Best cross stitch kits for meditative stitching

One of the things I really love about cross stitch folk embroidery is how suitable it is for meditative stitching. As someone who can't sit still, I've found all the benefits of a meditation in my stitching: it allows me to slow down, focus on just what's in my hoop, and lose myself in the quiet practice of simply of working stitches across the fabric. While sometimes I want the challenge of a really complex cross stitch design which has me constantly referring to the chart, there are other times when I want something that just lets me stitch, preferably with a repeating motif in a limited color palette. 

So which of my designs are best for simply stitching? 

Aegean Octagon cross stitch folk embroidery kit has a beautiful repeating octagon motif that is stitched in a single color. Without having to change colors, it's easy to lose yourself in this simple yet seemingly intricate design. Looking to make a different size or use a different color? You can use the Aegean Octagon PDF pattern and a fat quarter of Traditional Groundcloth to create your own size and color.

Even though it looks complex, Celestial Grove cross stitch folk embroidery kit is made up of two square motifs--one an eight-pointed star and the other a floret--which repeat to create this intricate embroidery. You can get a couple of these motifs in your hoop and then use them to work your way across. The additional little borders are also very easy to memorize making this an excellent choice for meditative stitching. Prefer to make a cushion cover or small piece? Use the Celestial Grove PDF pattern to adapt the size to the project of your choice.

Chloe cross stitch folk embroidery kit is a delightfully easy design well suited to meditative stitching. While the kit shows it finished as a cushion cover, you could make a beautiful table runner by using the Chloe PDF pattern to stitch this easy-repeating pattern with a long, rectangular piece of fabric.

Designs that feature backstitch outlining are also a great choice for meditative stitching. After you stitch the colored sections, it can be very soothing to fill in all of the backstitches. Despina's Anemone cross stitch folk embroidery kit and Iris' Paintbox cross stitch folk embroidery kit are both excellent choices. 

Traditional folk embroidery often features repeating allover designs and the Ephimia cross stitch folk embroidery kit and the BitKit Chloris cross stitch folk embroidery kit are both terrific choices for experiencing the ease of stitching a repeating design that creates a striking embroidery. They're also great choices for working smaller or larger embroideries with the fabric size of your choice.

Inspired by leaded glass windows, Oak Park Diamonds cross stitch folk embroidery kit is another excellent choice for meditative stitching due to its simple diagonal lines.

With its simple, two-color palette and easy repeating lines, Olive Branch cross stitch folk embroidery kit is a wonderful way to experience the peaceful repeating designs of traditional folk embroidery.

While it looks complex, the Somerset Meander cross stitch folk embroidery kit can be quite meditative once you have stitched the centeral meander border. Designs like this that feature a lot of solid lines lend themselves very well to experiencing the delightful of meditative stitching.

Over the course of my decades-long stitching journey, I have often found that I like alternating a complex project with a more meditative one. When I start stitching an easier, repeating design, I find myself relaxing into my stitching in a way that is highly restorative!