Tag Tree Cross Stitch

Layered combo tag features simple triangle tree with 

reinforced cross stitching panel, front window cutout, 

solid back panels which are assembled then mounted 

on a classic rectangle tag. 

Stick tree “stripes” stitching panel can be modified as desired 

(see Card Kit A6 Christmas Trees Cross Stitch 

separate design for one option). 

Measures approx. 2.625” wide (bottom of tree) 

x 4” (tag) when assembled. 

ASSEMBLY: 1. Identify and cut the shapes:

A tree stitching shapes with stitching holes (2)

B stitching buffer layer

C tree front frame layer

D tree back solid layer

E tag (2 for front and back)

F header accent shape (2)

G reinforcement oval ring (2)

2. Prepare the stitching shapes by poking through holes

to make sure any "crumbs" detach and can be

brushed away and removed. Easiest tool may be

a bent-open standard paperclip.

3. Layer and attach the stitching shapes, taking care

that all outer cut edges and stitching holes are

as precisely aligned as possible.

Once the stitching shapes are glued together,

place on a flat surface and press flat with a heavy,

flat weight such as a thick book, until thoroughly

dried, several hours or over night.

4. Assemble the supplies and tools for the embroidery

cross stitch, including red and ivory/cream 6-ply floss,

tapestry needle 24/26 size.

5. Cut a 36-40 inch length of floss, then separate

two single plies from the cut length.

6. Place the two plies together, then bend in half

to bring the four cut ends together, taking care

to even out the center loop where folded.

Thread the loops through the eye of the needle, then . . .

. . . pull the loop long, to leave 4-5" of the cut tails

beyond the needle eye. The loop is the long end.

7. Refer to the stitching diagram, either on screen

of from a printed copy, to identify the left end of

the bottom row, where the first set of four "corner"

holes will hold the first cross stitch of that row,

on diagram and on stitching shape.

8. Study the following diagram to learn how the cross stitches

are formed with a row of LEFT SLANT stitches across

the row, followed by the RIGHT SLANT stitches

coming back across the row. Always create the stitches

in the same fashion, to give the work a consistent

appearance. This may require changing the order

or placement of the numbered insertions.

9.  (NOTE the following few images are showing cream floss from

a different, similar project.)

 A) Insert the loaded needle UP from backside through

the top left of the four bottom left set of stitch holes.

B) Pull the the thread through, leaving approx. 5-6 inches

of the loop end still beyond the stitching surface.

C) Create the first RIGHT SLANT stitch by inserting

 the needle down through right bottom hole of the first

four of the first stitch set, then . . . 

. . . on the backside, insert the needle through

the loop and . . . 

. . . pull up tight.

10. Continue to create the RIGHT SLANT stitches

working across the row.

When the stitching reaches the location of

the "trunk" pair of vertical stitches, pause 

the horizontal stitching to move downward

to complete the two trunk cross stitches.

Then continue up to the bottom row and work

the remaining stitches across

11. Complete the "red" alternate row stitching

plus the trunk up the center of the tree.

12. When the current thread load is used up,

or when stitching needs to be ended, move needle

through to the backside, insert needle under 3-4

stitch loops,  push/pull needle through . . .

. . . and pull thread fully through. Trim thread excess

even with backside shape surface.

13. Tie on the contrast (cream) 4 ply needle load

and stitch the alternate rows bottom to top. 

14. Position and attach the buffer cut out shape

on the backside of the stitched panel.

(This shape provides a place for the thread thickness

to lie without distorting the tree edges too much.)

15. Position and attach the stitched assembly on the front

of the offset accent tree shape.

16. Position and attach the whole back shape.

17. Prepare the tag base layers by positioning

and attaching the header accent shapes at the top

of front and back tag. Also position and attach

the slot oval "ring" reinforcement shapes

onto front and back.

18. Place the front and back tag base assembly back-to-back

and glue together.

19. Position and attach the stitched tree assembly

onto the front of the tag.

20. Add one or two lengths of ribbon,

threaded through slot, tied with twine

to finish tag.