Friday, February 26, 2021

Animal Faces Finishing Ideas: 15+ Ways to Finish Your Cross-Stitch

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: Selecting Framing Materials for Your Needlework
https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=Zoj7Ghk9ue4

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. 



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


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