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Get Inspired by Different Ways to Finish Cross Stitch

October 15, 2025 by Sarah White

I think a lot of us our guilty of finishing cross stitch patterns in a similar way over and over. (At least I know I am, when I even manage to finish things!) For me that’s usually displaying bigger projects in a hoop or a basic frame (I’ve even been known to make my own frames) and smaller projects get turned into bookmarks. 

I’ve made an effort to try to do some different things with cross stitch this year, from magnets to patches, but I still fall back on the basics most of the time. 

That’s why I loved that cube cross stitch finish I shared recently. It’s such an easy way to give your cross stitch project a different look, and make it something that’s easy to display on a desk or shelf instead of hanging on a wall. Which makes it that much easier when you’re talking seasonal stuff, because you don’t necessarily have to find something else to take its place when the season is done. 

If you’re looking for more ideas of fun ways to finish cross stitch projects, the blog at Fat Quarter Shop has got you covered. These ideas are great for displaying projects in your home or even turning your cross stitch projects into gift ideas. 

You can head to the blog for more details, as they mostly have to do with using different kinds of specialty frames, but here’s the high-level summary:

  • use a shaped frame and mount your finished cross stitch on a couple of layers of fabric or scrapbook paper to give it more depth and size
  • display your cross stitch on the top of a wooden box — bonus points if the stitching is related to what will be stored in the box
  • upcycle an old frame or give a thrift store frame a shabby chic twist
  • use a little tart pan or baking dish (or a frame that looks like one) to make a little ornament
  • check out all the cool themed frames that people make and tie you stitching to the theme

That last one is the one that’s shown above. They have this cool house frame that goes with a monthly theme. You could also just stitch a Christmas village or other little scene that stays in there all year. Check out all the details at Fat Quarter Shop. 

Have you ever done something creative to frame or display your cross stitch? I’d love to hear about it. 

Next Pattern:

  • Book-Themed Bookmark Cross Stitch Patterns
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Have you read?

Everything You Need to Know About Embroidery Hoops

One of the most common supplies for cross stitch, aside from fabric, needles and floss, is an embroidery hoop. A hoop isn’t needed for every project, and indeed there are some stitchers who prefer not to use them at all. I generally don’t use a hoop when I’m working on a small cross stitch project, especially something that’s shape isn’t conducive to using a hoop (like a bookmark). 

But embroidery hoops can be really helpful for cross stitch because they hold your fabric at an even tension, which allows you to stitch more evenly without any more work on your part. It’s great for beginners to use hoops because the tension on the fabric can both help make your stitches more even and make the holes in the fabric a little easier to see. 

I’ll admit to always just buying whatever hoop is available in the right size when I’m ready to start a project without giving it much more thought than that. But there are things you should consider when choosing among the different kinds of hoops, which Caterpillar Cross Stitch covers in their great guide to embroidery hoops. 

The post walks you through wooden, plastic, spring tension and flexi hoops (which I’ll admit to having never heard of; they’re made of vinyl and plastic apparently), as well as Q-Snap frames, which aren’t really hoops because they’re made of plastic tubes that you snap together in the size and shape you need. 

It also covers what size hoop you should use for the project you’re working on and how to actually use a hoop in the right way. 

Whether you’re new to cross stitch or more seasoned, you’re sure to pick up a tip or a product to try in this post, so go check it out over at Caterpillar Cross Stitch. 

Do you have a favorite kind of embroidery hoop to use for cross stitch, or do you go without? I’d love to hear your thoughts!

[Photo: Caterpillar Cross Stitch]

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