Whether you’re a seasoned cross-stitcher or just starting out, you’ve probably wondered how to frame your work. Traditional framing can be expensive and time-consuming, but there are several alternatives that can give your cross stitch piece a professional look without breaking the bank.
What are some alternatives to framing cross stitch? Instead of framing your cross stitch project, you can create a wall hanging, upholstery, throw pillow, or even clothing! There are so many ideas to choose from!
In this article, we will give you some great alternative ways to display your cross stitch masterpiece.
1. Wall Hanging
If you’re looking for a creative way to display your cross-stitch pieces, why not try using them as wall hangers?
It’s easy to do – you can simply fold down the top and bottom of the cross stitch and sew two lines of straight stitches to create inserts for wooden rods.
Then, you can insert two wooden rods on the top and bottom of the cross stitch piece to create a banner. After that, you can use a simple ribbon secured to the top rod to hang your piece.
You can arrange multiple cross-stitches together to create a beautiful collage or hang them individually for a more minimalist look. Either way, this is a great way to show off your handiwork and add some personality to your space.
2. Scrapbook
Albums are not just for photographs anymore! If you have a few different small cross-stitch projects that you want to display, consider making an album for them.
Albums provide a wonderful way to protect your projects while still allowing you to show them off. You can purchase albums specifically designed for cross-stitch or repurpose a photo album by adding clear plastic pockets.
Give your album a personal touch by decorating the cover with a cross-stitch design. Whether you choose to display your album on a coffee table or keep it on a shelf, it is sure to be a treasured part of your home décor.
3. Upholstery
If you’re looking for a way to add a personal touch to your upholstery, cross stitch is a great option.
You can stitch directly on the upholstery fabric if it’s removable or sew your cross stitch fabric to the upholstery itself if it’s not.
Either way, cross stitching is a fun and easy way to make your furniture more personal and unique.
Plus, it’s a great way to add a pop of color or pattern to any room. So if you’re looking for a creative way to update your furniture, cross stitching is definitely worth considering.
4. Quilt
If you love cross stitch but don’t know what to do with all of your finished projects, why not combine them into a quilt?
This way, you can display all of your hard work in one place and enjoy the process of stitching them together.
Plus, this quilt will make a great conversation starter when guests see it on your bed or hanging on the wall.
To make a cross stitch quilt, simply arrange your projects on a piece of fabric and stitch them together. You can either hand stitch or machine sew your quilt, depending on your preference.
With a little creativity, you can turn your cross-stitch projects into a work of art that you’ll be proud to display in your home.
5. Kitchen Textiles
For the kitchen diva with a flair for cross-stitch, there are endless possibilities for showing off your handiwork in the kitchen.
A potholder or kitchen towel is an obvious choice, but why stop there?
Create a set of matching dish towels, or stitch a design onto a plain Apron. If you’re really ambitious, cross-stitch a design onto a tablecloth or set of napkins.
With a little imagination, you can find endless ways to show off your cross-stitch art in the kitchen.
6. Curtains
If you’re looking for a way to display your cross-stitch creations that are a little bit outside the box, why not try using them as curtain embellishments? It’s a creative way to show off your handiwork, and it can add a personal touch to any room.
You can either stitch directly onto the fabric or attach your cross-stitch to ribbons or other trim. Either way, using cross-stitch as curtain embellishments is a creative way to add some character to your home.
7. Throw Pillow
Throw pillows not only provide comfort and support, but they also offer a unique opportunity to showcase your style and personality.
If you’re looking for a way to put your own spin on things, why not try cross-stitching a design onto your pillowcases?
This is a great way to put your artwork on display for every visitor to your home to admire your cross-stitching skills.
Throw pillows can even be switched up depending on the season, so you have a lot of opportunities to showcase your work here.
If you have a plain throw pillow, you can cross-stitch directly on the fabric (especially if it’s a woven fabric). If not, you can always cross-stitch on a piece of fabric and sew your own pillowcase, which is quite simple to do as well.
8. Tote Bag
A tote bag is a perfect way to show off your cross-stitch skills.
Whether you’re carrying groceries, books, or a laptop, your tote will be a walking advertisement for your needlework.
Tote bags are usually made from evenweave fabrics, so it’s not difficult to find a plain tote bag and then create a design that’s uniquely yours.
If you want to really stand out, you can opt for a bold pattern or color scheme on a bright-colored background.
Whatever you choose, people will be asking where they can get one of their own. So grab your needles and get stitching!
9. Fabric Cup Sleeve
If you’re someone who is always on the go, then you know how important it is to have a travel mug that you can take with you everywhere. A fabric cup sleeve helps you carry your travel mug everywhere, and it can also be a fun way to display your cross-stitch skills!
Whether you’re stitching a design that’s cute and whimsical or something more sophisticated, a fabric cup sleeve is a perfect way to show off your handiwork.
If you already have a plain fabric cup sleeve, then you can use cross-stitch to customize it. If you’re looking for a practical way to carry your travel mug, consider making your own fabric cup sleeve with a cross stitch design!
10. Travel Makeup Bag
Cross stitching is a great way to add a personal touch to any plain travel makeup bag. Not only can you customize the design to match your own style, but you can also display your work proudly every time you take your makeup bag on the go.
So if you’re looking for a stylish way to customize your travel makeup bag, you can add your own cross stitch design to it to make it your own!
11. Lampshade Cover
Another fun way to show off your cross-stitch pieces in your home is to replace the fabric on your lampshade with your stitched designs. This is an amazing way to add a personal touch to any room, and it’s something you can accomplish in just a few hours.
You can simply remove the old fabric from the lampshade frame and staple or glue your cross-stitch panel in its place. Trim away any excess fabric, and voila! You now have a unique lampshade that is sure to impress your guests.
12. Clothing
Cross-stitching is a fun and easy way to add a personal touch to your clothing. As long as your shirt, dress, or trousers are made from an evenweave fabric, you can add cross-stitching details to your clothes to spice them up.
Whether you want to add a simple design to your shirt or dress or you want to create a more intricate pattern, cross-stitching is a great way to show off your personality and style. And best of all, it’s a great way to use up those leftover bits of threads that you have lying around.
Keep in mind that clothing is designed to be three-dimensional, meaning it will curve and hug your body, so if your design is too big or hidden in a small corner, it may not be displayed very well.
Instead, you can choose prominent places like cuffs, collars, around the seams, etc., to display your cross stitching skills, and your creation will definitely stand out!
13. Ornaments
One of the best things about cross-stitch is that it can be personalized to suit any taste or occasion. Stitching up some festive decorations is just the way to show your festive spirits!
You can use cross-stitch to make ornaments for your tree. Not only are cross-stitch decorations fun to make, but they also make great gifts.
If you’re looking for a one-of-a-kind and thoughtful present, why not give someone a personalized ornament? Just choose a design that they would like, and stitch away! They’ll be sure to appreciate the thoughtfulness of your gift.
So this holiday season, ditch the store-bought decorations and give cross-stitch a try!
Related Articles
What Is Frogging In Cross Stitching?
Best Stamped Cross Stitch Kits
