Learning how to finish a cross stitch ornament.

Hey fellow crafters! If you're anything like me, you pour hours of love into your cross stitch projects, and the finishing touch is what truly brings them to life. I recently completed a beautiful circular cross-stitch ornament featuring an angel with a golden halo and gray wings, wearing a blue dress, all framed by a colorful wreath. It was so rewarding to see it transform from a piece of fabric into a ready-to-hang keepsake! But let's be honest, figuring out how to finish a cross stitch ornament perfectly can sometimes feel more daunting than the stitching itself. Don't worry, I've got you covered with my favorite method for a clean, professional look! What You'll Need: Your finished, washed, and ironed cross stitch piece. Stiff felt or wool felt (matching or contrasting, about the same size as your stitched piece plus a border). Cardboard or stiff interfacing (for stability, slightly smaller than your design). A strong adhesive like fabric glue or hot glue. Sharp scissors. Ribbon or cord (for a red hanging ribbon, for example). Optional: Trim, beads, or other embellishments. My Go-To Method for a Flat Ornament: Prepare Your Stitching: Once your cross stitch is complete, gently wash and iron it. This removes any hoop marks or dirt and flattens your fabric beautifully. Ensure it's completely dry. Cut Your Shape: Carefully trim your cross stitch fabric, leaving about a 1/2 to 1-inch border around your design. If you're doing a circular ornament like my angel, you might want to use a template to ensure an even circle. Create a Stiffener: Cut a piece of cardboard or stiff interfacing that is just slightly smaller than your stitched design. This will give your ornament body and prevent it from flopping. For my angel ornament, I cut a circular piece of cardboard. Assemble the Layers: First, center your cardboard stiffener on the back of your cross stitch fabric. Fold the fabric edges over the cardboard and glue them down securely. Make sure the front of your stitching remains taut and wrinkle-free. This is where those loose red threads from the picture might come in handy for marking! Add the Hanging Loop: Take your chosen ribbon (I love a classic red hanging ribbon!) and form a loop. Glue the ends of the loop to the top back of your stiffened cross stitch piece, ensuring it's centered and secure. Attach the Backing: Cut your felt backing piece slightly larger than your stiffened cross stitch. Apply glue (I prefer fabric glue for a strong, lasting bond) to the back of your ornament and carefully press the felt onto it. Make sure the edges align perfectly and smooth out any wrinkles. Trim any excess felt if needed for a super neat finish. Embellish (Optional): This is where you can truly make it your own! You could add a decorative trim around the edge, stitch some beads, or even embroider a date on the back felt. For my angel, I considered adding some glitter to her golden halo for extra sparkle! Finishing an ornament might seem daunting at first, but with a little practice, it becomes incredibly satisfying. There's nothing quite like holding your finished, polished piece and knowing you made it with your own hands. Happy stitching and finishing!