There are many ways you can fully finish your cross-stitching. In this blog post, I will highlight the ways that the models for my Animal Faces series were finished, as well as some additional ideas.
Learn about my animal face patterns here: https://kebstudiocreations.blogspot.com/2021/02/flosstube-72-show-notes.html
On YouTube, I have a playlist of Finishing Tutorials. Many of those tutorials are linked in this document, but you can refer to the playlist to find other tutorials that might assist you in your finishing.
YouTube Finishing Playlist
https://www.youtube.com/playlist?list=PLPSkQ_VuPbo_X1QwvhbeCtZ0PFdEGD5Em
I would love for you to share pictures of your finished pieces with me. And if you are comfortable with it, I would love to add pictures of your finishes to this blog post.
You can share your pictures with me via social media or email:
And please contact me with any questions you have about these patterns and their finishing techniques.
Disclaimer
Website links worked when this blog post was created; however, they may not work if they have changed since then.
Helpful Basic Tutorials
Vonna Pfeiffer, The Twisted Stitcher: Ironing
https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=lJyD0yOzlZE&t=1s
Made to Sew: Invisible Stitching (Slip Stitch / Ladder Stitch)
https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=K3fFHV6r9Ow
Red Ted Art: Blanket Stitch How To
https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=S9zegUYdPmg
Vonna Pfeiffer, The Twisted Stitcher: How to Make Cording
https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=hql-qnaL2T0
Cherry Hill Stitchery: How to Make Custom Cording
https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=90z2eMpVRNE&t=7s
Java Girl Stitches: Bow Tutorial
https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=4XJn_e2swGw&t=832s
Tiny Modernist: ow to Make a Ribbon Bow
https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=VeAhXMuUZmw
Cherry Hill Stitchery: Easy, No-Sew Bow Tutorial
https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=qDxDpATGeHg
Afghan
The entire idea for these patterns came about because I was given an Anne cloth afghan. I planned to design 18 animal faces for the afghan. However, when I decided to do boy and girl variations for each pattern, I decided to stop at 12 animals.
I researched how others have finished afghans. I made a video tutorial showing how I chose to finish this afghan. Below you can find the link for my tutorial and links to the written tutorials I found helpful.
Animal Faces Stitched on the Afghan
Girl Bear, Girl Elephant, Boy Fox, Frog, Girl Giraffe, Girl Hippo, Boy Koala, Lion, Monkey, Boy Owl, Boy Pig, Pony
Tutorials
KEB Studio Creations
https://youtu.be/Isw2WdU75wE
Just CrossStitch
https://www.just-crossstitch.com/newsletters.php?mode=article&article_id=4827&f=1
Emily Morganti
https://www.emilymorganti.com/blog/?p=10732
Where to Purchase Anne Cloth
Anne cloth can be purchased from many retailers. Below are just a couple suggestions. I designed the patterns to fit in an afghan square that was 75 (w) x 75 (h), which should fit on the afghans linked below.
Yarn Tree
https://www.yarntree.com/cross-stitch/index.php?main_page=product_info&cPath=85_107&products_id=5276
Stoney Creek
https://store.stoneycreek.com/anne-cloth-18ct-white-afghan-7-sq-x-9-sq---cotton-p9422.aspx
Hoop
The hoop finish is a very traditional finish for cross-stitch pieces. You can use a simple hoop or a more decorative one.
You can also use self finishing hoops, which are a mix between a hoop and a frame.
Animal Faces Finished in Hoops
Boy Elephant, Fox, Boy Frog, Boy Giraffe, Girl Owl, Pig
Helpful Tutorials
Peacock & Fig
https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=U5kXjTfdrS8&t=521s
Stitched Modern
https://stitchedmodern.com/blogs/news/how-to-frame-cross-stitch-in-an-embroidery-hoop
Self Finishing Hoops
ACMS Needlework Shop
https://www.etsy.com/shop/AcmsNeedleworkShop
Frame
The frame finish is also a very traditional finish for cross-stitch pieces. I found these matching frames and thought they were a perfect match for my pony faces. You can do a simple frame finish like I did, or you can embellish it.
Animal Faces Finished in Frames
Boy Pony, Girl Pony
Helpful Tutorials
Kitten Stitcher: Stretching and Closing Your Needlework
Trixie Stitches: How to Lace your Needlework
Card
One of my model stitchers chose to finish the piece she stitched as a card. Below are some tutorials I found about how to make a cross-stitch card
Animal Face Finished as a Card
Elephant
Helpful Tutorials
Envato Tuts+
https://crafts.tutsplus.com/tutorials/how-to-make-a-quick-and-simple-cross-stitch-christmas-card--craft-16491
Needleworks Tips and Techniques
https://www.needlework-tips-and-techniques.com/card-making-ideas.html
Pillow
Pillows are a great way to fully finish these animal faces. You can add fabric around the edges or sew around the shape of the face. You could also add a tail or some other decorative element to the back.
Some of the tutorials below are for ornaments, but the same principles apply to making pillows, just leave off the hanger.
Animal Faces Finished as a Pillow
Bear, Girl Fox, Boy Lion, Girl Monkey, Boy Owl
Tutorials
Vonna Pfeiffer, The Twisted Stitcher: A Simple Pillow Ornament
https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=i0bF_k2iPK4&t=568s
Vonna Pfeiffer, The Twisted Stitcher: FINISHING: “Farmhouse Christmas” Pillow Ornaments Tutorial
https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=aLTtyoEdrgA&t=1680s
My Simple Walk: How to finish a cross stitch piece or a quilt square into an ornament
https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=WwghAFpRBFM
Helen D.: Embellished pillow with pom pom trim tutorial
https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=34dCja9eyPo&t=4s
Helen D.: Three Panel Pillow Finish
https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=RfRb0ifMncU
Stuffed Animal
Adding a body to your stitched animal face can be a fun way to finish your project. My sister knitted a bear body (link to pattern below). I finished the head as a pillow and sewed it onto the body.
You could also create a body out of cloth. Below are some tutorials I found that could be helpful with this.
Animal Face Finished as a Stuffed Animal
Boy Bear
Knit Bear Pattern
Jem Weston: Ted Bear
https://www.ravelry.com/patterns/library/ted-bear
Sewn Bear Tutorials
RAWR Creatures: Sock Teddy Bear
http://www.rawrcreatures.com/2012/02/how-to-make-sock-teddy-bear.html
Sew Toy: How To Sew Quickly A Cute Little Soft Baby Teddy Bear
https://sewtoy.com/free-tutorials/how-to-sew-quickly-a-lovable-little-soft-baby-teddy-bear/
Savvy Homemade: How To Make Your Own Teddy Bear
https://www.savvyhomemade.com/make-your-own-teddy-bear/
Pillow Cover
I made a couple of the animal faces into pillow covers. One of the reasons I chose to do so was so that they could be easily washed when needed. Below I list the tutorial I used to help me make the pillow covers.
Animal Faces Finished as a Pillow Cover
Koala, Boy Hippo
Tutorial
Melanie Ham: Sew an Envelope Pillow Cover
https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=4LJnPEvjdDo&t=1s
Flatfold
A flatfold finish is a great way to display your stitched animal face. I used the Mounted Flatfold Tutorial from Vonna Pfeiffer, The Twisted Stitcher, to finish the Girl Koala. You could also do a simple flatfold finish.
Animal Face Finished as a Flatfold
Girl Koala
Helpful Tutorials
Vonna Pfeiffer, The Twisted Stitcher: Mounted Flatfold
https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=7zOgDQlkKUk&t=2281s
Vonna Pfeiffer, The Twisted Stitcher: Simple Flatfold
https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=ii5zFwHokO0&t=2s
Cube
This was my first time doing the cube finish. Cutting the styrofoam was a bit difficult, but other than that, this was a pretty fun finishing technique.
Animal Face Finished as a Cube
Hippo
Helpful Tutorials
Helen D.
https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=XAtMFmCilks
Carolyn Mazzeo
https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=GKH6_1pTits&t=10s
Heather Moore, The Blessed Stitcher
https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=wtp1n0rBRn4&t=3s
Vonna Pfeiffer, The Twisted Stitcher
https://tts-learntofinish.blogspot.com/2012/02/cube.html?m=0
Wood Board
I have seen many people fully finish their cross-stitch on wood boards of various shapes. Below I have a link to the shop that I bought this wood board from, though there are many places that sell them, including craft box stores.
I used the flat fold tutorials for mounting the cross-stitch. I used a tutorial to lean how to make the bow (link below).
So that I can change out what I display on this board, I wrapped the wires through the handle to secure it (I would have wrapped it around it I had left enough wire). I also added magnets to the wood board and washers to the back of the cross-stitch.
Animal Face Finished on a Wood Board
Girl Lion
Bow Tutorial
Java Girl Stitches: Bow Tutorial
https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=4XJn_e2swGw&t=832s
Wood Boards
Scarlet Sky Designs TX
https://www.etsy.com/shop/ScarletSkyDesignsTX
Bib
A bib is a cute way to finish one of these animal faces. Just remember that is will likely get dirty quite quickly once it is put to use.
Animal Face Finished on a Bib
Girl Pig
Places to Purchase Bibs
Amazon
https://www.amazon.com/DMC-BB3650-6750-Cotton-Polyester-2-Inch/dp/B002PNXQ2Y/ref=sr_1_7?dchild=1&keywords=Cross+Stitch+Baby+Bibs&qid=1606511341&sr=8-7
Walmart
https://www.walmart.com/ip/Charles-Craft-Baby-Soft-Infant-Bib-14-Count-5-X6-Solid-White/43358306?wmlspartner=wlpa&selectedSellerId=1538
Box Top
This finish is similar to a Simple Flatfold finish. My husband stained the box for me. You could also paint it or leave it the natural color. I glued some batting to thin cardboard and laced the cross-stitch on. I used tacky glue to secure the cording around the edge, then secured it using matching thread. I glued magnets to the box and washers to the cross-stitch so that I can switch out the cross-stitch on the box if I want.
Animal Face Finished as a Box Top
Owl
Place to Purchase Wooden Pallet Box
Amazon
https://www.amazon.com/Plaid-Enterprises-Inc-Unpainted-90525E/dp/B01G4YK9XI
Walmart
https://www.walmart.com/ip/Plaid-90525E-Unpainted-Wood-Surface-Pallet-Box-1-Piece-5-25-x-5-25-x-3/54828196
Trivet
I have wanted to finish a cross-stitch on a trivet since I first heard the idea from Michelle Bendy Stitchy on her Flosstube. I started buying trivets when I found them at my local Goodwill store. This was the first cross-stitch I finished on a trivet.
My husband painted the trivet gold to complement the cross-stitch. I laced the cross-stitch onto foam core board. I pinned the mini pom pom trim on, but stitching it on would be more secure (see tutorial below). I glued magnets on the back of the cross-stitch piece, so that I can remove it from the trivet if I want change out the finished piece I display on the trivet.
Animal Face Finished on Trivet
Lion
Helpful Tutorials
Kitten Stitcher: Stretching and Closing Your Needlework
https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=FBtk-El5X7s
Trixie Stitches: How to Lace your Needlework
https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=gGajH991q_c
Stephanie Webb, Lindy Stitches: How to Sew on Pom Pom Trim
https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=N38_1obnmuc
Wall Hanging
Wall hangings are a fun way to finish your cross-stitch animal faces. The tutorials below guide you through the steps of making a wall hanging.
My husband stained the wooden end caps and dowel, then cut the dowel down to size and glued the end caps on.
Animal Face Finished as a Wall Hanging
Giraffe
Helpful Tutorials
Carolyn Mazzeo: Creating an EASY Wall Hanging or Cushion
https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=OSMjYTNQ__0&t=1255s
Caterpillar Cross Stitch: How To Create a Cross Stitch Wall Hanging
https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=nUR9yE1k2NA&t=2s
Supplies
Fabric
Sewing Thread
Cording
Dowel
Wood Finial Dowel Cap Ends
Glue
What I Used
Fabric and thread from my Stash
Cording
https://www.amazon.com/gp/product/B07ZJ8GT7Y/ref=ppx_yo_dt_b_asin_title_o00_s00?ie=UTF8&psc=1
Dowel - purchased from my local Lowe’s
Wood Finial Dowel Cap End
https://www.amazon.com/gp/product/B0135DF8GE/ref=ppx_yo_dt_b_asin_title_o00_s00?ie=UTF8&psc=1
E6000 Glue - purchased from my local Walmart
Bean Bag
A bean bag finish is almost the same as a pillow finish, except you fill it with pinto beans or some other filling (see tutorials for suggestions).
Animal Face Finished as a Bean Bag
Boy Monkey
Helpful Tutorials
Spruce Crafts, How to Make Bean Bags
https://www.thesprucecrafts.com/how-to-make-a-bean-bag-1251122
My Poppet Makes: How To Sew Tossing Bean Bags + 10 Bean Bag Game Ideas For Kids
https://mypoppet.com.au/makes/how-to-tossing-bean-bags/
Pocket on Tote Bag
I came up with this idea as I stitched this piece, and I created a tutorial to show you how I finished it.
Animal Face Finished as a Pocket on a Tote Bag
Girl Frog
Tutorial
KEB Studio Creations
https://youtu.be/dlYy_2kUri8
Tote Bag
Refract Studio
https://www.etsy.com/listing/851667538/6-pack-heavy-12-oz-wide-tote-bag-100
Other Finishing Ideas
These are ideas I had of ways to finish the animal faces but did not use to finish any of the model stitches.
Mount on Canvas
Helpful Tutorials
Gathered
Hannah Hand Makes
On Clothing Using Waste Canvas
Helpful Tutorials
Nordic Needle
Thread Maniac
Tart Pan
Helpful Tutorial
Vonna Pfeiffer, The Twisted Stitcher
Pedestal
Helpful Tutorial
Helen D.
https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=EF13SqjSpnA&t=3s
Cloth Book
Helpful Tutorials
My Sew Bliss
https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=Ra3tT_WVPis&feature=emb_logo
Cloth Books for Babies
http://www.clothbooksforbaby.com/how-to-make-cloth-books/
Spoonflower
https://blog.spoonflower.com/2020/03/diy-fabric-book/
Bunting/Banner
Helpful Tutorials
Ruth Caig
http://www.stitchkitslondon.co.uk/ruths-blog/how-to-make-cross-stitched-bunting-banners-tutorial
Just Another Button Company
https://just-another-button-company.myshopify.com/blogs/news/cross-stitch-finishing-tutorial-pennant-banner
