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This article was originally published 15th Oct 2020 and has been updated in April 2026 with new resources and product recommendations.

There are a lot of things you can make with cross stitch like pictures or portraits for framing, Christmas stockings, bell pulls, decorative pillowcases, afghans, and cross stitch can even be applied to clothing as an accent. I’ll explain each scenario in detail.

1. Framed Pictures of Portraits or Scenery: This is the most common project completed with cross stitch.  The project is stitched, washed when finished, and taken to the framers at your local craft shop. Afterwards, the finished piece is now ready to hang on your walls in your home. The pictures can range from very small and easy to complete to very large with an expert level of difficulty. Whatever the case, when your project is finished, there is nothing more satisfying than hanging that finished piece on your wall for all to admire.  See the Lovely Butterbur in Fall Colors pattern at Sunrays Creations

Looking for a counted cross stitch kit to start your first framed piece? Amazon has a wide range of kits from beginner level all the way up to detailed fine art reproductions. You can also browse this guide to choosing your first cross stitch project for help picking the right skill level.

2. Christmas Stockings: They are a favorite among stitchers and provide a special touch to your fireplace. Amazon provides beautiful kits of stockings designed by Dimensions that are very colorful, animated and have that homespun look.
Shop Dimensions Christmas Stocking Kits on Amazon

3. Bell Pulls: Bell pulls have an interesting history in that they were largely used during the Victorian era and were a sign of wealth and prominence. They were used to summon workers like maids and butlers in well-to-do households. The bell pull projects made today are seldom used for this purpose; however, they make a beautiful finished project for displaying a splendid work of art near a doorway in an area of distinction.
See this Berlin Bell Pull pattern at The Cross Stitch Guild

4. Pillowcases: Cross stitch that is used on pillowcases is often stitched on stamped fabric that shows exactly where the stitches go on the fabric. It is stitched along the outer hem near the opening of a pillowcase to add a touch of formality or to make a pillowcase less plain and bright and lively with stitching. See this vintage hand-embroidered pillowcase example at WorthPoint

5. Afghans: Cross stitched afghans are often used as throws on couches or chairs. The afghans used for these projects usually have large blocked off areas of aida cloth where you could stitch a number of things such as flowers, scenery, etc. These throws usually turn out to be show pieces and are not really meant to wrap up in so as not to ruin the stitchwork. They could turn out to be lovely display items in your home. Shop the Mountain Retreat Afghan Kit at Stoney Creek

 

6. Clothing: Some stitchers have been known to actually perform stitching on their own clothing creating colorful areas of embellishment used for emphasis. The art of blackwork cross stitch was often worn by nobility on the cuffs of their sleeves and collars to give these areas a formal lacy look. See this blackwork chemise example at Designs From Time . Today cross stitch is used on articles of clothing like denim jackets, shirts, pants, etc. and is performed by using waste canvas. The canvas is placed over the item on which you want the image to appear, and you stitch on the canvas and the material beneath. When finished, the waste canvas strands are pulled away leaving the cross stitches in place. See a great waste canvas clothing example on r/CrossStitch

Want to try stitching on clothing? The key supply you need is waste canvas — it acts as a temporary grid over your fabric and pulls away cleanly when you're done. See also our article on essential cross stitch supplies for more on what to stock up on.

7. Baby Items: Cross stitch can be used to provide beautiful stitchwork on baby bibs, collars on dresses, blankets and other articles of clothing for your baby. These embellishments make the clothing all the more special as they add a personal touch made from the heart. Stamped cross stitch baby kits are a wonderful choice here — the design is pre-printed on the fabric so you can focus on stitching rather than counting. They make truly memorable personalized gifts.
See this cross stitch bunny baby grow tutorial at MakeEtc

Whatever you choose to stitch, give it your best, put a lot of love in it, and if the quality and durability is there, it could become a treasured heirloom to pass down from generation to generation. Happy Stitching!

Ready to find your next project? Browse Sunrays Creations patterns — all designed by Tracey, all stitched on 18-count Aida and finished as framed wall art. You might also enjoy our beginner's guide to getting started with cross stitch.

Frequently Asked Questions About What You Can Make With Cross Stitch

What is the most popular thing to make with cross stitch?

Framed pictures and portraits are by far the most popular finished cross stitch projects. Once completed, the piece is washed, pressed, and taken to a framer — creating a finished work of art you can hang on your wall and enjoy for decades. It's also the most common way to display Sunrays Creations patterns, all of which are designed to be framed as wall art.

Can beginners make framed cross stitch pictures?

Absolutely. Framed pictures come in every skill level, from small beginner-friendly designs with just a few colors to large, complex fine art reproductions that take a year or more to complete. If you're just starting out, look for kits labeled "beginner" or "14-count" — the larger the count number, the smaller the stitches and the more detail involved.

What fabric is used for cross stitch projects?

Most counted cross stitch is done on Aida cloth — an evenweave fabric with a clearly visible grid that makes it easy to place your stitches accurately. At Sunrays Creations, all of our patterns are designed for 18-count Aida cloth. The higher the count number, the more stitches per inch and the finer the finished look.

How long does a cross stitch project take to complete?

It depends entirely on the size and complexity of the project. A small beginner kit might take a weekend. A mid-size project with moderate detail could take a few weeks of regular stitching. Large projects — what the cross stitch community calls BAPs, or Big Ass Projects — can take months or even years. The key is to pace yourself and enjoy the process rather than race to finish.

Can you do cross stitch on clothing?

Yes — using a product called waste canvas. You place the waste canvas over the garment, stitch through both layers following the canvas grid, then carefully pull the canvas threads away once you're done. The cross stitches remain in place on the clothing. It works on denim jackets, shirts, hats, bags, and more.

What makes a good cross stitch gift?

Handstitched gifts carry a personal meaning that store-bought items simply can't match. Baby items like bibs and blankets, personalized Christmas stockings, and small framed pieces make especially thoughtful gifts. The time and care that goes into a finished cross stitch project is something the recipient can see and feel every time they look at it.