Over the past decade, cross stitch patterns that focus on American Indians and their cultures have become increasingly accessible.  Patterns by specific non-Indian designers, popular cross stitch companies, stitching magazines and computer generated graphs, offer a range of stitching challenges.  One challenge  is to focus on patterns that enhance respect for American Indians.

Keeping respect in mind, the following ideas can be considered when collecting and stitching American Indian Cross Stitch patterns:

1) Is the pattern authentic in its presentation or a caricature?  Negative stereotypes persist for American Indians that are no longer tolerated for other races.  Squaw now is a demeaning term due to its sexual organ origin, yet postings persist such as "American Indian Squaw Cross Stitch."  Mystical or animal patterns can reflect American Indians as "primitive" and exaggerate or romanticize the relationship that American Indians have with the "four leggeds" and nature.   Does the pattern contribute to these characterizations?  If an American Indian visited your home and saw this cross stitch piece on your wall -- how would they feel?

2) Is the pattern specific to one tribe or does it mix images from various tribes?  Does the pattern follow the "Hollywood" formula?  One actor portrays an American Indian wearing items of clothing or carrying cultural items from differing tribes.  There are numerous patterns that mix tribal images such as putting a plains tee pee with a pacific nortwest totem pole with a southwest kokopelli.  Think logically about what the pattern does or does not include that would or would not be specific to the region of the tribe.  Southwest charts and kits are the most available.  Be careful if you see a plains tee pee on a southwest pattern or a buckskin on a Navajo woman!

3) Tribal member cross stitch patterns are rare at this point, but there are those few that are independently created and sold by tribal members.   These may not be considered as "polished" as a company produced kit, but if found they do provide a genuine stitchery work of art.   The artist may consent to explain to you why the pattern was created as it was.  What a treat!!!!!!

4) Evaluating non-American created patterns follows the same process of asking if it is a humane, authentic presentation or if it is a caricature with mixed tribal images. I have seen patterns and kits on American Indians from England, Canada, Australia, Russia, and Italy.  Sometimes the images are postive, but the colors are not realistic.  When this occurs, you may consider doing research and altering the floss colors (and especially beads) when you stitch.  Where would an American Indian find a pink feather?

A respectful cross stitch pattern of American Indians will not reinforce negative or romanticized, mystical stereotypes or mix tribal images.  It will reflect the designer has done research for authenticity and you will not be embarrassed to hang  your finished piece in your home should have the honor of an American Indian guest!

PS:  To the right, you will find examples of American Indian Cross stitch patterns sold by e-  bay members.  Which ones depict caricatures of American Indians?