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How to Make a Tart Pan Finish for Cross Stitch

Turn a small stitched piece into a cute, rounded ornament using a tart pan or mini baking tin. This method adds body and a professional look without a frame.

What You’ll Need

  • Finished stitching
  • Tart pan or small baking tin
  • Cotton batting or fiber fill
  • Heavy thread or upholstery thread
  • Sewing needle
  • Mat board or thick board
  • Glue (strong craft glue like E6000 or tacky glue)
  • Scissors or craft knife

Steps

  1. Pull the tart pan apart so you have the bottom piece separate.
  2. Place the stitching face up and lay the bottom of the tart pan on the back.
    Trace around it with about 1.5–2 inches of extra fabric all the way around.
  3. Cut out the traced piece of fabric.
  4. Lay the cut-out stitching on top of cotton batting and trim the batting to match.
  5. Use heavy thread to make a running stitch around the edge of your stitching and batting. Leave the thread on the needle and set it aside.
  6. Trace the bottom of the tart pan onto mat board four times and cut out the circles.
  7. Glue two pairs of mat board circles together to make two thicker discs. Set them aside.
  8. Glue the bottom of the tart pan into the tin so it stays in place.
  9. Hold the stitching so the pretty side is facing out.
    Add fiber fill on top of the batting, then gently pull the running stitch to gather the fabric around the filling until the stitched piece looks smooth and round.
  10. Lace the thread back and forth across the gathered edges to secure the shape.
  11. Glue one set of the mat board discs to the back of the stitched round. These act like small feet so your tart sits above the rim.
  12. Spread glue in the bottom of the pan and place your stitched piece inside, mat board side down.
    Press gently so it makes good contact with the glue.
  13. Let it dry, then enjoy your finished tart-style ornament.

Quick Tips

  • If your tart pan has sharp edges, lay down a piece of scrap fabric between it and your stitching before gluing.
  • For a smooth finish, add a bit more filling before gathering if it looks wrinkled.
  • Use strong glue that dries clear for a cleaner look.