Homeware & Decor

Embroidery and cross-stitch: handmade decorative items, not substitutes

An embroidery kit intended for decoration is only as good as what it becomes once finished. Here, the five selected designs are intended to produce pieces that can be framed, displayed on a surface or hung up — not cushions, not functional accessories. Decorative pieces in the truest sense, which look good on a wall or shelf without needing any further explanation.

Cross-stitch remains the most suitable technique for this purpose. Its square grid structure produces a crisp result at any viewing distance, unlike free-form stitches, which need to be viewed up close. On a 20×20 cm frame (the most common size in this category), a counted cross-stitch on 14-thread-per-cm Aïda fabric provides sufficient visual density to be hung without looking empty.

Sizes, materials and actual completion times

The embroidered decorative items in our selection come in three size ranges: small (less than 15 cm per side, 8 to 15 hours’ work depending on the design), medium (15 to 30 cm, 20 to 45 hours), and large (over 30 cm, often a tapestry on canvas using 7 threads per cm canvas). This largest size takes between 60 and 120 hours to complete — it’s a project spanning several months, not just a weekend.

Most kits in this category include the canvas or printed fabric, DMC threads or equivalent, and a mounting grid. What you’ll need to organise yourself: the framing or final presentation. For cross-stitch pieces on Aïda fabric, allow a 4 to 6 cm margin around the design to ensure a neat finish when framing. Without this margin, you’ll end up cutting into the design itself.

If you’re looking to top up your supplies (hoops, needles, thimbles), the Embroidery accessories and Canvas accessories cover most of what you’ll need depending on the technique you’ve chosen.

Choosing a design that stands the test of time

Geometric and botanical designs withstand the effects of ageing better than realistic figurative designs. A stylised cross-stitch flower remains recognisable ten years on without looking dated; a photorealistic portrait or landscape in tapestry quickly becomes difficult to integrate into an evolving interior. It is a question of style, not the quality of the workmanship.

Colours also play a practical role: DMC threads are guaranteed colourfast, but direct exposure to sunlight will cause any textile dye to fade within 3 to 5 years. Framing with UV-filtering glass significantly extends the piece’s lifespan. If you’re embroidering as a gift or for permanent display, this is a detail that matters.

For those just starting out or looking for a more accessible format before tackling a large decorative piece, the Embroidery Cushions offer an alternative with the same high standard of finish, in a format that is easier to complete. The Children’s kits, meanwhile, feature simplified designs, ideal for introducing the craft without frustration.

Criteria for choosing a decorative item kit

• Thread count (mesh count): 14 to 18 threads/cm for fine cross-stitch; 7 to 10 threads/cm for canvas tapestry. Below 7, the finish lacks precision for colour gradients.
• Quality of the print on the fabric: check that the outlines of the designs are sharp and that the ink does not bleed when washed — a common fault in budget kits that distorts the count.

The Embroidery Designs & Diagrams allow you to take things a step further if you wish to work from a separate diagram on a blank canvas of your choice, rather than a ready-made kit. It’s a different approach, technically more demanding but one that gives you complete freedom over the final format.

Frequently asked questions about decorative embroidered items

How do you frame a cross-stitch without a professional?

Stretch the damp embroidery onto thick (pH-neutral) card before it dries: it will stick without glue or staples. Leave to dry flat for 24 hours, then insert into a standard frame. The 20×25 cm and 30×40 cm sizes fit Ikea Ribba frames, so there’s no need for custom cutting.

What is the difference between canvas and cross-stitch for a decorative item?

Canvas (half-stitch or large-stitch tapestry) covers 100% of the fabric, resulting in a stiffer piece that is better suited to large wall hangings. Cross-stitch leaves the canvas visible as a background, which is better suited to small, precise pieces or compositions where a neutral background is desired.

How long does it take to complete a medium-sized embroidered picture?

A 20×30 cm cross-stitch piece on 14-thread-per-centimetre Aida fabric takes approximately 25 to 40 hours, depending on the density of the design. At a rate of one hour per day, allow 4 to 6 weeks. Kits with pre-sorted threads reduce preparation time by around 20%.