Turning Life's Moments Into Stitches
One of my favourite things about creating Stitch People portraits is hearing the stories behind them. Every single portrait I stitch is tied to a moment in someone's life -a milestone, a memory, a celebration- and I feel so lucky that my stitches get to be part of those stories.
If you've ever thought, "Hmm, I'd love to gift one of these someday, but when would I even do that?" then this post is for you! Here are some of my favourite occasions to gift a Stitch People portrait — with ideas, inspiration, and a few of my own behind-the-scenes experiences sprinkled in.
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Weddings & Anniversaries 💍
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A wedding portrait is one of the most popular requests I get — and for good reason! They're such a thoughtful way to capture the couple's special day. I love stitching little wedding dress details, bow ties, bouquets, even the family dog sitting next to the newlyweds.
Anniversaries are just as fun — whether it's the first year or the 50th. I once stitched a portrait that showed the couple as they looked when they first met and how they look now — it was such a sweet way to honour their love story.
Speaking of anniversaries, did you know the traditional gift for a 2nd wedding anniversary in the USA is cotton? That makes a cross-stitch portrait the perfect gift — it's quite literally made of cotton! It's a fun, meaningful way to celebrate the occasion while sticking to tradition.
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New Baby or Growing Family 👶
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Few things make me as happy as adding a tiny stitched baby to a family portrait! You can stitch them swaddled, nestled in their parents' arms, or even include their name and birth stats underneath.
I've also stitched adoption celebration pieces, which are always so full of joy — they often include the whole family, siblings and pets included, to show how loved the new arrival is.
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Graduations & Milestones 🎓
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Graduation portraits are such a fun way to capture that "cap and gown" moment — and they look adorable stitched in school colours! These portraits make great keepsakes to display next to the diploma.
Milestones don't have to be school-related either — I've stitched portraits for first jobs, promotions, and even retirement celebrations. One client had me stitch their dad in his favourite work uniform to mark his last day on the job.
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Memorials & Tributes 🕊️
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These are some of the most meaningful pieces I ever get to make. I've stitched portraits where a loved one who has passed is included with the family — sometimes holding a favourite flower or wearing a signature outfit. It's such a gentle, beautiful way to keep someone close.
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Holidays & Special Traditions 🎄
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Christmas is the big one — I've stitched so many festive family portraits that now live on holiday mantels year after year! But you don't have to wait for December. Mother's Day, Father's Day, Grandparents' Day, even Valentine's Day can be made extra special with a stitched portrait that's made just for them.
One of my favourites was a portrait where everyone was in matching Christmas pyjamas — it was as cheerful as it sounds!
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Thank You Gifts 🎁
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Sometimes you just want to say thank you in a way that really shows how much you appreciate someone. Whether it's a beloved teacher, a kind bus driver, a helpful neighbour, or a coach who's gone above and beyond — a Stitch People portrait is a heartfelt way to express your gratitude. I've stitched gifts like these myself for many a Teacher Appreciation Week and they were always a hit!
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"Just Because" ❤️
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Honestly? You don't even need a reason. Sometimes the best gifts are the ones that come out of the blue. A "just because" portrait can be the perfect pick-me-up for a friend who's going through a tough time, or a sweet surprise for your partner just to say "I love you."
Wrapping It Up: A Gift That Lasts
One of my favourite things about creating Stitch People portraits is hearing the stories behind them. Every single portrait I stitch is tied to a moment in someone's life — a milestone, a memory, a celebration — and I feel so lucky that my stitches get to be part of those stories.
If you've ever thought, "Hmm, I'd love to gift one of these someday, but when would I even do that?" then this post is for you! Here are some of my favourite occasions to gift a Stitch People portrait — with ideas, inspiration, and a few of my own behind-the-scenes experiences sprinkled in.
