Hands Across the Sea Samplers, a brand specializing in fine reproduction samplers and needlework, offers several free resources for U.S. consumers interested in cross-stitch and needlework projects. The company provides free cross-stitch charts and motifs through its website and offers a 2026 sampler calendar that includes a complimentary downloadable PDF blessing sampler. These resources are available without purchase requirements, though the calendar is a pre-order product.
Hands Across the Sea Samplers: Brand Overview
Hands Across the Sea Samplers operates an online store and provides resources for needleworkers, including booklets, PDF downloads, printed fabric, and needlework accessories. The brand’s website features a section dedicated to free cross-stitch charts and motifs, which is accessible to all visitors. The company also sells reproduction samplers and offers online workshops. The website is managed by Hobby House Needleworks, which provides customer service and accessibility information. According to their accessibility statement, the company strives to meet Web Content Accessibility Guidelines (WCAG) 2.1 Level AA to ensure the website is user-friendly for individuals with disabilities. The company encourages users to report accessibility problems and provides feedback mechanisms.
Free Cross-Stitch Charts and Motifs
Hands Across the Sea Samplers provides free cross-stitch charts and motifs on its website. This resource is available without any cost or purchase requirement. The free charts and motifs are part of the brand’s offerings to support the needlework community. The website includes a dedicated page for "Free Cross Stitch Charts and Motifs," which is listed under the site’s navigation menu. This indicates that the free resources are an ongoing feature of the brand’s website rather than a limited-time promotion.
The availability of these free charts and motifs is confirmed by the site’s navigation structure, which includes a direct link to the page. The brand does not specify any geographic restrictions for accessing these digital downloads, suggesting they are available to all website visitors, including U.S. consumers. No eligibility criteria or sign-up forms are mentioned for accessing the free charts and motifs.
2026 Sampler Calendar with Complimentary Blessing Sampler
Hands Across the Sea Samplers is offering a 2026 sampler calendar for pre-order. The calendar is priced at zero rating for U.S. consumers, meaning it is not subject to custom duties or tariffs. The calendar will ship before the beginning of November 2025, and possibly sooner. The calendar measures 8.30″ x 11.70″ (210 mms x 297 mms) and features photographs of 13 forthcoming reproduction samplers from the brand.
A key feature of this product is the inclusion of a complimentary PDF download for a "Blessing Sampler." This sampler is described as a beautiful red monochrome design worked entirely in cross stitch over two threads, suitable for linen or Aida fabric. The design area measures 144 stitches wide by 85 stitches high. The Blessing Sampler is a traditional needlework project, typically started on or around January 1st and aimed for completion by the end of January. This tradition follows a French custom where stitchers start a sampler at the beginning of the year to imbue the piece with good wishes for the coming year, ensuring blessings for the stitcher and their household. Many stitchers embrace the challenge of completing the sampler within the month as a way to test their skills and start the year with a sense of accomplishment.
The Blessing Sampler PDF is provided as a complimentary download with the purchase of the 2026 calendar. The calendar itself is a physical product that requires pre-order and will be shipped. The free sampler is a digital product included with the calendar purchase. There is no indication that the Blessing Sampler is available separately without purchasing the calendar.
Product Details and Shipping
The 2026 sampler calendar is a pre-order item. Pre-orders are open now, and shipping is scheduled to occur before November 2025. For U.S. customers, the calendar is zero-rated, meaning no additional customs fees or tariffs are applied upon import. The product page notes this specifically for U.S. needleworkers. The calendar’s dimensions are provided, and it contains 13 sampler photographs.
The complimentary Blessing Sampler is a PDF download. After purchasing the calendar, customers receive access to the digital file. The sampler is a specific project design intended for the January tradition. The design is monochrome red and uses a specific stitch count. The materials required (linen or Aida) are recommended by the brand, but the PDF itself is the free component.
Accessibility and Website Information
Hobby House Needleworks, which operates the Hands Across the Sea Samplers website, has an accessibility commitment. The company states it is dedicated to making continual improvements to provide an inclusive and enjoyable experience for all users. They train their team in accessibility best practices and strive to ensure that third-party content on their website is also accessible. Users are encouraged to provide feedback on their experience and report any accessibility problems encountered. The company’s contact email for accessibility feedback is [email protected].
Consumer Considerations for U.S. Residents
U.S. consumers interested in these resources should consider the following points based on the available information:
- Free Digital Resources: The free cross-stitch charts and motifs are available directly on the website without any purchase. These are suitable for immediate use.
- Calendar Purchase: The 2026 sampler calendar is a paid product, but it includes a free digital sampler. The total cost of the calendar is not specified in the source material.
- Shipping Timeline: Pre-orders for the calendar will ship before November 2025. Consumers planning projects for January 2026 should note that the physical calendar and the digital sampler PDF will be available in late 2025.
- Tradition and Project Scope: The complimentary Blessing Sampler is designed for a specific tradition—starting and completing a project in January. The stitch count (144x85) indicates a moderate-sized project that can likely be completed within the month as per the tradition.
- Customs and Duties: For U.S. needleworkers, the calendar is zero-rated, meaning no additional import fees are expected. This is a specific benefit highlighted for this product.
- Website Accessibility: The brand’s website is designed with accessibility in mind, which may be relevant for users with disabilities. Feedback mechanisms are in place for reporting issues.
Conclusion
Hands Across the Sea Samplers offers two distinct free resources for U.S. consumers in the needlework community. First, a selection of free cross-stitch charts and motifs is available on their website without any cost or requirement. Second, the brand’s 2026 sampler calendar, available for pre-order, includes a complimentary PDF download of a Blessing Sampler—a traditional red monochrome cross-stitch project designed to be completed in January. The calendar itself is zero-rated for U.S. customers, avoiding customs duties. The free resources are primarily digital, with the Blessing Sampler being a bonus included with a physical product purchase. Consumers should note the pre-order shipping timeline and the traditional nature of the Blessing Sampler project. The brand’s website, managed by Hobby House Needleworks, is committed to accessibility standards to ensure a user-friendly experience.