How to Make a Cross Stitch QR Code and 10 Unique Ways to Use It
Cross stitching a QR code is a fun and modern way to create an interactive piece of art.
QR codes made a strong comeback in 2020 with businesses shifting to hands-free operations. If you’ve been to a restaurant in the past year, you’re probably familiar with how to access a menu via QR code.
Well, it’s not just menus that you can access via QR code! You can access, well, almost anything!
In today’s tutorial, I’ll show you exactly how to create a custom QR code cross stitch pattern AND give you 10 unique ways to use your stitched QR code.
If you’ve ever tried to create your own cross stitch pattern, you may have come across a website called Stitch Fiddle. While I have no affiliation with this site, I have used it on several occasions to make simple and most importantly FREE cross stitch patterns.
Stitch Fiddle has the capability to make a custom QR code cross stitch pattern directly in their program, which makes this process super easy and user-friendly. Because of how simple their platform is, today’s tutorial will use Stitch Fiddle.
How to Create a Custom QR Code Cross Stitch Pattern
In a few short steps, you’ll have a custom QR code cross stitch pattern that you can start stitching! For my example, I am creating a QR code that links to my website.
This tutorial will not show you how to cross stitch. If you need help learning how to cross-stitch, check out my in-depth “How to Start Cross Stitching” video and photo tutorial.
Supplies Needed
- Light Colored Fabric
- Tapestry Needle
- Dark Colored Embroidery Floss
- Embroidery Scissors
- The information you want the QR code to link to (website URL or text)
HELPFUL TIP: Your stitched QR code will only work if the background fabric and the floss are very contrasted. I recommend using white fabric and black floss for the best results. If you are not using black floss, you may need to use 3 strands of floss to help the QR code pattern stand out.
STEP 1: Go to www.stitchfiddle.com. While there are many websites that generate QR codes, Stitch Fiddle is a website specifically designed to make cross stitch patterns and their platform will generate a QR code into a cross stitch pattern at the same time.
STEP 2: Choose your craft. Because we are making a cross stitch pattern, we will choose cross stitch.
STEP 3: Choose your preferred floss brand. You can choose DMC by default.
STEP 4: Next, under “How I Start” choose “Create QR Code”.
STEP 5: Choose the type of content that you want your QR code to link to from the drop-down menu labeled “type”. I want my QR code to link to my website, so I will select the website option.
STEP 6: Enter your content. I am creating a QR code that links to my website, so I will enter my website URL. You will enter a website URL or text in this field.
STEP 7: You can customize the size of your QR code. I want my QR code to be small, so I will select the default size option 1. If you want to play around with the size, you can change the size option and click the “calculate size” button to get an example measurement of the QR code.
STEP 8: Click “Open Chart” and you’ll have your custom QR code cross stitch pattern. Before you start stitching, I suggest testing out your QR code. Zoom out your computer screen so you can see the entire QR code, then hold up your phone camera to the code. A link should appear with the information you want your code to link to.
STEP 9: Now it is time to stitch your pattern! If you need help learning how to cross-stitch, check out my in-depth “How to Start Cross Stitching” video and photo tutorial.
HELPFUL TIP: When you are stitching, take extra care that you don’t miss a stitch or add a stitch. If your stitching is not exactly the same as the pattern, your QR code won’t work!
How do QR Codes Work?
QR codes work similarly to bar codes. Each QR code has a unique layout of black dots that make up the information that the QR code links to. When the QR code is scanned, it translates the code into information that we can view on our phones.
To access a QR code, all you need is your smartphone. Open the camera app on your phone and hold your phone up to the QR code. No need to take a photo! A pop-up will show on your phone that will allow you to open the link from the QR code. It’s really that easy!
If your phone does not have this capability, you can download a QR code scanner from the app store.
10 Unique Ways to Use a Cross Stitched QR Code
Do you need some inspiration for how exactly to use your cross stitched QR codes? Here are 10 ideas to get your mind working!
1. Link Your Website
Use a QR code to link to your website! The QR code I created links to my website and I plan to hang it in my office as a fun decoration for my business. This is a great piece of artwork for your office or you stitch the QR code on your bag or shirt for some unique marketing.
2. Wedding Centerpieces
Reduce the amount of paper you’ll need at your wedding and include a framed cross stitched QR code on each table that pulls up your dinner and drink menu. You can also add a virtual photo album that guests can look through while they wait for their meal!
3. Craft Shows
Stand out at your next craft show with a large cross stitched QR code. Link the QR code to your website or Etsy shop so that customers can easily find your products or place a custom order. You can also create a framed cross stitch for a giveaway that will help you collect emails for your email list!
4. WiFi Password
This is one of the more popular ways that I’ve seen cross stitch QR codes used as home decor. Create a QR code that links to your WiFi password for guests! This is great if you are an Airbnb host or have a guest room in your home. It’ll be a fun and modern piece of art for your walls and it’ll let your guests know that you’re thinking of them!
5. Memes
The Rick Roll isn’t over, folks! What was once an internet sensation through email has migrated to QR codes! Create a QR code that links to Rick Astley’s ‘Never Gonna Give You Up’ to give someone the ultimate Rick Roll experience. Bonus points if you label it as “WiFi” to really fool your guests.
6. Create a Digital Letterboard
Do you think letter boards are getting a bit played out? Link your framed QR code to a website landing page and update your “virtual letter board” phrases regularly. This is WAY easier than sorting through one hundred tiny letters to update your board with a phrase you love just to realize you don’t have enough A’s.
7. Promote Your Social Media
Promote your social media pages with cross stitched QR codes! Sew the stitched piece into your denim jacket or market bag to take your promotion on the road. This is especially great if you’re heading to a retreat or conference where you know you’ll be networking with others and want to easily follow their social media pages.
8. Gift a Photo Album Ornament
Need an affordable handmade holiday gift for your family? Cross stitch a custom QR code and turn it into an ornament pillow that can be hung on a tree. Link the QR code to a digital photo album that includes your favorite photos from the year. Your family will appreciate the thought you put into the gift plus it will act like a virtual scrapbook for years to come.
9. Nursery Art
Personalized nursery art is the perfect baby gift and a framed QR code is great for modern new parents. Link the QR code to an ultrasound picture, your favorite children’s book, or a lullaby playlist. This unique and personalized gift is sure to be a favorite!
10. Mail a Letter
Take a modern twist on snail mail with a personalized video message via mail. Link your QR code to an unlisted YouTube video to give your loved ones a birthday shoutout or a life update. This is such a thoughtful way to let your loved ones know that you’re thinking of them PLUS you went the extra mile of including a handmade gift.
You can even insert your cross stitch QR code to the face of the card so they can keep it as a memento.
Now that you have some ideas for practical ways to use your cross stitched QR code projects, I’d love to see your finished pieces! Post your stitched piece on Instagram and tag me @haileystitches!
Remember to cover a portion of your QR code before posting it if it contains sensitive information. Anyone will be able to scan it once it goes public!
xo, Hailey