Cross-Stitch Wood Heart Sign

The cross-stitch wood sign I made for Christmas ended up being one of my favorite decorations so I decided to make another one for Valentine’s Day.  This cross-stitch wood heart sign was just as simple to make as the first and it’s adding some fun handmade decor to the mantel.

Let me share the simple tutorial.

Before you start, you’ll need a template.  I googled “cross stitch heart template” and found the design below.  I simply drew it onto graph paper, using four squares by four squares for each X.  You can see a scribble where I made a mistake but this template isn’t important.  The X’s don’t have to be perfect at all since you’re just using the corner of each X as a guide.

Tape the template onto your board, being sure to center it and making sure it’s sitting evenly across.  I used plywood last time but decided to use a scrap piece of bead board this time.  Any wood will work.

Drill into the corner of each X, going right through the template and through the wood.  Place a scrap piece of wood underneath the sign so you don’t drill your work bench.  {The first time I mess up my new work bench, I’m going to be so sad!}

When all the holes have been drilled, sand the front and the back of the sign to get rid of rough edges.

Spray paint the sign in a color of your choice and, when it’s completely dry, start stitching.  To begin, hot glue the end of the yarn to the back of the sign near the starting hole …

… then use a tapestry needle to stitch through each hole.  As with regular cross-stitch, stitch each stitch in the same direction to get a uniform look.

Stitch each X and hot glue the end of the yarn onto the back of the yard.  Super simple!

I’m smitten with this cross-stitch wood heart sign and look forward to seeing it on my mantel all through February!

For more Valentine’s Day projects and ideas, be sure to check out a DIY glitter wine bottle …

… this simple typographical love printable based on a plate I have …

… and a simple upcycled felted coffee cuff!