Frame Ornament with Slide-In Photo: A Unique Christmas Finish

Looking for a new needlepoint finishing technique to add to your toolkit? This tutorial covers a frame ornament with a slide-in photo, a sweet intermediate level finish that lets you slide a photo through the side and right into the middle of your ornament.

With Christmas just around the corner, this is the perfect time to try something a little different. Most needlepoint ornaments are beautiful on their own, but this finish adds a personal touch that makes it truly special. Picture a favorite family photo, a snapshot of the grandkids, or a beloved pet tucked inside a stitched frame and hanging on the tree. It's the kind of handmade Christmas gift people hold onto for years and pull out of the ornament box every December with a smile.

If you're already comfortable with ornament finishing, don't be intimidated by this one. It's a wonderful next step once you've mastered the standard ornament finishes, and the technique opens up a whole new category of keepsake projects. Because the photo slides in from the side, you can even swap it out later, so the ornament can grow with the family from year to year.

This finish makes a thoughtful gift for parents, grandparents, teachers, and new homeowners, or anyone celebrating a "first Christmas" milestone. Stitch a few now and you'll have one of a kind gifts ready long before the holiday rush.

Inside the full tutorial you'll find a comprehensive materials list, a detailed process tutorial video, and complete written instructions to guide you through the whole finish.

Before you get started, make sure you're comfortable with ornament finishing and joining cording, since both come into play here.

Ready to turn your next needlepoint canvas into a photo ready Christmas keepsake? Head over to The Needlepoint Finishing Club on Substack to read the full tutorial.

Read the full tutorial on Substack