Embroidering The Milkmaid: Create Vermeer's masterpiece yourself
TL;DR: You can create Vermeer's The Milkmaid yourself as a pre-printed cross-stitch kit or as a Paint by Numbers kit. Warm morning light, golden yellow, and deep Delft blue — one of the most beautiful paintings of the Dutch Golden Age.
About the painting
Around 1660, Johannes Vermeer painted a housemaid pouring milk from a jug in everyday tranquility. The ordinary moment becomes almost monumental: light gently falls through the window, the yellow bodice and blue apron radiate, and a still life of bread lies on the table. It hangs in the Rijksmuseum in Amsterdam and is world-famous for its serenity and light.
Option 1: Embroidering The Milkmaid (cross-stitch)
The cross-stitch kit is pre-printed on 11CT canvas, so no counting is necessary. You will embroider the smooth light transitions, the folds of the fabric, and the still life on the table. Complete with premium eco-cotton yarn, two needles, and a Dutch manual. Available from 20×30 cm to 80×100 cm; prefer a counted pattern on blank fabric? Then choose Counted Pattern under Type.
Option 2: The Milkmaid as Paint by Numbers
With Paint by Numbers, you color the scene section by section with numbered pens on premium canvas, without any prior experience. Choose 24, 36, or 48 colors — for soft light transitions, 36 or 48 colors work best.
Embroider or paint — which suits you?
- Cross-stitch for the calm and texture of real handicraft.
- Paint by Numbers for quick results without experience, or as an accessible gift.
Undecided? Read our comparison of Paint by Numbers vs. cross-stitch.
Create your own Milkmaid
As a pre-printed cross-stitch kit or as Paint by Numbers.
Frequently asked questions
Can a beginner embroider The Milkmaid?
Yes. The kit is pre-printed, so no counting is necessary. As a beginner, choose a smaller size and take your time with the light shades.
Which size is the most beautiful?
40×50 cm is the most popular and perfect for hanging on the wall. For a statement, choose 50×70 cm or larger.
Is this a good gift?
Absolutely — for art lovers and anyone who appreciates Vermeer and the Dutch Golden Age.
Is this also available as Paint by Numbers?
Yes, The Milkmaid is also available as Paint by Numbers.
Conclusion
Whether you embroider or paint: creating The Milkmaid yourself allows you to experience Vermeer's quiet masterpiece up close. Choose your technique and bring the famous housemaid to life step by step.