Cross Stitch Pendants
I’m a big fan of finding ways to finish my cross stitch designs so they can actually be used rather than just decorative. A lot of the time that involves plastic canvas, as we discussed in our last tutorial , so I wanted to find ways to make wearable items with normal cross stitch fabric. I ended up making some pendants and a lot of you have asked how I made them!
As always, I encourage you to go out and experiment with materials and find out new ways to do things. But I will also share with you how I made mine, to give you a starting point. If you’ve done things differently or have some tips, please let me (Sirithre) know!
Disclaimer: This post uses Amazon affiliate links. Sirithre receives a small commission if you purchase anything via these links. However, these are all her honest opinions and the actual materials she uses when making her own products.
Materials
The materials for this project are not too different from what you would normally use for cross stitching. Needle, thread, scissors. You know the drill.
For fabric, I chose to use 28 count evenweave, because I could fit more detail into it. You can use your favorite fabric, or whatever you have on hand.
The pendant trays were purchased from Amazon. This is the listing I purchased, but if you look at relevant listings you’ll find different colors, different quanities, different shapes (hearts, squares, ovals, …owls?), and so forth. Shop around and find which pendant trays are perfect for your project!
Lastly, you’ll want some strong adhesive. Aka, glue. I use E6000 craft glue. But if you’ve got a favorite adhesive that will hold fabric to metal… go for it. (and let me know!)
Patterns
You’ll want to pick the pattern you’re making based on the materials and pendant trays you’ve chosen. Mine are 1-inch trays, so I want my pattern to fit in a 1-inch circle. If I had used 14 count, that means only 14 stitches tall/wide! Since I used 28 count, I was able to fit twice as much detail! Which also means a Twitch emote pattern would totally fit in there 😉
Because I used 28 count, I also opted to only do tent stitches (or half stitches) with two strands of thread to get full coverage, but not have to try and squeeze in full Xs over 1 in a cramped area. The method and style is up to you, as long as it fits in your pendant tray.
If you’re curious, the Hogwarts crests pictured are from a free cross stitch pattern on my Patreon. (The Koroks are also on there, for $5 Patrons)
Assembly
Now, I have two different ways I’ve done pendants. So I’ll outline them both. The first method is using the glass cabochons included in the listing I linked above. The second is an alternative without the cabochon. Click any of the photos to see it larger.
Regardless of which method you use, you’ll want to trim your fabric down into a circle (cut off the corners) with enough of a border around your design to be able to sew up the back. While I don’t have a photo of it, I like to take one of the pendant trays and trace it onto the back of the fabric around the stitched design and then trim a 1/2″ or so past that.
You’ll then want to loosely stitch a circle around the design, staying just outside the area that will be visible on the finished project. Do not cut off the end of the thread.
You can use any color for this as it won’t be visible. I usually just use whatever color I was last working on.
Method 1
Now, if you’re using the glass cabochons you’ll want to place one on the back of the design (rounded side towards the fabric) and gently tug the thread. This will cinch up the fabric around the glass. You’ll want to adjust the cabochon as you cinch it as it may get off centered. You generally want your cross stitch design to be in the center of your pendant, so move it around until it looks right. This might be trickier if you chose an oddly shaped pendant like the hearts. I haven’t tried them yet.
Once it’s in a spot you want it, you need to stitch it up tightly. Try to get as close to the edge as you can without going over the lip of the cabochon, and stitch opposite ends together until you have a tight little bundle. As you can see, it doesn’t have to be especially neat. You do want it to end up laying as flat as possible though, so trim off any excess fabric you want during the process. The fabric does not need to meet in the middle, as you can see by the second example.
Method 2
If you didn’t get any cabochons with your trays, or simply think they look too round with the cabochons, that’s okay! The other method I use just uses a paper circle! The tricky part is getting it the right size. You want it juuuust under 1″ so it fits in the tray with your fabric wrapped around it.
I use a 1″ hole punch, and then trim away a little bit, but they also sell 3/4″ hole punches that might work.
You want to use paper that’s a little sturdier than printer paper. I normally use cardstock or an old business card. Or the cardboard packaging off something nearby. Be creative!
If you want a bit of the rounded shape on the front, I also like to tuck a small amount of stuffing/ fiberfill to give it a little bit of shape.
Just like before, you’ll want to cinch it tight. You’ll need to be a bit more careful though as you don’t want the paper to bend. If your paper isn’t quite round, try to shape the fabric around it as needed.
Criss cross sew the edges so that it all meets in the middle as flat as you can get it.
Getting it in the tray
Lastly, you’ll glue this bundle to the pendant tray (Make sure you orient your cross stitch design right side up!)
Don’t use too much or too little glue (specific, I know… But I don’t know how else to describe it. You’ll want to experiment)
And make sure you let it dry completely! Pin it under something heavy to dry if you can, or use binder clips to keep it together until the glue can dry.
Add a cord or chain, and you’re good to go!
Do you prefer the rounded look? Or the flatter look? I’m kind of leaning towards the flat ones myself.
Next I’ll be experimenting with gluing the cabochon on TOP of the fabric, but I need to find a reliable clear adhesive first.
Keep an eye out for my results if you’re curious! And if I find a reliable way to make that work, I’ll update this tutorial.
Sirithre wrote this tutorial. She is a participant in the Amazon Services LLC Associates Program, an affiliate advertising program designed to provide a means for her to earn fees by linking to Amazon.com and affiliated sites.
