20 Cross Stitch Finishing Options

There are so many cross stitch finishing options that finishing a cross stitch project can often seem harder than stitching it.

I’ve lost count of how many pieces I’ve finished, pressed, and carefully folded away because deciding what to do next felt more complicated than the stitching ever was.

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What this page is for

This page is the summary of cross stitch finishing options that we like, so you can compare them and pick a direction that suits this piece.

It helps when you have run out of:

• wall space for framed pieces
• money for finishing supplies
• people to gift framed pieces to
• storage

It also helps when your taste has changed. A piece you loved when you were 20 might not fit your home now.

What does “finishing” actually mean?

In cross stitch, finishing means what you do with the piece after the stitching is complete. (More cross stitch terms decoded on our glossary post)

That might be display, something functional, a gift, or neat storage until you’re ready. A project can be finished without ever going on a wall.

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The right finish is the one that suits how you want to use the piece, not what you think you’re supposed to do with it.

Choose a direction first

Most finishing ideas fit into four broad categories. Pick the one that matches how you want to use the piece.

• Framed and wall display finishes
  Traditional frames plus other structured display options.
• Wearable and functional finishes
  Clothing, bags, accessories, and items you can use.
• Decor-focused finishes
  Cushions, quilts, wall hangings, banners, and flexible home decor.
• Small and giftable finishes
  Compact projects, keepsakes, quick makes, and handy add-ons.

Not sure which one fits?

If you feel overwhelmed, start with this.

1) What size is the design?

Smaller designs tend to suit small, useful, or giftable finishes. Larger designs tend to suit wall display or bigger decor.

2) What do you want this piece to do?

• Be seen often, in one spot > Wall display
• Be seen and handled > Home decor.
• Be used regularly > Wearable or functional.
• Be finished quickly, then moved on > Small and giftable.

3) Who is it for?

Gifts often feel more satisfying when they are usable, or easy to display without extra expense.

A finish counts if it is clean, secure, and gives you a sense of satisfaction when you look at it.

The 20 finishing ideas list

1. Framing – Classic wall display that protects your stitching and suits heirloom pieces.
2. Hoop finishes – quick, charming wall finishes with a handmade look.
3. Personalizing clothing – Turn a stitched motif into wearable detail on jackets, denim, or tees.
4. Cross Stitch Accessories and Jewelry – Small stitched pieces turned into earrings, pendants, and wearable accessories.
5. Bags – Add stitching to totes and pouches for a practical finish you can use every day.
6. Charms, pins and badges – Tiny motifs finished with hardware so you can clip, pin, or attach them.
7. Patches – Stitched designs finished as patches for clothing, bags, or mending with personality.
8. Pillow or Cushion – A cosy home finish that makes stitching part of your everyday space.
9. Make a Quilt Square – Convert a stitched piece into a quilt block for a bigger project over time.
10. Wall Hangings – A textile wall finish using a rod, dowel, or banner style, no frame needed.
11. Cross Stitch Coasters – Small functional finishes that protect surfaces and show off tiny designs.
12. Tree Ornaments – Seasonal stitched decorations that are easy to make and bring out each year.
13. Bookmarks – A classic small finish that’s quick, useful, and easy to gift.
14. Greeting Cards and Gift Tags – A simple way to turn small motifs into personal notes and presents.
15. Keychains and Tags – Portable stitched gifts that don’t require wall space or display decisions.
16. Magnets – Tiny finishes that turn small designs into everyday fridge or noticeboard pieces.
17. Covered buttons – Neat, polished tiny finishes you can use as buttons or small accessories.
18. Needle Cases, biscornu and pincushions – Practical stitched tools that keep needles safe and feel made for stitchers.
19. Hanging pieces – Lightweight finishes like garlands or mobiles that move and display as a set.
20. Seasonal Pieces – Rotating finishes for holidays and seasons, fun to stitch and easy to store.

Explore the series

If you would rather read by category, start here:

Part 1 – How to Finish Cross Stitch
Everything framing – classic frames and many alternatives that are easy and cute.

Part 2 – Wearable Cross-Stitch & Accessories
Ideas for using stitching on clothing, bags, jewelry, and everyday items.

Part 3 – Cross-Stitch Decor Ideas
Creative ways to display finished stitching at home without defaulting to frames.

Part 4 – Small & Giftable Cross-Stitch Projects
Practical, personal finishes that are easy to use, share, or store.

If you’re scrolling and feeling overwhelmed, that’s understandable. There are a lot of cross stitch finishing options, and not every finish suits every project.

A project doesn’t have to be impressive to be finished. If it’s clean, secure, and gives you a sense of satisfaction when you look at it, that’s enough.

When you’re ready, start with Part 1 to narrow things down or jump straight to the category that feels right.