Should You Give Your Cross Stitch to Friends and Family? [To Gift or Not to Gift]

Have you put time, effort, and thought into stitching a gift only to be disappointed by the recipient’s reaction?

Even though you think that they should appreciate your unique and thoughtful gift, the truth is that not everyone does or will.

Just like with any gift the focus should be on the recipient. 

With the holidays just around the corner, you may be tempted to make your loved ones special, handmade gifts. 

However, consider these points before starting your next cross stitched gift.

1. Who is this gift for? 

Does the gift you are stitching match their taste, interests, and personality?

If you want to make sure the recipient will actually like the gift you’ve made for them, it’s important to stitch something that they like in the first place.

The reality is that not everyone has the same style or likes the same hobbies.

For example, do they like sports? If so, who is their favorite team?

A stitched gift that is personalized will be much more appreciated than something that is generic. The more customized you can be the better.

Change the colors to fit the recipient’s décor or choose their favorite color. 

Take some time to think about what kind of things they like before you start making your gift. 

2. How do you plan on finishing this gift?

Present your stitching in a professional manner.

Stitching mistakes here and there nobody will notice, but don’t forget to put thought into how your stitching will be displayed.

That doesn’t mean that you have to have your project professionally framed. I have a tutorial for how I frame projects inexpensively at home. In addition, there are other ways to finish your project without framing.

You could turn it into a pillow or decorate an embroidery hoop.

To improve the appearance, at least give it a good ironing before it is displayed.

3. Do you have the time?

Making a cross stitched gift takes time, so you’ll need to factor that into your decision as well. If you’re short on time, a stitched gift may not be the right option.

One of the biggest reasons stitchers are let down by gifting cross stitch is the amount of time it took to stitch the project.

As makers, we put our souls into our craft. When someone doesn’t like it, it’s like they are rejecting us. We take it personally.

An alternative would be to stitch a project that doesn’t take as much time. Instead of stitching a huge project that took countless hours, consider stitching a small ornament.

4. What is your budget?

Many stitchers choose to stitch their gifts because it is easier on their wallet than buying a gift. However, stitched gifts can sometimes be more expensive than store-bought gifts.

Silk thread, hand dyed thread or fabric, beads and other embellishments, and metallic thread can all start to add up.

If you aren’t sure how someone will respond to your handmade gift, don’t spend a lot of money on it. 

Check out this article I wrote on how to maximize your cross stitch budget.

5. What is your relationship to the recipient?

Are you close?

You might want to only make gifts for people with whom you have a close relationship.

You will know so much more about them in order to stitch them an accurate gift.

Even if you are close, that doesn’t mean that they will appreciate a handmade gift. But because you are close there is a better chance that they will treasure your hard work and thoughtfulness.

My husband made me custom pokemon cards for our first Christmas. They were similar to date coupons. I love them so much. But that’s just me.

Final Thoughts

At the end of the day not everyone appreciates handmade gifts and it’s up to you how you want to spend your time and energy.

If they’re not into DIY projects or handmade items, it might not be the best idea to give a cross stitched gift. However, if they love unique, one-of-a-kind items, a stitched gift will definitely be appreciated!

Keeping these considerations in mind, you can determine if gifting your cross stitch is worth it.

Happy Stitching!