around the edge of the aperture. Using the pins as a guide, place the card over your stitching and stick the fabric in place.

Step 3

Place a piece of white paper or lightweight wadding behind the stitched piece. Add double-sided tape to the extra card flap and carefully stick to the back of the card aperture.

If you loved the giraffe cross stitch design and want to get stuck into more festive or wintery cross stitch, check out our amazing library of Christmas cross stitch patterns. You’ll find something to suit all styles. If you want some other Christmas makes, try these adorable gnome cross stitch bookmarks by Rhona Norrie.

Looking for gifts or stocking stuffers? Then have a browse of these lovely modern cross stitch kits and Christmas cross stitch kits, which contain everything you need to complete your whole project.

If you want even more cross stitch inspiration, head to our large collection of free cross stitch patterns, there is something for all ages and abilities.

Katie Dolan

Katie has contributed to Gathered since 2021. A self-taught crocheter, she enjoys exploring a range of crafts. When she’s not writing about crafts or lifestyle, you’ll usually find her with a good book or at the cinema.

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