Free Prayer Cross Stitch
Printable Pattern

These prayer cross stitch hearts are a reminder of how many of us grew up reciting "Now I lay me down to sleep," at bedtime.

That little prayer, said at the end of every day, reminded us that Someone would watch over us and protect us. Even when asleep; even in the dark.

As a kid, it was usually followed with, "Dear God, please let Mommy and Daddy buy me a (whatever was the most popular toy) for my birthday." Thankfully, our prayers have matured over the years.


Just a little bit of editing

We still carry on the tradition with the little ones in our family, so it had to have a place on my baby afghan.

That said, the third line of this prayer, as I was taught, always scared me a bit . . .

"If I should die before I wake."

Wait a minute!

You mean, I could DIE before I wake!

Original Baby Cross Stitch Afghan

Apparently I'm not alone, as I've since seen multiple versions of that very line. I like, "Your angels watch me through the night," and "Guard me while I sleep at night." I settled on the latter for this quilt.

Of course, these four squares are not just for this particular prayer. Substitute one of your own, or use a poem or song your child likes. Our cross stitch alphabets will help you map out your own text.

This cross stitch prayer chart was originally designed and used as another block or square for a baby afghan or baby quilt. It would also be perfect for a nap time or bedtime pillow. Click here for baby afghan layout ideas.


Click here for a printable Prayer cross stitch chart  with instructions, stitch count and floss numbers. A new window will open so you can continue browsing here. You can print all three pages of the file or just the pages you wish.

Stitch details for prayer cross stitch

This design uses full cross stitches and and backstitches.Stitch Count:  27 high x 29 wide

  • 9 Evenweave/Aida 3 3/8"h x 3 5/8"w (also for 18ct over 2 threads)
  • 11 Evenweave/Aida 3"h x 3 1/4"w
  • 14 Evenweave/Aida 2 1/2"h x 2 5/8"w
  • 18 Evenweave/Aida (over 2 threads) 1 7/8"h x 2 1/8"w

For other Fabric and Finished Design Sizes, let our handy stitch count table do the calculations for you.





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