Embroidering Old Masters: 10 Famous Paintings as Cross-Stitch Kits
TL;DR: The most famous paintings in art history — now for you to embroider. From Vermeer's Girl with a Pearl Earring to Van Gogh's Sunflowers: each pre-printed cross-stitch kit brings a masterpiece to life in thread and canvas. See all ten in the Old Masters in Cross-stitch collection.
Why embroider an Old Master?
Embroidering a world-famous painting yourself is doubly special: you create a timeless work of art and you experience it up close, stitch by stitch. You see how Vermeer played with light, how Van Gogh built up color, and how a tiny bird by Fabritius gained so much life. The result will look stunning on your wall — a true eye-catcher with a story.
All our Old Master kits are pre-printed on 11CT embroidery canvas: the symbols and color numbers are already on the fabric, so you don't have to count. Complete with premium eco-cotton thread, needles, and a Dutch manual — ideal for advanced embroiderers and patient beginners.
The 10 masterpieces in cross-stitch
1. The Milkmaid — Johannes Vermeer
Vermeer's maid, pouring milk from a jug in concentrated tranquility. Warm morning light, deep Delft blue, and golden yellow make this one of the most beloved paintings of the Golden Age. View The Milkmaid →
2. Girl with a Pearl Earring — Johannes Vermeer
The ‘Mona Lisa of the North’: the captivating gaze over the shoulder, the blue and yellow turban, and the gleaming pearl. An impressive portrait to embroider. View Girl with a Pearl Earring →
3. View of Delft — Johannes Vermeer
Vermeer's birthplace in golden morning light, reflected in the calm water. A tranquil, detailed city scene. View View of Delft →
4. The Goldfinch — Carel Fabritius
The lifelike bird from 1654, famous from book and film. Compact, full of detail, and surprisingly powerful to embroider. View The Goldfinch →
5. Girl in White Kimono — George Hendrik Breitner
A dreamy portrait full of subtle white and cream tones, a highlight of Amsterdam Impressionism. Refined and relaxing. View Girl in White Kimono →
6. Calm Sea — Hendrik Willem Mesdag
A serene North Sea with a lonely sailboat under a vast cloudy sky. Meditative embroidery in soft grays and blues. View Calm Sea →
7. Children of the Sea — Jozef Israëls
Two fishing children on the beach, gazing over the waves — a moving highlight of the Hague School. View Children of the Sea →
8. The Threatened Swan — Jan Asselijn
A white swan defending her nest with spread wings and a hiss. Dramatic, imposing, and a true eye-catcher from the Rijksmuseum. View The Threatened Swan →
9. Almond Blossom — Vincent van Gogh
White-pink blossoms against a clear blue sky, painted as a gift for Van Gogh's newborn nephew. Hopeful and spring-like — also a popular birth gift. View Almond Blossom →
10. Sunflowers — Vincent van Gogh
Van Gogh's world-famous bouquet of sunflowers in warm shades of yellow and ochre. One of the most cheerful paintings ever to embroider. View Sunflowers →
Which masterpiece suits you?
- Beginner? Choose a design with large, clear areas such as Calm Sea, Almond Blossom, or The Threatened Swan, and start with a smaller size (20x30 or 30x40 cm).
- Advanced? Vermeer's and Breitner's portraits require subtle color transitions — wonderful to get lost in on a larger size.
- As a gift? Choose by taste: an art lover will be delighted with Vermeer, a nature lover with the swan or goldfinch, and Almond Blossom is a beautiful birth gift.
Which size do you choose?
Each kit is available from 20x30 cm to 80x100 cm. The most popular size is 40x50 cm — large enough for detail, and it looks beautiful above a dresser or in the hallway. Would you prefer to work on blank fabric with a counting chart? Then choose Counting Chart instead of Pre-printed Canvas under Type.
Prefer coloring to embroidering?
The same ten masterpieces are also available as Paint by Numbers: color by color with numbered markers on premium canvas, no experience needed. Undecided between the techniques? Then read Paint by Numbers vs. cross-stitch.
Embroider your own masterpiece
Ten world-famous paintings, pre-printed and complete — for yourself or as a special gift.
Frequently Asked Questions
Which Old Masters can I embroider?
Our collection includes ten world-famous paintings: The Milkmaid, Girl with a Pearl Earring, and View of Delft by Vermeer, The Goldfinch by Fabritius, Girl in White Kimono by Breitner, Calm Sea by Mesdag, Children of the Sea by Israëls, The Threatened Swan by Asselijn, and Almond Blossom and Sunflowers by Van Gogh.
Is embroidering a painting difficult?
Not necessarily. The kits are pre-printed on 11CT canvas, so you don't have to count. As a beginner, choose a design with clear areas and a smaller size; advanced embroiderers will enjoy the subtle portraits.
What's included in an Old Master kit?
Pre-printed 11CT embroidery canvas, premium eco-cotton thread, two gold-plated needles, a Dutch step-by-step manual, and a printed symbol chart.
Is an embroidered masterpiece a good gift?
Absolutely — for art lovers, museum-goers, and anyone who appreciates the Dutch Masters. Almond Blossom is also a popular birth gift.
Are these paintings also available as Paint by Numbers?
Yes, all ten masterpieces are also available as Paint by Numbers with numbered markers. View the Paint by Numbers collection.
Conclusion
Embroidering an Old Master connects ancient art with the tranquility of handcraft. Whether you choose the quiet beauty of Vermeer, the color of Van Gogh, or the drama of Asselijn's swan — you create a timeless work of art that you bring to life yourself, stitch by stitch.