Cross Stitch Monogram Ornament Placecard

Who doesn’t love a monogrammed gift?  How about a cross stitched monogram and let’s make it into an ornament?  And we can use it as a placecard too!  I’ll show you how.

A tutorial to create a cross stitch monogram ornament. How to make your cross stitch into a beautiful keepsake ornament.

I’ve been cross stitching my whole life.  There’s something about the counted crosses and methodical, organized nature of cross stitch that just makes me feel good.  So when I was thinking about Thanksgiving this year I decided a nice addition to the table would be a cross stitch monogram ornament.  It serves as a placecard and a favor all in one!

With so many monogram options you can make the cross stitch however you like but I’m here to share how to make it into an ornament.

Cross Stitch on Linen

Linen is my favorite fabric of choice for cross stitch projects.  I love the subtle uneven quality and historical feel.  Plus linen usually comes in more natural colors that have depth and earthy tones rather than solid white.

For this cross stitch ornament I used leftover scraps of linen from when I reupholstered some wing chairs.  It’s a Belgian linen and I sewed it 2 over 2 which ultimately ended up with a 14 count stitch size (so technically a 28 count linen).

Cross Stitch Monogram

There are a bazillion patterns to choose from on the internet but I found an old photo and created a pattern using Stitch Fiddle for each of the letters I needed.  Ultimately my monograms ended of being about 2″ high x 1.75″ wide which makes a generous sized ornament.

• TIP: When cross stitching be sure to keep all your crosses in the same direction.  This makes the finish product easy on the eyes and even more beautiful.

Burlap vs. Linen

If you follow me on Instagram then you saw my first attempt when I started on burlap.  As can be seen below, the difference between the burlap and linen is dramatic which easily helped make my decision.  They have a very different feel in texture and how the stitches rest.  Eventually I decided to go with the linen and I’m so happy about that choice.

Supplies:

• cross stitch monogram
• backing material (cut to similar size as monogram)
• thin cardboard pieces (cut to 3″ x 3.25″)
• spray adhesive
• leather cording (cut 6″ pieces)
• sewing machine
• scissors
• rotary cutter
• self healing mat
• clear quilting ruler

At this point gather your supplies and be sure to iron your cross stitch monograms (as best as linen will iron) before you begin ornament assembly.

Step 1: Apply a thin coat of spray adhesive to one side of the cardboard.

Step 2: Adhere the sticky side of the cardboard to back of monogram doing your best to center the monogram on the cardboard.

In Step 3:  Apply spray adhesive to the back side of the cardboard.  It’s okay if some spray adhesive gets on the fabric.  Then fold the leather cording in half and place the two cut ends of the leather cording at the center top of the cardboard.

Step 4: Now apply the backing material.

Step 5: Sew a straight stitch around all four sides as close to the cardboard as possible without going through the cardboard.  This makes a sealed ornament sandwich of sorts and also secures the leather hanger in position.

Step 6: Using a rotary cutter, self healing mat and quilting ruler trim off the excess fabric down to a generous 1/8″.  Only use the rotary cutter on 3 sides, on the side with the leather hanger it’s best to use scissors and trim the front side separate from the back side.

Step 7:  Lastly to get that frayed edge pull the loose fabric strands.  They will stop pulling once you reach the sewn edge and you can trim any stray bits.

Now hang and enjoy your ornament or use as a place card.

SHOP THIS PROJECT:

Thanks for joining me for this cross stitch monogram ornament project.  Please leave any questions in the comments below and be sure to follow me on social media for sneak peeks, tools and project inspiration:

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