One unique appeal of our favourite hobby-set is how it can make otherwise drab and everyday home decor look like nothing you've ever seen before. Whether it's the handcrafted nature or the inspired ingenuity, there's something exclusively elegant about seeing a regular decoration transcribed into cross stitch kits, tapestry, crochet etc. In fact, sewn/kitted trinkets and homely touches have proved to be such popular on our social media pages, we thought we'd compile them into this list of 8 ways needlecraft can be used for interior design!

Furniture

We all know how comfortable worked fabric can feel to the touch, but why stop at just a blanket or shawl? Upholstering your own knitted or patchwork chair (or even hammock) is definitely a project that requires a hefty bit of commitment and skill, but the result is a lovely new fixture to your home; one that impresses, inspires pride, and also give you peace of mind about the ethical working conditions used to make it (well, depends how hard you like to work yourself...)

Walls

Whether done with paint or some kind of acrylic wire, they're more, shall we say, inspired by needlecraft as opposed to being the real deal. Nevertheless, these alternatives to wallpaper contain much of the pixelated and minuscule detail we love to see in our favourite cross stitch kits, requiring just as steady a hand and perhaps an intermediate knowledge of painting to bring such lovely concepts to fruition.

Cushions

A classic first-step for many crafters and a popular staple of our art, you can't move on Past Impressions for extraordinary and eclectic cushion cover kits to every taste and motif. As well as our endless supply of tapestry cushions, we also have a couple in other areas of needlecraft for you to give a go, in including crochet, chunky cross stitch and patchwork. All are great for both sprucing up a bare sofa, or to doze off to sleep on when the afternoon has been hectic.

Carpets

The great thing about a great rug is it can wow with both minute detail and simple, large scale patterns. Cross-stitch inspired carpets demonstrate the possibilities of upping the scale on an embroidery pattern in a modern way, and turning it into a large fixture of your living room. Depending on the overall environment, they can work in either a home or office setting, and of course there's always our selection of reliable latch hook rugs to fill smaller empty floor spaces.

Framed Cross Stitch Kits

We gave this me this go-to method it's due attention in our blog on what you can do with finished cross stitch kits, but seeing someone's hard worked embroidery piece in its own frame is still one of the most recognizable signs that you're in a craft-friendly home. Whether it's used to shine a light on a project that's taken years to complete, or to help boost the ironic humour in a bit subversive cross stitch, it's a rather inexpensive alternative to a high price piece of art or photographic print.

Flowers

If there's only one downside to a vase of freshly cut flowers, its the lack of permanency. Whilst decorating your home with a crochet or knitted flower may decrease the level of natural beauty within, these fabric petals  bring their own layers of colour that can't help but attract attention. Choosing to make them yourself provides that same level of satisfaction that comes from home-growing your own bouquet, yet these have the power to linger on season after season.

Soft Toys

A hand knitted, sewn and stuffed cuddly toy is the only home decoration that's always there to give you a hug. They're surprisingly easy to craft, making them ideal for new cross stitchers or quilters wanting to further their own ability, and who also want a finished product that can keep smiles glowing on children's faces. Should you want to make one for yourself or another adult who's yet to grow out of their cuddliness, there's also ideas for more humorous or cheerfully tragic soft toys to seek out.

Wall Hangings

Lastly, we crack out the best canvas alternative out there. Whether you go for the cute range of patchwork quilt wall hangings we have featuring the ever adorable Humphrey, or go for something more traditionally sophisticated like our Swans tapestry display, the result is something minimalist but mesmerizing, simple yet stunning - in a way only achievable through needlecraft.

What ways have you used these fine forms of art to enhance your home? You can tell us all about them, and maybe share a picture or two, in the comments below, or better yet you can post them to our Facebook page, Twitter, Google+ or our very own ever-growing cross stitch community.


Post By Graham Ashton

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