A new style in the tattoo world produces designs that create the effect of cross stitch embroidery, proving that inspiration for beautiful high quality tattoos truly can come from anywhere.

Cross stitch sewing is the oldest form of embroidery and evidence of its use has been found in cultures around the world.

It is known as a counted-thread embroidery technique thanks to the way the stitcher measures the spacing so that each X-shaped stitch is of a uniform size.

This embroidery style gets its name from these X-shaped stitches and this methodical approach gives cross stitch designs their distinct pixelated look.

Originally used to embellish household items like tablecloths and curtains, today it is common to see cross stitch embroidery used to produce wall hangings that depict an endless variety of designs, including evidence of people’s biggest geeky obsessions.

The tattoos applied using this approach display a variety of subject matter that highlights the cross stitch pattern that unifies the disparate designs. These tattoos are great examples of the technique that show what is possible when it comes to cross hatch inspired tattoo design.

1. Animal Cross Stitch Tattoo Style

Source: @lamoglietatuata via Instagram
Source: @evakrbdk(artist) via Instagram

Source: @lamoglietatuata via Instagram
Source: @evakrbdk(artist) via Instagram

Source: @chikiniple via Instagram

Source: @chlo.vorster via Instagram

Source: @floweroflife.piercingandtattoo via Instagram

Source: @j.skinz78 via Instagram

Animals have been the subject of tattoo design for centuries: some of the earliest tattoos ever documented feature animal motifs and date back thousands of years.

Some people choose to get animals with admirable traits inked on their bodies while others choose to get a portrait of beloved pets tattooed.