Category: Finishing Cross Stitch

Not every cross stitch project needs to be framed, hung, or treated like a finished artwork.

There are many designs that make perfect cross stitch gifts because they’re practical and personal pieces you can use, gift or store without needing wall space.

Why Small Cross Stitch Projects Work So Well

Small and giftable cross stitch projects are popular because they:

• don’t require wall space
• suit leftover fabric and thread
• work well for motifs and samplers
• make thoughtful, low-pressure gifts
• give you that “I actually finished something” feeling

They’re also a great option if you stitch for enjoyment first and outcome second.

Below are some of the most popular ways stitchers turn finished pieces into small cross stitch gifts and everyday objects.

13. Bookmarks – A Classic Small Finish

Bookmarks are one of the most flexible small cross stitch projects.

They work well because:

• they don’t need perfect tension
• they suit narrow or vertical designs
• they’re quick to finish
• they make easy gifts

Popular bookmark styles include:

• fabric bookmarks finished with lace, edging, or stitching
• Aida band bookmarks for slim designs
• folded or “tube-style” bookmarks where the stitching is protected
• perforated paper bookmarks for a firmer finish

Bookmarks are ideal when you want something finished but don’t want to commit to a larger project.

14. Greeting cards and gift tags

Greeting cards and gift tags are one of the simplest ways to finish a small stitched design. They’re light, inexpensive to post, and they feel personal without being a big commitment for the recipient.

They’re often made using:

• a small stitched motif
• cardstock or blank cards
• double-sided tape or glue
• a cut-out window, if you want the stitching to sit inside the card

These work well for:

• birthdays and holidays
• thank-you notes
• new baby cards (names and dates)
• quick “thinking of you” notes
• small motifs like hearts, stars, flowers, pets, and initials

How to make a stitched card or tag

You can keep it simple:

1. Stitch your small design and press it flat.
2. Trim the fabric, leaving a border so it doesn’t fray.
3. Stick it to cardstock, or mount it behind a cut-out window.
4. Add a backing layer inside the card or behind the tag to hide raw edges and keep it neat.

If you want a more polished finish, add a second layer of cardstock as a liner. It hides the messy bits and makes the card feel sturdier.

Worth knowing:

• If the design has beads or raised stitches, a window style usually sits flatter.
• If you’re posting a card, keep it flat and avoid bulky finishes.
• For gift tags, punch the hole after you’ve added the backing layer, so it stays strong.

15. Keychains and Tags

Well, keychains are almost a subculture. Definitely a rabbit hole! Keychains make great cross stitch gifts because they’re both portable and personal.

They’re often made using:

• plastic canvas
• pre-cut wooden or acrylic shapes
• small stitched panels set into hardware frames

These work especially well for:

• initials
• simple motifs
• pets, symbols, or small icons

Keychains are practical cross stitch gifts and don’t require the recipient to display them — which makes them surprisingly low-pressure to give.

This one from Wombat Laser.

Use plastic canvas or add firm interfacing and perhaps a piece of felt behind your stitch, trim the edges, then attach a key ring. Consider playful motifs—pets, flowers, or geometric designs.

However you decide to make a keyring, you can personalise them with a name, phone number, and your (or the recipient’s) favourite motifs.

Tie Fighter, anyone?

16. Magnets

Magnets are a great way to finish very small designs.

They can be made by:

• stitching on plastic canvas or perforated paper
• attaching a magnet backing
• mounting stitching onto disks, buttons, or firm bases

Magnetic finishes work well for:

• fridges
• noticeboards
• craft rooms
• lockers or office spaces

They’re also easy to customise, which makes them popular as small gifts or keepsakes.

One of our customers sent this image she made from our Tiny Little Malta flag map design. She made it into a fridge magnet – we couldn’t love it more!

Here’s a lovely tutorial On Girl With the Elephant Tattoo. In the image below, she’s used small wooden disks that she covers with the stitched piece, and stuffs with some toy stuffing to give it some depth. Then finish the back with a bit of felt, and glue on a magnet. So pretty. It’s a very helpful step-by-step tutorial.

You could even do this with covered buttons.

18. Needle Cases and Pincushions

Needle cases are one of those finishes that many stitchers make once and then never stop using.

They’re practical, durable, and personal. Small stitched organisers can include:

• needle books
• needle cases
• thread keepers
• small tool wraps

These finishes are so satisfying because they:

• stay useful for years
• don’t rely on decor trends
• feel like stitching for stitchers

They also make excellent gifts for people who craft themselves.

Pincushions are a great add-on finish

If you’ve got small motifs, leftover fabric, or a few spare floss colours, a pincushion is a quick project that still feels “finished.”

You can go as simple or fancy as you like:

• a flat square or rectangle cushion
• a round pincushion
• a biscornu-style pincushion (great for tiny designs)

My needlecase is below, it’s one of the first non-framing things I ever made. I’ve used it for 30 years! It’s a little grubby from being handled so often but it’s still going strong.

It’s completely self-lined and hand stitched – no sewing machine required. You can make your own with our pattern and full 16 page all-photo instruction guide. Pick it up in our Etsy shop.

19. Hanging pieces and mobiles

Some small finishes are meant to move, sway, or hang lightly rather than sit in a frame. They’re simple, flexible, and they suit tiny designs beautifully. These include:

• Hanging mobiles
• Small hanging motifs (single designs or little sets)
• Mini banners or hanging strips
• Lightweight garlands

Because they’re lightweight and changeable, they:

• suit small designs
• are easy to move around
• feel playful rather than precious

If you like decorating your craft space, this is a great way to use small motifs without needing a wall full of frames.

20. Ornaments and seasonal decor

Seasonal finishes are fun because they aren’t meant to be permanent. You get to bring them out, enjoy them for a while, then pack them away until next year.

Seasonal finishes can include:

• Ornaments
• Holiday decorations
• Seasonal trees or themed sets
• Small seasonal hangings

Why seasonal stitching is so satisfying

• It’s a great way to enjoy stitching without committing to year-round display.
• It’s easy to rotate or store.
• It’s perfect for small motifs and quick projects.

It can also become a lovely family tradition, you add a new ornament each year and slowly build a collection that means something to you.

Image credit: Pinterest

When Small Projects Make the Most Sense

Small and giftable cross stitch finishes are a good choice if:

• you enjoy finishing projects regularly
• you stitch motifs rather than full scenes
• you like giving handmade gifts
• you don’t want more wall decor
• you want stitching to be part of everyday life.

They’re also ideal if you’re short on time or space but still want the satisfaction of a completed piece.

How This Fits Into the Bigger Picture

This post is part of our series on finishing cross stitch. Start with the overview, 20 Cross Stitch Finishing Options, or go to another part: wall displays, wearable cross stitch, cross stitch decor and small projects and gifts.

A Final Thought

Small projects don’t mean small effort or small enjoyment.

Sometimes the most satisfying finishes are the ones that:

• get used
• get gifted
• or quietly live in a drawer for you to appreciate any time.

If a piece feels finished to you, that’s enough.

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.

Want to come back to these ideas? Save the pin below for later.

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.

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.

Are you looking for cross stitch decor ideas without defaulting to a frame?

You can turn your stitched pieces into cushions, wall hangings, quilts, ornaments, and other display-worthy items.

8. Create a Pillow or Cushion

A cozy pillow or cushion can add a touch of handmade charm to your living space. It’s a delightful way to showcase your creativity and crafting skills beyond traditional framing.

Let’s dive into the step-by-step guide to crafting a cross stitch pillow that will effortlessly blend artistry and comfort into your home decor.

9. Make a Quilt Square

Adding cross stitch to a quilt is a practical form of cross-stitch decor, especially for pieces you want to use rather than hang on a wall. It works well for motifs or designs that feel too small or informal to stand alone.

When treated like a quilt block, cross stitch becomes part of the overall design instead of the focus. Surrounding it with plain or lightly patterned fabrics helps the stitching sit comfortably within the quilt rather than competing for attention.

This approach suits cross-stitch decor that’s meant to be lived with — folded over a chair, used on a bed, or brought out seasonally — rather than displayed on its own.

10. Convert into a Wall Hanging

This is an interesting and possibly more cost effective way of displaying your work.

Hem your work and add a pocket along the top and/or bottom. Then thread a wooden dowel or a metal rod through the pocket.

Add a decorative cord, maybe some cute embellishments like tassels or ribbons or twine, and hang.

Voila.

If you hang a cross stitch ‘open air’ (no glass/acrylic in front), dust will slowly settle into the stitches and fabric. Over time it can dull light areas, and the gritty particles can add tiny amounts of wear when the piece moves in airflow or when it’s handled for cleaning.

Dust can hold moisture. In a damp spot, that can contribute to mildew or mold. Dust build-up can also attract insect pests.

If you want the best protection from dust (and day-to-day splashes or fingerprints), glazing is the strongest option. Glass or acrylic creates a barrier that cuts down airborne dust and household pollutants (like grease or smoke) reaching the stitching.

If you keep it open-air, gentle maintenance works well: use low suction and vacuum through a mesh/screen (tulle, nylon stocking, fiberglass screen) so the nozzle never grabs threads.

11. Cross Stitch Coasters

Yes, it is possible to turn cross stitch into functional cross-stitch decor. I first saw these in the 1990s – clear plastic coasters with room at the back to insert a cross stitch design.

They came in all sorts of shapes and sizes and were surprisingly expensive, so I only ever bought three. I still have them. Nearly 30 years later they’ve held up fairly well, although they’re definitely showing their age, including a burn mark from a guest who stubbed out a cigarette. Right???

These are great for small designs, and these days there are far more options.

This style of coaster comes and goes but they do a great job of protecting your stitching while keeping it usable. As I’m writing this I’m looking for a link where you could pick up a set.

• Current options include:
• wooden or cork shapes with tiny holes that you stitch directly into (though it’s worth thinking about whether you want drinks resting straight on your stitches)
• plastic, perspex, or acrylic frames in many shapes and sizes, now much cheaper and easier to find
• plastic canvas finishes, which handle spills better than you might expect
• fabric coasters, hemmed and backed with cork or padding.

Resin-set finishes pop up from time to time as well.

Personally, I lean toward simpler solutions: fewer supplies, less fuss, and more time spent stitching.

12. Cross Stitch Ornaments

Ornaments are a natural fit for seasonal cross-stitch decor. They’re small, decorative, and easy to rotate through the year, which makes them especially appealing if you enjoy stitching for holidays or special occasions.

From Christmas to Easter, Halloween to Valentine’s Day, there’s almost always a design that suits the moment. Ornaments are also a good choice when you’re in the mood for something quick and display-worthy rather than a long project.

Common ornament styles include:

• flat stitched pieces backed with felt or fabric
• mini hoop finishes
• simple padded or 3D shapes

They can be stitched on Aida, evenweave, or perforated paper, depending on the look you want and how structured you’d like the finished piece to feel.

Small embellishments like ribbons, beads, metallic thread, or simple tassels can add a bit of interest without overpowering the stitching. A hanging loop is all that’s needed to turn a finished piece into decor.

Ornaments are often stitched for enjoyment rather than permanence, but many people like to add a date or initials. Over time, they quietly become part of a family’s seasonal rhythm.

So Many Ideas, So Little Time

There’s no shortage of ways for cross stitch decor. Sometimes the hardest part is choosing which idea to try next. Spending too long Googling can get overwhelming (and cut into actual stitching time), so the aim here is simply to show what’s possible.

If even one of these cross stitch decor ideas sparks a project, then the page has done its job. Whether you stitch something to hang, use, rotate seasonally, or simply enjoy making, there’s always another way to let cross stitch fit into your space and your life.

This post is part of our series on finishing cross stitch. Start with the overview, 20 Cross Stitch Finishing Options, or go to another part: wall displays, wearable cross stitch, cross stitch decor and small projects and gifts.

In this second part of the series on different ways to finish cross stitch, we’re looking at wearable cross stitch and cross stitch accessories: ways to finish stitching so it can be worn, carried, or used as part of everyday life.

From clothing and bags to jewelry, pins, and patches, these ideas focus on finishes that move with you rather than sitting on a wall. Decorative finishes are just one part of the bigger picture, and if you’d like a full overview of all the ways cross stitch can be finished, the main guide pulls everything together in one place.

I thought I had a handle on this topic before writing the post. Turns out, there are a lot of creative people out there. If you don’t come away with at least one new idea, let me know.

3. Personalizing Clothing with Cross Stitch

Create unique, personalized clothing pieces that showcase your creativity and style and give you a new way to finish a cross stitch and wear your craft with pride.

Choosing the Right Fabric and Thread

Choose durable fabrics like cotton or denim that can hold the stitches well and are comfortable to wear. Make sure your embroidery floss is colour fast – of course we’ll always say DMC fits the bill.

Placement and Design Ideas

Get creative with where you place your cross stitch designs on clothing, like a small motif on the pocket of a denim jacket, or a border to the hem of a t-shirt (or sleeve hem, or neckline).

Try adding a personalized monogram to a cap – not the rim, obviously – you’d need a drill to get through that thickness!

Popular design ideas include geometric patterns, botanical motifs, and quirky phrases that reflect your personality.

Finishing Techniques for Clothing Items

You will need to buy waste canvas. You sew a square of waste canvas big enough for your cross stitch onto the item of clothing you want to decorate.

When you’ve stitched your design, you remove the waste canvas – pull it out thread by thread.

Be sure that you don’t stitch through the threads of the waste canvas or you will swear – a lot – when you try to remove the canvas threads.

It is worth it though. It’s lovely and lasts for many years, especially if you finish the back of your stitches (fusible interface or fabric backing) to prevent snags and unraveling.

Turn the garment inside out before washing in cold water on a gentle cycle, to preserve the design.

4. Cross Stitch Accessories and Jewelry

You might not have thought about jewelry as a way to finish cross stitch – to be honest, nor had I until I started researching this post. But it’s pretty awesome!

You can make rings, earrings and pendants – and if you go up a tiny bit in size, charms and keychains are next!

You can create stunning accessories that stand out and experiment with high thread count fabrics (though you might need a magnifying glass!) and materials like metal mesh, wooden pre-drilled shapes and of course, plastic canvas – that can all stretch your stitching skills.

If you’re up for a challenge, or just want to try something new, this could be for you!

A Unique Cross Stitch Finish: Jewelry

Find mini motifs that will scale down to fit jewelry findings, or stitch up bands to make bracelets.

Add beads, sequins, or tiny charms to add texture and sparkle, and initials, names, or meaningful symbols to turn a simple accessory into a special keepsake.

5. Bags

Consider the size, shape, and material of the bag to ensure that it complements your cross-stitch design. A plain canvas tote or a denim backpack can provide the perfect canvas for your creative expression. Or, you can add a panel to the flap or pocket.

6. Charms, Pins and Badges

Charms, pins, and badges are all built on the same idea, take a tiny design and turn it into something you can clip, pin, or attach. They’re great for using up small motifs, and they make brilliant little gifts.

Phone charms might come and go, but bag and zipper charms never really do.

If you like the idea of key chains or rings, you can treat them as part of this category too. A keyring can be a keyring, but it can also be a charm on a backpack, tote bag, project bag, or zipper pull.

How to make them

You’ve got a few easy options, depending on what you want the finished piece to be.

1: stitch on plastic canvas or perforated paper (fast and sturdy)

• Stitch your small design.
• Trim it neatly to shape (leave a small border if you need to).
• Attach your finding:
  • keyring chain or lobster clasp for a charm
  • pin back for a pin
  • badge clip or reel if you’re doing something wearable

2: stitch on fabric, then mount onto a firm base (more flexible shapes)

• Stitch on fabric.
• Mount it onto a small sturdy base (card, felt, wooden disk, or acrylic blank).
• Finish the back neatly, then attach your finding (pin back, clasp, clip, chain).

Option 3: finish as a covered button (for a polished look)
If you want that tidy, “finished product” look, a covered button style finish can work beautifully. You can then use it as:

• a pin or badge
• a bag charm
• a button-style accessory

Best for

• backpacks, tote bags, and project bags
• jackets, hats, and denim (pins/badges)
• small gifts and keepsakes
• using tiny motifs from larger patterns

Worth knowing

• Keep the back neat if it will touch clothing or get handled a lot.
• If it’s going on something that gets bumped around (keys, bags), sturdy bases and sealed edges matter more than perfection.

7. Patches

For a patch, you’d definitely only be stitching onto fabric. This technique means you’re not using waste canvas, which can be really tricky to remove.

Finish the edges well, and then sew onto a bag or item of clothing. These are probably more robust than stitching directly onto clothing. There’s a great tutorial at Gathered.

Really, the only limit here is your imagination.

And time. I don’t know about you, but there’s enough cross stitch time for me!

More To Explore

Wearable cross-stitch and accessories are a great option if you like your stitching to be used, carried, or shared rather than displayed. Whether it’s a jacket detail, a bag panel, a piece of jewelry, or a simple patch, these finishes let your stitching become part of everyday life.

This post is part of our series on finishing cross stitch. Start with the overview, 20 Cross Stitch Finishing Options, or go to another part: wall displays, wearable cross stitch, cross stitch decor and small projects and gifts.