Cross-Stitch

Charts, patterns and everything needlepoint

Get Inspired by Different Ways to Finish Cross Stitch

by

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:

Have you read?

Cross Stitch Ice Cream and Frozen Treats

Summer is the time for sweet treats, whether eating them or stitching them. This collection of patterns is full of designs that are good enough to eat. Almost. 

This year of ice creams from Simone Balman Art is lots of fun, and you could also stitch up these treats individually if you’d rather. The full piece is 210 by 300 stitches, though it’s not full coverage. It uses 25 colors and comes out to 13.6 by 20.1 inches, or 34.5 by 51.2 cm, as shown on 14 count fabric. 

These mini Popsicles from Mariana Gonclaves ART as super sweet and quick to stitch. These would also be a fun border to another summer project. The full design is 43 by 46 stitches, which is 3.1 by 3.3 inches, or 7.8 by 8.3 cm, on 14 count fabric. 

Sam X Stitch has this fun sweet treat sampler, which again would be fun to stitch as individual pieces (maybe on napkins?). In all it calls for 18 colors and measures 153 by 153 stitches. That comes out to 10.93 inches or 27.75 cm on 14 count fabric. 

Another great sampler is this one with ice cream and other sweet treats from Cute Patterns by Maria. At 119 by 132 stitches total, working the full pattern would be about 8.6 by 9.4 inches, or 22 by 24 cm on 14 count fabric, and it uses 33 colors. You can also stitch individual designs, which range in height from 35 to 45 stitches, and in width from 11 to 28. 

This collection of four sundae patterns from Stichrovia would be fun to make for a kitchen or a teen’s room. Each pattern is around 40 by 50 stitches, so they should fit in a four or five inch hoop if worked on 14 count fabric. 

Or stitch up one of the treats from Stitch Chart Studio‘s collection of seven ice cream cross stitch patterns. These range in size and in number of colors needed, but most would fit in a five or six in hoop (and one in a four inch hoop).