Child's Handprint Embroidery Project

Looking for a fun embroidery project to make for your mother or grandmother? This fast DIY gift idea for moms can be ready in less than an hour! Keep scrolling for the free hand embroidery pattern!

This post may contain affiliate links. Read our disclosure policy.

A few years ago I wanted to find a way give a handmade Mother’s Day gift to my mom and mother in law from my son. Since he was only 2 years old at the time he couldn’t really help me make anything lasting.

So instead of a macaroni covered box or finger-painted dish towel, I decided on a simple embroidery project that will last for many years!

More Crafting Ideas:

DIY GIFTS FOR MOM IN 15 MINUTES OR LESS

CABLE KNIT SCARF PATTERN

Simple Free Hand Embroidery Pattern

This handprint embroidery project is crazy easy to throw together and only requires about $5 in supplies!

Here are the supplies you will need for this project:

An 8″ x 8″ square of fabric (your choice)
Scissors
An embroidery hoop large enough to fit your child’s handprint. 4″ – 6″ hoop will usually be enough.
3 Different colors of embroidery floss. I used red, white, and gray to coordinate with my fabric.
Cardstock
Pen (any kind of fine tip pen will do)

Step 1

Outline your child’s handprint on the cardstock. Make sure that their fingers are spread enough to be able to sew around.

Cut out the handprint and then trace it onto the right side of the fabric as shown below. Make sure the handprint is positioned on the fabric square to accommodate any words you’d like to add (see step 2).

Step 2

Add any words you want to the fabric. I wanted to include the individual grandmother names, but you can add “I love you” or anything you’d like!

I also added the year underneath. If you have more than one child you are making these for you might add their name somewhere!

Step 3

Now that you have everything in place it’s time to add it to the hoop!

Place your piece centered in the hoop and tighten it as much as you can. You may need to tug on the edges of the fabric to really make it tight once the hoop is as tight as it can go.

You want it to be really tight because it will make the embroidery process a lot easier.

Step 4

Using 1-2 strands of floss, embroider along the lines.

For this project I would recommend a backstitch or split stitch. For a complete tutorial of each of those stitches (and more!) this embroidery stitch guide is very useful!

That’s it! There’s no need to finish the edges or the backing as this will just be a wall hanging.

You could also finish this piece like the Cross Stitch Deer Pattern and fold down the edges of the fabric, glue on a felt backing, and add a ribbon to turn this into an ornament.

Print Pin

No ratings yet

Simple Free Hand Embroidery Project

This sweet and fast gift idea can be ready in less than an hour! Perfect gift for mothers and grandmothers!

Keyword Free Embroidery Project, Handmade Gift

Ingredients

An 8″ x 8″ square of fabric (your choice)
Scissors
An embroidery hoop large enough to fit your child’s handprint. 4″ – 6″ hoop will usually be enough.
3 Different colors of embroidery floss. I used red, white, and gray to coordinate with my fabric.
Cardstock
Pen (any kind of fine tip pen will do)

Instructions

Outline your child’s handprint on the cardstock. Make sure that their fingers are spread enough to be able to sew around.
Cut out the handprint and then trace it onto the right side of the fabric as shown below. Make sure the handprint is positioned on the fabric square to accommodate any words you’d like to add (see step 2).
Add any words you want to the fabric. I wanted to include the individual grandmother names, but you can add “I love you” or anything you’d like!
I also added the year underneath. If you have more than one child you are making these for you might add their name somewhere!
Place your piece centered in the hoop and tighten it as much as you can. You may need to tug on the edges of the fabric to really make it tight once the hoop is as tight as it can go.
You want it to be really tight because it will make the embroidery process a lot easier.
Using 1-2 strands of floss, embroider along the lines.
For this project I would recommend a backstitch or split stitch. For a complete tutorial of each of those stitches (and more!) this embroidery stitch guide is very useful!

Child’s Handprint Embroidery Project