This Juneteenth Day - Digital Cross Stitch Pattern

On June 19, 1865, news of the Emancipation Proclamation finally reached the 250,000 enslaved people in Galveston, TX, the most remote state of the Confederacy. This was two and a half years after the Proclamation was signed by President Abraham Lincoln on January 1, 1963.

Juneteenth has been celebrated on June 19 in some form since 1866, originating in Galveston amongst those remembering the news they’d received a year before, and continuing to the present day in communities across the country.

This Juneteenth Day was created to honor and bring vibrancy to the complexity of Black American ancestry. When I started cross stitching, one of the first subject matter trends I noticed was patriotism. I wanted a sampler to commemorate this part of American history in the same vein. When I couldn’t find one, I decided to make my own.

There are a few Algerian eyelet stitches to highlight the large 2, 4, and 6; I’ve included a handy chart in case you’ve never attempted them before (they’re so easy!). Also, searching ‘algerian eyelet’ on YouTube will bring up a bunch of tutorials.

There’s also a full alphabet so that you can stitch your own initials and finishing year, as well as an alternate version of the second line in the verse with more general wording, for those who may not be direct descendants of enslaved Black Americans.

This is a digital PDF file of a cross stitch pattern. This is not a tangible, stitched final product.

Skill Level: Intermediate

Stitch Count: 195w x 214h

Finished Size:

14 ct (28 ct over two) = 13.9 x 15.3 inches (35.3 x 38.9 cm)
16 ct (32 ct over two) = 12.2 x 13.375 inches (31 x 34 cm)
18 ct (36 ct over two) = 10.8 x 11.8 inches (27.4 x 30 cm)
20 ct (40 ct over two) = 9.75 x 10.7 inches (24.8 x 27.2 cm)

Stitch Total: 12676

Stitch Types: full cross stitches, Algerian eyelets

Amount of Colors: 11

Model stitched 2 pulled strands over 1 fabric thread on 18 count Oatmeal aida by Fiber on a Whim.

PDFs include:

• multi-page pattern in black and white symbols
• multi-page pattern in color symbols
• single page pattern in black and white symbols
• single page pattern in color symbols
• floss key
• full alphabet for customizing initials
• alternate second line of verse
• specialty stitch instructions
• compatibility with Pattern Keeper app

Share progress on Instagram using #ShadedStitchery!