Make the kids these cross-stitch masks – perfect for dress-up fun!

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Encourage the kids' creativity with this fun cross stitch mask pattern from Lisa Reakes, this is the perfect activity to keep kids busy during the holidays.

What little one doesn’t love dressing up, especially when it’s as their favourite animal! Keeping kids occupied at a birthday bash can often be tricky, but these masks are a great way to get their attention. You could put on some face paints to match the masks, or even have a pet-themed party.

Worked in whole stitches and backstitch only, these straightforward designs are a great way to get kids stitching, plus the plastic canvas is ideal for little fingers to learn on! These designs are perfect as a first project for little ones, plus once they are done they have these adorable masks, which will last a whole lot longer than a paper version!

Are you new to cross stitch? Find out how to cross stitch or learn more about cross stitch needle sizes. These two guides contain all you need to know about cross stitch.

These fun masks were designed by Lisa Reakes for Cross Stitch Crazy issue 189.

DIY kids masks fact box:

Stitching Time – Approx 8-10 hours each
Type of Stitches – Cross stitch, backstitch
Ease of Stitching – Beginner (perfect for kids)

What you’ll need:

Threads – Stranded cotton as listed in the key
Needle – Size 24 tapestry needle
Fabric – A piece of 14-count clear plastic canvas measuring 15x20cm (6x8in) for each design (measure to size)
Extras – Ribbon to secure the mask

DIY kids masks cross stitch pattern

Click the link to download the free DIY kids masks pattern. The download is an A4 PDF and an accompanying key.

If you enjoyed creating the DIY masks and want to encourage the kids to keep up with their new hobby try these beginner cross stitch patterns. If you want some other fun makes for yourself, try these adorable cross stitch cards and top up your stash for other occasions. For pretty stitches, try our butterfly cross stitch patterns, or the dragonfly stitch. If you want a modern make try Are you looking for gifts for someone special who loves stitching? Then check out these cute needle minders or these lovely modern cross stitch kits and the printed cross stitch kits which contain everything you need to complete your whole project, ideal for those new to the craft. If you want more inspiration for cross stitch ideas be sure to browse through our large collection of free cross stitch patterns, there is something for all ages and abilities.

Lisa Reakes

Lisa lives in Somerset with her daughter. Lisa studied Art and Creative English at university. After graduating, she then worked on a couple of cross stitch magazines as Technical Editor, which led to designing on the magazines she was working on at the time, and her design career grew from there. Lisa’s work is inspired by the everyday world, it might come from simply a textile design on a tablecloth, or a watercolour picture, or even a tile pattern. Lisa loves the fact that she can ‘zone’ out and become completely absorbed in the design process, she even likens it to meditation.

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