DIY Christmas Gift Tags | Easy Embroidered Paper Tags

Embroidered Christmas gift tags - three green and kraft cardstock tags stitched with candy cane and lights designs

Three embroidered Christmas gift tags, stitched on cardstock with simple paper embroidery. (Image credit: DIY JOY)

Make these DIY Christmas gift tags with embroidery for your wrapping this year! They’re simple, beginner-friendly, and easy to customize, making each present feel more thoughtful and personal. If you’re looking for easy embroidery projects, these little tags are a fun place to start.

DIY embroidery gift tags - hand holding three stitched Christmas tags with candy cane, bow and lights designs

These DIY gift tags require just a few materials: cardstock, embroidery thread, a needle, a pencil, paper, glue, and scissors. No embroidery experience? No problem! Follow the step-by-step tutorial to stitch your designs, even if you’ve never tried embroidery before. This project combines stitching with easy paper crafts to create something you can use for your holiday gifts.

Handmade Christmas gift tag - embroidered candy cane tag hanging on a kraft gift bag with a red ribbon — One embroidered candy cane tag is all a plain kraft gift bag needs. (Image credit: DIY JOY)

DIY Gift Tags Supplies
Shop the Supplies
How to Make Embroidery Gift Tags
Pro Tips
More Gift Tags Ideas and Ways to Use Them
Embroidery Gift Tags FAQs
More Easy Christmas Crafts

Shop the Supplies

Here are the main supplies we used for this gift tag, so you can grab the same ones and get straight to crafting.

*Some of the supply links above are affiliate links. If you buy through them I earn a small commission at no extra cost to you.

Embroidery gift tag supplies - cardstock tags, embroidery thread, needle, scissors and glue laid out on a foam mat — Everything you need for these tags fits on one small table. (Image credit: DIY JOY)

How to Make Embroidery Gift Tags

Step 1:

Cut 3.5 in x 2 in rectangles, then round the corners with the corner puncher.

Paper embroidery for beginners - cutting cardstock into gift tag rectangles and rounding the corners with a puncher

Step 2:

Draw your patterns. Make sure to leave spaces on all sides.

Embroidered gift tag pattern - drawing a bow and a string of lights on white paper with a pencil before stitching

Step 3:

Place the cardstock and pattern on a piece of foam or cardboard. Make equally spaced holes along the drawn lines. An awl is highly recommended for this step.

Candy cane design

Embroidery on cardstock - poking evenly spaced holes through a candy cane paper pattern onto green cardstock — The pattern goes on top and the holes go through to the cardstock. (Image credit: DIY JOY)

Christmas lights design

Paper embroidery gift tags - punching holes along a Christmas lights pattern on green cardstock using foam as a base

Step 4:

Stitch along the drawn lines, making sure to tie off the ends of your thread.

Candy Cane Design

Start with the candy cane. Stitch along the drawn lines, then stitch back over it to fill the gaps. Tie the ends together at the back and trim the excess thread.

Wrap white thread around the red stitches. Make sure to tie a knot at both ends to secure it.

Stitch the bow using yellow thread.

DIY Christmas gifts - stitching a red candy cane with a yellow bow on a green cardstock gift tag, step by step

Christmas lights design

Start with the curved line. Stitch along the curve, then stitch back over it to fill the gaps. Tie the ends together at the back and trim the excess thread.

Stitch through the remaining holes using different, alternating thread colors. Make sure to tie a knot at the back to keep the threads in place.

DIY Christmas gift tags - stitching a curved line and alternating colored thread bulbs on green cardstock

Step 5:

Glue another piece of cardstock to the back of the gift cards. Let the glue dry. Once dry, punch a hole near the top, then attach the eyelet.

Embroidered gift tags for beginners - gluing cardstock to the back, punching a hole and adding an eyelet — Gluing a second layer of cardstock on the back hides the stitches. (Image credit: DIY JOY)

Step 6:

Attach the strings.

Pro Tips

When creating your gift tag design, leave enough space around the edges to glue on the backing and add a hole for the string.
Keep the holes evenly spaced and avoid placing them too close together or near the edges, as this can cause the cardstock to tear.

More Gift Tags Ideas and Ways to Use Them

Try a Christmas tree, snowman, or Christmas ornament design, then choose thread colors to match your wrapping paper. You can also use the same technique to make handmade cards or create gift tags for birthdays and other celebrations.

Whether you’re searching for fresh gift wrapping ideas or easy Christmas crafts, these embroidered tags are a simple way to make your presents extra special.

Hand stitched gift tags - kraft cardstock tag with a red and white candy cane and yellow bow held in one hand — Make a few in different colors and mix the designs on one gift. (Image credit: DIY JOY)

Easy Christmas crafts - green cardstock tag with an embroidered candy cane and yellow bow held up to the camera — Make a few in different colors and mix the designs on one gift. (Image credit: DIY JOY)

Embroidery Gift Tags FAQs

What paper is best for embroidered gift tags?

Cardstock is a good choice because it holds its shape better than thin paper. Avoid placing your holes too close together, which can cause the paper to tear.

How do I hide the thread on the back?

Glue a second piece of cardstock to the back of your finished tag. This covers the stitches and gives you a neat surface for writing your message.

How can I keep the cardstock from tearing?

Pull the thread gently and avoid tightening your stitches too much. Leave enough space between the holes and around the edges of the tag.

Can I use this technique to make handmade cards?

Yes! Stitch a design onto a piece of cardstock, then attach it to a folded card. Cover the back of the stitching for a clean finish.

How do I make the holes before embroidering?

Mark your design on the cardstock, then use a needle to poke the holes along the pattern. For an easier option, use an awl to make the holes before stitching. Place a protective mat underneath and leave enough space between holes to keep the cardstock from tearing.