Handprint Embroidery Keepsakes: The Most Meaningful Gift for Mom & Grandma

If you’re searching for a sentimental Mother’s Day gift, a Christmas gift for Grandma, or a Meaningful Handmade Keepsake for Yourself - my embroidered handprint craft is it.

These embroidery projects turn a child’s handprint into a stitched heirloom that can be framed, gifted, or saved for years to come. I plan to turn all of mine into a keepsake quilt in a few years!! Best of all? You don’t have to be an expert.

My stick & stitch handprint packs and digital PDF tutorials are designed for beginners and busy moms who want to make something truly special.

Use the code HANDPRINT20 for 20% off all my handprint products on Etsy.

Beginner-Friendly Hand Embroidery (Yes, You Can Do This)

If you’ve never embroidered before, you’re in the right place. My handprint projects are designed specifically for hand embroidery beginners.

Each option includes: 

  • Simple beginner stitching tutorials
  • Clear, step-by-step instructions
  • Beginner-friendly templates
  • Tips for stitching on fabric, clothing, or hoops
  • Video tutorials

Handprint Product Options

Whether you want a ready-to-go kit or prefer to print at home, I offer two ways to stitch your keepsake:

Stick & Stitch Handprint Packs

These are wash-away embroidery patterns that you stick directly onto your fabric, stitch over, and rinse away when finished. You can order just the water soluble stickers, or add on the needle and pdf tutorial! If you add on the PDF tutorial, you can also print your future projects from home after feeling confident using stick & stitch for the first time!

Digital PDF Tutorials

Prefer instant access? My digital PDF tutorials are printable and include full instructions for editing your name, printing, stitching, and finishing the project.

Supplies You'll Need

Here are the basic supplies I recommend for every handprint project. My PDF tutorials come with the specific thread colors and variations to replicate the hoops, but these are the general supplies!

Shop the full lists on Amazon!

What Size Pattern Do I Need?

I always recommend measuring your child's handprint before ordering. My stick & stitch packs are round and based on the hoop size you plan to use. You can get out a ruler and measure your child's hand, but make sure to account for 2-4 inches adding space for the name at the top of the hoop!

It might be helpful to lay their hand down on a piece of paper and trace a circle around it so that you can visualize how big of a hoop you might need before ordering!

How to Capture the Perfect Handprint

I get asked this a lot! It can be hard to get a good handprint from squirming kiddos!

Pro tips:

  • Use Acrylic paint (waterproof when wet, but washing off kids great)
  • HAVE SOMEONE HELP! My husband helps me every time. Two people is key!
  • Practice on paper first and get them comfortable
  • Apply a generous amount on their hand with a paintbrush
  • Press gently - don't wiggle and hold their hand flat
  • Pull up quickly without room for wiggles
  • Remember slight imperfections add charm!

Gift Ideas Using Handprint Embroidery

Keepsakes aren't just for hoops! I plan to take mine out of the hoops in a few years and make them into a quilt blocks that my mom can sew into a blanket. Here are some other ideas of what you could stitch your handprint onto:

  • Baby Blanket
  • Pillow Cover
  • Tote bag
  • Christmas Stocking
  • Sweatshirt or T-Shirt

The Ultimate Mother's Day or Christmas Keepsake Gift

Handprint embroidery is one of those gifts that makes people stop and cry happy tears, because it's your child's handprint with the added touch of TIME being spent embroidering. It's personal, meaningful, and handmade - everything moms and grandmas love!

Whether your stitching for Mother's Day, Christmas, Baby Showers, or "just because," these projects become heirlooms.

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