10 Creative Ways to Display Your Finished Cross-Stitch Projects
After completing a cross-stitch project, many stitchers immediately frame their work. While framing is a classic option, there are many other creative ways to showcase your finished pieces. From quilts and cushion covers to practical items like pouches and coasters, discover inspiring ideas to turn your cross-stitch projects into beautiful décor and functional handmade items.
You've stitched the final cross and tied off the last thread. Congratulations! Now comes the question every stitcher faces: what do you do with it? A finished piece deserves better than a drawer. Here are ten creative ways to display, use and enjoy your cross stitch, from classic framing to everyday treasures.
Before you begin: give your work a gentle wash and press so it looks its best. Our guide on how to care for your finished cross stitch walks you through it.
1. Incorporate Designs into a Quilt
Small motifs and sampler pieces make beautiful quilt blocks when combined with coordinating fabrics. This works especially well for themed series, stitch-alongs or a collection of pieces stitched over the years. The finished quilt becomes a true heirloom.
2. Create a Custom Table Runner or Tablecloth
Floral, geometric or seasonal motifs stitched along a table runner or in the corners of a tablecloth bring a personal touch to every meal. Botanical designs from our Flowers Cross Stitch collection are perfect for this.
3. Craft Handmade Coasters
Small square designs backed with felt or cork make practical, charming coasters. A coordinated set of four makes a wonderful gift for a housewarming or birthday.
4. Design Decorative Cushion Covers
Sew your finished piece into the front of a cushion and pair it with a complementary backing fabric. It adds texture and personality to a sofa, bed or reading nook. Want the design to sit directly on the fabric without the Aida background? Learn how to remove background stitches for cushions, bags or blankets, or try a waste canvas.
5. Display Pieces in Embroidery Hoops
Leaving a piece in a wooden embroidery hoop is one of the simplest and most charming ways to display it. Trim the excess fabric, glue or stitch the back neatly, and hang. Group several hoops of different sizes together for a relaxed gallery wall. Not sure which hoop to use while stitching? Read do you really need an embroidery hoop?
6. Sew Zipper Pouches or Pencil Cases
Turn a stitched panel into a zipper pouch, makeup bag or pencil case. It's a great use for smaller designs, and something you'll use and enjoy every day. Smaller pieces like our mini kits are just the right size.
7. Create Fabric Wall Hangings or Banners
For a softer, textile-style look, mount your stitched fabric on a wooden rod or dowel and hang it with ribbon or twine. This relaxed style suits quotes, seasonal décor and nursery designs, and it's a quick alternative to framing.
8. Make Bookmarks or Book Covers
Small patterns make lovely bookmarks, the perfect gift for a reader. Larger designs can decorate fabric covers for journals, planners or a favourite novel. Our step-by-step guide shows how to create a beautiful cross stitch bookmark.
9. Turn Designs into Seasonal Decorations
Finished pieces make beautiful ornaments, gift tags, advent calendar panels and holiday wall hangings. Bring them out each year and they'll become part of your family's traditions. For spooky season, browse our Halloween Cross Stitch Collection.
10. Experiment with Creative Framing
Framing is the classic choice for a reason, and there's plenty of room to be creative. Try vintage frames from a thrift shop, deep shadow boxes, float mounting, or fabric-covered mats that pick up a colour from your design. Our guide shows how to frame your cross stitch step by step.
Share It, Gift It or Sell It
A finished piece can also make someone's day. See why cross stitch makes a great gift. And if your collection is outgrowing your walls, here's how to sell finished cross stitch in 2026.
Find Your Next Project
Our Four Square and Panel designs are made for coasters, cushions and grouped displays, and they look stunning framed as a set.
