How to make a cross stitch angel tree decoration

How to make a cross stitch angel tree decoration

We show you how to make a 3D angel hanging for your Christmas tree using the exclusive kit with your issue of The World of Cross Stitching.

Try 6 issues of The World of Cross Stitching magazine for £14!

Heather Nugent

Christmas is coming and we absolutely love handmade decorations, so we wanted to share this cross stitch angel decoration with you. There's nothing better than spending a cold evening, snuggled up at home with your favourite project, and this cute angel tree decoration would be perfect fo that.

This project is perfect for beginners and you'll have it stitched and ready for your Christmas tree in no time! In this guide we will show you how to stitch the angel, plus how to make it into a tree hanging. Find everything you'll need to make this decoration below.

This pattern is suitable for beginners, but if you are new to cross stitching, however, we have lots of helpful guides available, find out how to cross stitch or learn more about cross stitch needle sizes.

This design was created by Heather Nugent and was published in The World of Cross Stitching issue 301 (Christmas 2020).

Angel cross stitch fact box:

  • Stitching Time - Approx. 15 hours
  • Type of Stitches - Cross stitch, backstitch
  • Ease of Stitching - Beginner

What you’ll need for the angel cross stitch:

  • 14-count plastic Aida/Perforated paper
  • Stranded cotton as listed in the key
  • Colour chart and key

Cross stitch angel pattern

This angel pattern is available in our Gathered Shop for instant download – get the PDF chart pack today

Step 1

Use a ruler to find the centre of the plastic aida and start stitching the centre of the design from there, using the chart and key in your kit. Stitch the angel’s body on one side of the aida, flip it over and stitch the two wings on the reverse side (indicated on the chart by the red guide line).

Step 2

Next, cut around the outside of the stitched area, following the blue guide line on the chart. Be as precise as possible to ensure everything will line up.

Step 3

Curl the entire design so that the angel’s body forms a cone shape and the wings are on the angel’s back. 

Step 4

Slot the wings together and they will hold in place. Now the front of the wings will be facing forwards.

Step 5

Stitch a loop of baker’s twine to the back of the angel’s head to hang from your tree. Or, leave off the baker’s twine and use as a tree topper, instead.

Watch our video tutorial for how to slot the angel wings together:

[oembed source="https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=z_Oyl31FzJU" ][/oembed]

If you loved the angel cross stitch Christmas design and want to get stuck into more festive cross stitch, try these amazing 150 cross stitch patterns, you’ll find something to suit all skill levels. If you want some other Christmas crafts, try these adorable gnome cross stitch bookmarks, they’ll keep your page safe at all times. Looking for more gift ideas for the stitchers in your life? Then check out these cute needle minders which are the ideal stocking stuffer. We also have this fab countdown of the best modern cross stitch kits or the Christmas cross stitch kits which contain everything you need to complete your whole project, ideal for those new to the craft. If you want more inspiration for cross stitch ideas be sure to browse through our large collection of free cross stitch patterns, there is something for all ages and abilities.

Heather Nugent

Technical Editor on Love Embroidery

Heather is a designer and technical expert with over eight years of experience in craft publishing, and is the Technical Editor for Love Embroidery magazine. She first started sewing with her mum when she was five years old and has been hooked on all things stitched ever since. She's designed projects for Your Home, Today’s Quilter, Craftseller, Your Handmade Home, RSPB wild explorer, bbcgoodfood.com, Cross Stitch Crazy, The World of Cross Stitching and Lakeside needlecraft cross stitch books. Find her on instagram @heathers.handmade.hub
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