This summer I was craving a craft project that I could pick up and put down and something that would be totally cute in my home when complete. I succeeded when creating my first custom cross stitch family portrait!
![Custom cross stitch family portrait - great for holiday gifts! #crossstitch #needlecrafts #christmasgift | spotofteadesigns.com](https://i0.wp.com/spotofteadesigns.com/wp-content/uploads/2016/08/Cross-Stitch-Family-Portrait.jpg?resize=640%2C1000&ssl=1)
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While I don’t consider myself a beginner sewer, it’s been a LONG TIME since used the skill for something that required precision and math. I hemmed and hawed over buying something as I really figured I could do this on my own since I was a graphic designer! Instead of wasting too much time trying to figure it out, I bit the bullet and I purchased what seemed to be best customizing cross stitch portrait books, Do-It-yourself Stitch People by Elizabeth Dabczynski-Bean. I’m so glad I did!!
First, I want to state that while this post includes an Amazon affiliate link, this is NOT a sponsored post by the author or publisher. I wanted to share this helpful book for any crafters out there who might be looking for a cute craft concept for their home or to begin working on holiday gifts! (Because spoiler alert, that’s what I’m doing!)
![Custom cross stitch family portrait - great for holiday gifts! In progress shot #crossstitch #needlecrafts #christmasgift | spotofteadesigns.com](https://i0.wp.com/www.spotofteadesigns.com/wp-content/uploads/2016/08/Stitch-People-Portrait-sketch.jpg?resize=640%2C427&ssl=1)
Do you like my little family pattern? This part is almost frameable by itself, don’t you think?
![Custom cross stitch family portrait - great for holiday gifts! In progress shot #crossstitch #needlecrafts #christmasgift | spotofteadesigns.com](https://i0.wp.com/www.spotofteadesigns.com/wp-content/uploads/2016/08/Stitch-People-Portrait-mapping.jpg?resize=640%2C427&ssl=1)
TIP: I actually laminated mine with some contact paper so I was able to roll it up and keep it with my craft as I worked on it at home or on a car ride without risk of it tearing!
![Custom cross stitch family portrait - great for holiday gifts! #crossstitch #needlecrafts #christmasgift | spotofteadesigns.com](https://i0.wp.com/www.spotofteadesigns.com/wp-content/uploads/2016/08/Stitch-People-Portrait-in-progress.jpg?resize=480%2C640&ssl=1)
This was an in progress shot (in horrible lighting as I was working on this at night, sorry). It basically shows my cross stitch E.T. family. #baldfamily
![Custom cross stitch family portrait - great for holiday gifts! #crossstitch #needlecrafts #christmasgift | spotofteadesigns.com](https://i0.wp.com/www.spotofteadesigns.com/wp-content/uploads/2016/08/Stitch-Family-Portrait-Nehils.jpg?resize=640%2C427&ssl=1)
And here’s the final shot. I originally sketched out my pattern with “The Nehil Family” but only used a 2 square height, not 4. As I started stitching it I realized the font was SOOOO tiny at only 2 squares. Instead, I changed it to “Nehils” at the last minute. Learn from my mistake and make it a 4 square height! (PS You’ll know what I’m talking about when you get the book!)
![Custom cross stitch family portrait - great for holiday gifts! #crossstitch #needlecrafts #christmasgift | spotofteadesigns.com](https://i0.wp.com/www.spotofteadesigns.com/wp-content/uploads/2016/08/Stitch-Family-Portrait-Nehils-on-display.jpg?resize=640%2C427&ssl=1)
Overall, it was really fun to get back to my hands-on crafting roots and work on a creative project with such a personal and cute outcome. I HIGHLY recommend Elizabeth’s book as an initial reference to get you started in cross stitch and as a continued reference to create endless custom portraits. (It does include pets for those of you who have them!) Bonus: when you get your book, you get access to an online portal with additional designs she’s added since publishing the book!
![Custom cross stitch family portrait - great for holiday gifts! #crossstitch #needlecrafts #christmasgift | spotofteadesigns.com](https://i0.wp.com/www.spotofteadesigns.com/wp-content/uploads/2016/08/Nehil-Stitch-Family-Framed.jpg?resize=640%2C427&ssl=1)
Oh and this frame? I loved the distressed ones I made for my family gallery wall that I had to make two more to fit in the entertainment center over the TV.
Come see what other cross stitch designs I’ve done as gifts both in frames and hoops:
![Stitch People Frame for 40th birthday gift | spotofteadesigns.com](https://i0.wp.com/spotofteadesigns.com/wp-content/uploads/2023/05/Stitch-People-Macdonalds-FINAL.jpg?resize=1001%2C1024&ssl=1)
![Handmade gift idea: cross stitch extended family portrait | spotofteadesigns.com](https://i0.wp.com/spotofteadesigns.com/wp-content/uploads/2017/04/Croos-Stitch-Extended-Family-Portrait-1.jpg?resize=640%2C427&ssl=1)
![Cross Stitch Portrait Hoop Ornament Tutorial - featuring a wedding couple | spotofteadesigns.com](https://i0.wp.com/spotofteadesigns.com/wp-content/uploads/2016/11/Cross-Stitch-Hoop-Ornament-wedding-couple.jpg?resize=640%2C427&ssl=1)
![Cross Stitch Portrait Hoop Ornament Tutorial - featuring a disney fan | spotofteadesigns.com](https://i0.wp.com/spotofteadesigns.com/wp-content/uploads/2016/11/Cross-Stitch-Hoop-Ornament-disney-fan-close-up.jpg?resize=640%2C427&ssl=1)
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So cute!!!!