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Welcome to Christmas in July! We’re celebrating with a week of new holiday projects and some holly-jolly collaborations with our friends at Therm O Web. Our first tutorial is from Maker Team member Belinda of @brdgirl and she's created a festive favorite for cross stitchers. These charming cross stitch tags double as ornaments, with one side showcasing a holiday design and the other ready to personalize as a gift tag. So, gather your supplies and let’s get stitching because Christmas in July starts now!
Whether you stitch one side or both, these Cross Stitch Ornament Tags are perfect for adding a handmade touch to wrapped presents and then hanging on the tree as keepsake décor. This project is ideal for all skill levels, especially if finishing techniques feel intimidating. The step-by-step instructions make it easy to complete a polished ornament in no time. The pattern includes two ornament designs and one customizable tag template, so you can mix, match, and make it your own.
Skill Level: Beginner/Intermediate
Time: 4 - 5 hours (stitching) + 1 hour (assembly)
Supplies:
Belfast Linen, 32 Ct in Flax
One 9 x 12" sheet of Red Wool Blend Felt
One 9 x 12" sheet of Kelly Wool Blend Felt
One 9 x 12" sheet of Emerald Wool Blend Felt
Sulky Thread - 0169, 0567, 1001, 1005, 1051, 1056, 1147 and 1174
4" Wood Hoop
Tapestry Needles
Embroidery Needles
Freezer Paper
Pressing Paper
Fabric Stiffener
Bakers Twine in Red
Scissors
Additional Supplies:
Cross Stitch Ornament Tags Pattern (click to download)
Cross Stitch Ornament Tags Template (click to download)
HeatnBond Medium Weight Non-Woven Fusible Interfacing
SpraynBond Fusible Adhesive Fabric Spray
Oliso M3Pro Project Iron
¼” Red Buttons - optional
Directions:
1. Start by printing the pattern and reviewing the included instructions for supplies and stitching guidance. The models shown use 32-count linen, but 16-count Aida is a great alternative - just keep in mind that fabric count affects the final size. For a cross stitch refresher, check out this tutorial.
If you change the fabric count, be sure to manually resize the included templates to match your stitched piece. If you plan to stitch both the ornament design and the personalized tag, you’ll need two pieces of fabric per tag.
2. Press stitched piece(s) and make sure they are straight. Center and fuse a 4” x 4 ½” piece of HeatnBond Medium Weight Non-Woven Fusible Interfacing to back of stitched piece(s).
a. Pre-heat iron to a high setting, no steam.
b. Place rough side of fusible interfacing against wrong side of cross stitch fabric.
c. Cover with a lightweight, dry pressing cloth.
d. Press and hold iron with medium pressure for 10-15 seconds. Repeat by lifting iron to a new area, slightly overlapping the previous area until entire surface is bonded.
3. Trim stitched piece(s) two linen threads or one Aida fabric square out from cross stitched border. Set aside.
4. Print or trace pattern templates onto dull side of freezer paper. Iron the shiny side onto felt, then cut out pieces. Carefully remove freezer paper. You may choose to cut two Holly Berries from Red felt or use ¼” red buttons like the models.
Use a hole punch or screw punch to make quick work of cutting the tag holes. (Line up 4mm tip with circle on template.) The punch will cut through the paper and wool blend felt. Scissors work, as well.
5. Use SpraynBond Fabric Stiffener Spray to make tags sturdy. This quick-dry, non-aerosol formula dries clear and adds stability.
a. Shake bottle well before use. (Turn upside down and shake.)
b. Place felt tags on a protected surface. I use HeatnBond Pressing Paper and place it inside the lid of a cardboard box to protect my work area. Place the tags on one side of the pressing paper when applying, then fold other side over the tags for pressing.
c. Lightly spray fabric, from 8-10" away, until entire surface area is damp (not soaked.)
d. Cover with parchment paper and iron on medium heat until dry. Let cool.
e. If tags need to be stiffer, repeat steps above. Stiffen to your preference. For the models, I put one coat on each side.
6. Attach prepared cross stitch to the tags with SpraynBond Fusible Adhesive Fabric Spray. SpraynBond Fusible Adhesive is an iron-on, no-sew, spray adhesive for fabric that creates a permanent bond. Place reindeer cross stitch on red tag and cardinal cross stitch on green tag. Repeat, if needed, to put the personalized tag design(s) on the other side of tag(s).
a. Preheat iron to cotton setting, no steam.
b. Shake can well before use.
c. Place prepared cross stitch face down on a protected surface. I use HeatnBond Pressing Paper and place it inside the lid of a cardboard box to protect my work area.
d. Hold can upright, 8-10" from back of the fabric surface. Press nozzle and apply adhesive in short bursts using a sweeping (side to side) motion to evenly coat the surface. Make sure to cover all edges.
e. Allow to dry. Place cross stitch, adhesive side down, on top of tag. Center.
f. Press, using firm pressure for 30-45 seconds until entire piece is bonded. Let cool.
7. Attach two Holly Leaves and one Berry (or button) below hole in tag, using an embroidery needle and Cherry Red thread. Use a small tacking stitch to attach leaves, then cover stitches with Berry.
8. Add a 12” piece of Red baker’s twine to tie tag on a package and/or to use as an ornament hanger.
And just like that, you’ve stitched your way to a festive finish!
Whether you create one tag or a whole set, each piece is a little bundle of handmade holiday cheer. These cross stitch ornament tags are more than just decorations—they’re keepsakes, made with love and creativity. So, pat yourself on the back, snap a photo of your masterpiece, and share it with fellow makers. You’ve added a personal touch to the season, and that’s something to celebrate. Happy stitching and Merry Christmas in July!
Thanks to Belinda for designing and writing this tutorial! You can see more of her work on Instagram @brdgirl and on her website. Stay tuned for more Christmas in July tutorials all week long!
