Cross Stitch Ornament Tags

Hello, creative friends! I’m Belinda from Blue Ribbon Designs, and I’m thrilled to welcome you to Christmas in July! This week, we’re celebrating with a festive flurry of inspiration, thanks to a special collaboration between Therm O Web and Benzie Design. I’ve created a holiday project that’s perfect for cross stitchers—personalized gift tags that double as Christmas ornaments! Even better, I’ve designed two exclusive tags for the Therm O Web Blog and two more for the Benzie Design Blog, each featuring some of my favorite products from these fabulous brands. Let’s dive into the holiday spirit—stitch by stitch!

Whether you stitch one side or both, these versatile tags are perfect for adding a handmade touch to wrapped presents and then hanging on the tree as keepsake décor. The pattern includes two ornament designs and one customizable tag template, so you can mix, match, and make it your own.

This project is ideal for all skill levels, especially if finishing techniques feel intimidating—these step-by-step instructions make it easy to complete a polished ornament in no time. So, gather your supplies, download the pattern and templates, and let’s get stitching. Christmas in July starts now!

*NOTE*: This tutorial requires basic counted cross stitch knowledge. If you need additional assistance, search/visit the Internet, or look at a basic cross stitch book to learn the fundamentals.

What you need:

• HeatnBond Medium Weight Non-Woven Fusible Interfacing
• SpraynBond Fusible Adhesive Fabric Spray
• SpraynBond Pattern & Stencil Spray
• SpraynBond Fabric Stiffener
• Pressing Paper Fabric and Craft Sheets
• 32-count Belfast Linen – Flax OR 16-count Aida Cloth – Natural
• Embroidery Floss – Sulky Petites Embroidery Threads (DMC)
  • 0169 Cabernet Red   (816)
  • 0567 Butterfly Gold   (3852)
  • 1001 Bright White   (B5200)
  • 1005 Black   (310)
  • 1051 Christmas Green   (701)
  • 1056 Med Tawny Tan   (301)
  • 1147 Christmas Red   (817)
  • 1174 Dk. Pine   (890)
  • 1833 Pumpkin Pie   (3776)
• Red Wool Blend Felt from Benzie Design
• Kelly Wool Blend Felt from Benzie Design
• Emerald Wool Blend Felt from Benzie Design
• Tapestry Needle
• Wood Embroidery Hoop, 4”
• Small Sharp Scissors, 5”
• Screw Punch or Hole Punch
• Embroidery Needles
• Baker’s Twine – Red
• Oliso M3Pro Project Iron
• Optional: ¼” Red Buttons

How to Make Cross Stitch Ornament Tags
2 ½” x 4 ¼” (plus baker’s twine)

1. Download/Print Pattern

Cross Stitch Ornament Tags – A Project for the Therm O Web Blog

• Print actual size – do NOT “fit to page” or “shrink to fit.”
• Print on regular printer paper.

2. Cross Stitch

Start by printing the pattern and reviewing the included instructions for supplies and cross 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. Tip: If you change the fabric count, be sure to manually resize the included templates to match your stitched piece. Also note: If you plan to stitch both the ornament design side and the personalized tag side, you’ll need two pieces of fabric per tag. For a cross stitch refresher, check out this tutorial on the Benzie Design Blog.

3. Prepare Cross Stitch for Tag

Press your 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 the back of the stitched piece(s).

1. Pre-heat iron to a high setting, no steam.
2. Place the rough side of the fusible interfacing against the wrong side of the cross stitch fabric.
3. Cover with a lightweight, dry pressing cloth.
4. Press and hold iron with medium pressure for 10-15 seconds. Repeat by lifting iron to new area, slightly overlapping previous area until the entire surface is bonded.

4. Trim

Trim the stitched piece(s) two linen threads or one Aida fabric square out from the cross stitched border. Set aside.

5. Cut Tags

Print the tag templates (page 5 of the PDF Pattern) onto regular printer paper. Use SpraynBond Pattern & Stencil Spray to apply templates to wool felt and cut out.

1. Loosely cut apart the shapes.
2. Place the paper shapes 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.
3. Shake can well. Hold can upright, 12 inches from templates.
4. Press spray pad button and apply a light coating of adhesive using a sweeping motion.
5. Let dry 1 minute.
6. Press templates to wool blends felts, repositioning as needed. (If tack is too light, repeat step 1.)
7. Cut out shapes on the provided lines.
8. Remove paper.
9. Optional: You may choose to cut two holly berries from Red Wool Blend Felt or use ¼” red buttons like the models.
10. Use a Screw Punch to make quick work of cutting the tag holes (line up the 4mm tip with the circle on the template – the punch will cut through the paper and the wool blend felt. A hole punch or scissors will work, as well.

6. Stiffen Tags

Use SpraynBond Fabric Stiffener Spray to make the tags sturdy. This quick-dry, non-aerosol formula dries clear and adds stability to the tags.

1. Shake the bottle well before use (turn upside down and shake).
2. Place the wool 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. Tip: Place the tags on one side of the pressing paper when applying, then fold the other side over the tags for pressing.
3. Lightly spray fabric, from 8-10 inches away, until the entire surface area is damp (do not soak).
4. Cover with parchment paper and iron on medium heat until dry. Let cool.
5. If the tags need to be stiffer, repeat steps above. Stiffen the tags to your preference. For the models, I put one coat on each side.

7. Add Cross Stitch

Attach the 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 the snowman cross stitch on the red tag and the wreath cross stitch on the green tag. Repeat, if needed, to put the personalized tag design(s) on the other side of the tag(s).

1. Preheat iron to cotton setting, no steam.
2. Shake the can well before use.
3. Place the 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.
4. Hold can upright, 8-10 inches from back of fabric surface. Press nozzle and apply adhesive in short bursts using a sweeping (side to side) motion to evenly coat surface, making sure to cover all edges.
5. Allow to dry. Place the cross stitch, adhesive side down, on top of tag. Center.
6. Press, using firm pressure for 30-45 seconds until the entire piece is bonded. Let cool.

8. Add Holly

Attach two wool blend felt holly leaves and one berry (or ¼” button) below the hole in the tag, using an embroidery needle and Sulky Petites, Cherry Red 1147 (DMC817) floss. Use a small tacking stitch to attach the leaves, then cover those stitches by attaching a wool blend felt berry or ¼” red button.

9. Add Tie/Hanger

Loop a 12” piece of red baker’s twine through the hang hole to tie the tag on a package and/or to use as an ornament hanger.

10. Celebrate

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 token 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(s), 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!

To add to the holiday fun, I have created TWO additional cross stitch ornament tag designs for Benzie Design (see the photos below) – simply head over to the Benzie Design Blog and you will find another complete tutorial and pattern to add to your collection. Enjoy!

Thank you for joining me today for my Therm O Web blog tutorial featuring Benzie Design. I hope this post inspires you to stitch up a Cross Stitch Ornament Tag or two (or TEN) for the upcoming holiday season. To see more of my projects and patterns, stop by my blog, website, and/or Instagram – I would love to visit with you and see what you create!

Greetings! - I'm Belinda from Blue Ribbon Designs. I am a needlework and sewing/quilting designer from Spring Hill, KS. I specialize in original counted thread cross stitch designs, quilting and sewing patterns, specialty hand finishing of needlework smalls, custom sewing/quilting, and teaching handwork/sewing techniques. Etsy Shop: https://blueribbondesigns.etsy.com Blog: https://blueribbondesigns.blogspot.com