How to make a wall hanging
You can create a charming mini wall hanging with just a few easy steps! The photos below show my Village Dancers cross stitch folk embroidery kit with a 6-inch tapestry rod. The technique can be used for almost any embroidery as well as for quilted or sewn textiles and I offer both 6-inch and 12-inch tapestry rods on the Fabrics, Floss, and Notions page.
Here’s how to make one:
Step 1: Trim Your Embroidery
Once you’ve embroidered your design, trim your embroidery to the measurements provided in the instructions. I recommend measuring and pulling a thread first to create a clean line for cutting.
Note: the measurements vary per design and are given in each kit, but if you’re adapting this for a project that’s not from a kit, I recommend allowing 3 inches finishing at the top, ½ to 2 inches on the sides, and ½ to 2 inches on the bottom.
Step 2: Trim your lining
Lay your trimmed embroidery on top of the lining fabric included in your kit, right sides together, and cut the lining fabric the same size as your embroidery.
Step 3: Sew together
Sew around the perimeter, using a ½” seam allowance and leaving a 3” opening on one side for turning.
Step 4: Turn and make casing
Turn embroidery right sides out through the opening and press, using a chopstick to ease out the corners.
Make the casing: on the right side, sew two lines of stitching along the top edge, placing the first line ½” away from the top edge, and the second line 1-1/2” away from the top edge. Using a seam ripper or small scissors, remove the side seam stitches between these two rows of stitching to open up the casing.
Step 5: Add tapestry rod
Insert the tapestry rod into the casing and put the finials on each end. Note: you can glue one finial in place, but I recommend leaving one un-glued so you can remove the embroidery later on if needed.
Step 6: Make braided cord
You’ll have several yards of DMC floss left over after stitching (or you can use floss from your stash). Take 3 one-yard pieces, fold in half, and make a slip knot. Slip the slip knot over one finial and snug up. You’ll now have 6 pieces of floss—separate these into three sections and braid for 8 inches (or your desired length). Tie knot at end of braid. Now, separate the floss back into 2 sections and tie around the other finial and secure with a knot, positioning the knot to the back side of the finial so it is not visible from the front. Trim ends.
Bravo! You've just made a charming wall hanging! You can decorate the bottom by stitching on little tassels with leftover floss, sewing on some little bells, or adding a fun trim. I love displaying my wall hangings with purse or necklace display stands (readily available online) on a console table with a stack of books and/or a pretty plant. They also look great on the wall with decorative picture hooks. Wall hangings make terrific gifts and are great when you want affordable textile art in your space!
