Get Inspired by Different Ways to Finish Cross Stitch

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.

The cross stitcher behind the blog Sirious Stitches is quite into biscornu.

If you’re not, a quick primer: biscornu are three-dimensional cross-stitched objects with eight points, often with an indention in the middle that makes them look a bit like doughnuts without the hole. They can be just about any size and subject you can think of. They’re often used as pincushions but can also be seasonal decor or just decoration for any time of year.

I’ve got a collection of biscornu cross stitch patterns here.

Once you’ve stitched one or several (they are a little addicting) you might wonder what you can add to them to make them even more extra.

It very much depends on the design of your biscornu and the look you are going for, but Sirious Stitches has a great post all about some of the options you might consider.

I don’t want to give you the whole list because you need to go visit and see all of their great biscornu they’ve stitched, but one really easy thing that you can do with a lot of designs is take advantage of that center indent by adding a button, beads, silk flower or another embellishment.

This is great to do just with a basic button from your stash that coordinates with the design and colors of the cross stitching, but it’s extra fun if you have a button that’s on theme, such as a leaf for a fall biscornu or a flower shaped button for a floral design. Add a jingle bell to a Christmas pattern, or a charm if you don’t have a button that coordinates.

Just this one idea is sure to get you thinking about ways to embellish biscornu (not to mention other cross stitch projects) but head over to Sirious Stitches to see all of their ideas for embellishing biscornu to make these already fun projects even more fun.

Have you ever made biscornu? I’d love to hear about it!

[Photo: Sirious Stitches]

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