The Most Common Embroidery Designs in 2017

Embroidery is a common way of decorating fabric. It has been around for a long time. The process of mending and reinforcing a clothing led to the development of this sewing technique which led to the art of embroidery. Embroidery has become an outlet of expression for both the old and new generation of sewing enthusiasts. There are many ways or techniques to make an excellent embroidery. This is important because in embroidery each technique has a purpose that will make your creation look better by selecting the right technique to use. Learning the basic stitches is fundamental to the embroidery art.

In this day and age, there are now sewing machines which can automatically create the design on fabric. These machines are mostly used for commercial purposes and mass-production. Interested parties have to do their research on how to choose an embroidery machine in order to avoid overspending and picking the wrong machine. From intricate floral design to the clothing brand logo, embroidery has helped so much in the fabric and textile business. All you have to do is input your design and wait for the machine to do its charm. Some companies sell design files in which they have already made a design and all you have to do is some minor editing if you want to change something. Still, some enthusiasts would prefer handcrafted stitches rather than the machine. Embroidery takes a lot of skill and patience. Sewing experts can show their precision with the needle and talent with the art of embroidery which many people do not have. If you are a new practitioner to this this art form then you have to start with the basic and common designs and work your way to the intricate designs. These are the most common embroidery designs.

The most common embroidery design is the Classic. The classic is the easiest design which everyone can make with or without the embroidery machine. All you have to do is draw your design on a paper and transfer it to the fabric. A lot of enthusiasts prefer this design because it is very easy to follow. The classic design usually features plants or animals. From roses and trees to lions and tigers, classic design is a perfect choice if you are looking to challenge your skills with the needle. It can be hard but with enough patience, you will be looking at your embroidery with a satisfied heart.

Applique embroidery design is a complicated design which requires the embroidery techniques of satin stitches, zigzag stitches, or decorative stitches that are anchored onto a piece of background fabric. These designs are not for beginners and may even require you to use a machine. These designs are used mostly for brand names and logos.

Free Standing designs can only be made by the use of embroidery machines. Designs like basket ornaments and jewelry made of thread are just some of the few samples of free standing designs. It is designed to stand and look solid once the stabilizer is removed with the help of freestanding lace and applique techniques. These designs can be very complex and advisable to be used only by professionals.

Product Review: Pischke Pockets Needlepoint Tote Bag Kits

Today I would like to introduce you to the company called Pischke Pockets which is owned and operated by designer Julie Pischke. This company makes and sells needlepoint design kits to make fashionable and functional handcrafted ladie's tote bags. Once these needlepoint tote bags have been completed they can be used as an overnight bag, tote bag, diaper bag, craft bag or even a picnic bag.

Each kit from needlepoint designer, Julie Pischke includes a woven cotton bag, hand-painted mono canvas, needles, threads, instructions and a photograph of the completed project. This is the perfect needlepoint craft project and accessory for your next getaway or work on it while relaxing at home.

My Review: Pischke Pockets sent me their "Maui" Pischke Needlepoint kit to review. The kit came with Anchor needlepoint yarns & threads, instruction sheet, needlepoint sewing needles, the striped canvas fabric for the front of the bag and the hand-painted 10 1/4" by 10 1/4" needlepoint canvas. This design really speaks "Hawaiian Tropics" to me! I have only needle pointed a few times in my life so I would say that I am a beginner in this crafting medium. I read over the instructions and they look really easy to follow and I look forward to tackling this project in a few weeks. I inspected all of the materials included in the kit and they are all high-quality materials...like the Anchor needlepoint yarn so you will be pleased with the quality of the supplies that are included in your kit.

The kit came with a shopping list of the items I will need to purchase or have on hand to finish the tote bag which is really handy for when I hit the sewing store next week to purchase the remaining items that I will need. To do the needle pointing on the canvas you only need to learn 2 easy basic needlepoint stitches: The Continental Tent Stitch and the Basketweave Tent Stitch.
There is a cool video on their site that shows you step by step how to attach the needlepoint pocket to the bag once you have it all completed. In addition they have a step by step tutorial on the site along with step by step photos to show you how easy it is to assemble the tote bag.

I am really looking forward to starting my needlepoint bag in a few weeks and I will blog about this again here on our blog once I get it completed. So keep checking back for an update in a few weeks. I would like to invite you to check out Pischke Pockets web site to learn more and to purchase one of their fantastic needlepoint tote bag kits!

I would like to thank Pischke Pockets for sending me the needlepoint tote bag kit to try out and to review for all of you. It is really a cool kit and even a beginner needlepointer (like me) can make this gorgeous tote bag!

Disclaimer: Shelly Hill has personally reviewed the product listed above. Shelly has not received any monetary compensation for her review. Shelly did receive a free product to try out so she could evaluate and use it for her review. Her thoughts & opinions in this review are unbiased & honest and your opinions may differ. Passionate About Crafting Blog is not responsible for delivery of any giveaway items won from this blog. We are not responsible for injury or mis-use of any products won from the Passionate About Crafting Blog. Please read our Terms of Service & Disclaimer Policy before entering our giveaways. Thanks!

Teaching a Child to Embroider - An Easy Embroidery Project for Young Children

Teaching a Child to Embroider - An Easy Embroidery Project for Young Children by Denise Willms

My mother tells a funny story about when she was a young girl and spent hours on an embroidery project, then stood up and realized she had accidentally embroidered her picture to the front of her dress.

Back then, embroidery was a skill every young girl was expected to learn. Learning embroidery is no longer compulsory, but there are a few reasons why it is still valuable skill for children to learn.

Handling a needle and thread helps develop fine muscle co-ordination

Embroidery allows children to express their creativity

Embroidery helps children develop self-confidence because they are able to create something beautiful on their own

Teaching your son or daughter to embroider may seem like a daunting task, but with the right approach, it can be an enjoyable way for you and your child to spend time together.

Supplies You Need Before Beginning an Embroidery Project

Before you begin an embroidery project with your child, it’s important to assemble the right materials. You can find these in your local craft store.

The first thing you’ll need is about half a meter of white cotton fabric.

You’ll also need an embroidery hoop. Hoops come in various styles and sizes, but you should look for one that easily snaps together so your child can use it independently. Choose an embroidery hoop that will be large enough for your child’s first project – probably around eight centimeters in diameter.

You'll need embroidery floss. Most children prefer bright colors, so purchase a mix of primary colors - blue, red and yellow - or your child’s favorites.

Purchase a real embroidery needle for your child’s use. Craft companies have begun making plastic embroidery needles for children to learn with, but these needles can be hard to push through cloth.

You will also want to have a frame ready for when the embroidery project is complete. A wooden hoop that screws together is an inexpensive, easy-to-use framing option. Like the embroidery hoop, you will want one that is approximately eight centimeters in diameter – large enough to frame your child’s first project.

Prepare an Easy Embroidery Design

The next step is to prepare the design. With your child, choose a simple outline picture in a coloring or picture book. Avoid pictures with details because they will be frustrating for a beginning needle worker.

Hearts and apples are good designs for beginners, or another simple picture that captures your child’s interest.

First, iron the fabric so it lies smooth and flat, and then trace the picture onto the fabric. To trace the picture, place the cloth over the picture. With a pencil, lightly copy the picture onto the fabric. Do not press too hard. Dark pencil marks will be obvious when the picture is finished.

Teach Your Child to Embroider

To begin embroidering, sit with your child at a sturdy table. Show him how to place the fabric in the embroidery hoop and pull it tight.

Cut a piece of thread the length of the child’s arm. Demonstrate how to thread the needle and knot the thread.

To keep the thread from coming out of the needle, tie the ends of the thread together at the bottom. Most children will not be able to thread a needle and knot the thread independently.

The running stitch is the simplest embroidery stitch to teach.

Begin the lesson by demonstrating the running stitch. Start with the thread in the back of the fabric and poke through the spot in picture where the child would like to begin. Pull the thread firmly so the knot in the back is pulled against the fabric.

Following the outline of the picture, poke the needle back down through the fabric about half a centimeter from where you started. Pull firmly so the thread on top is not loose, but not so tightly that the fabric bunches up.

Following the outline of the picture, poke the needle back up through the fabric about half a centimeter from where it was pulled down. Again, pull firmly so the thread on the bottom is not loose, but not so tightly that the fabric bunches up. After a few stitches, invite the child to try it on his or her own.

This is hard work for a young child, and he or she may become frustrated.

Don't jump in to help if your child experiences problems. Give him time to solve the problem independently.

Do provide help if asked or if your child becomes frustrated. Allow your child to take a break when he becomes bored or frustrated.

How to Change the Embroidery Thread

When a thread becomes too short to continue embroidering, or if it’s time to change colors, tie a knot by stitching three times in one place to end the thread. Thread the needle for your child with new thread or, if your child wants to try threading it alone, help him or her do so.

Framing the Embroidered Picture

When the picture is completely embroidered, it’s time to frame it. To frame the picture, cut a piece of white cotton fabric to place behind the embroidered picture. This will give a finished look to the back.

Lay down the base of the wooden hoop and put the backing you just cut on top of the hoop. Center the embroidered picture on top of the hoop and place the top part of hoop on top of the picture. Screw the wooden hoop together to secure the frame. Trim any excess fabric from around the picture frame.

To decorate it further, you can glue lace or beads to the outside of the frame

Hang up the picture where you and your child can see it every day. It will be a lasting reminder to your child of what she accomplished, and it will be a reminder to both of you of the time you spent creating something beautiful together.

Denise Willms is a homeschooling mom of two, and owner of WAHM-Articles.com. You can find more information

How to Find Free Cross Stitching Patterns Online

How to Find Free Cross Stitching Patterns Online by Loretta Oliver

If you're a fan of free cross stitch patterns but you're not all exactly an online guru or a technical computer genius, then there's no need to worry. The internet is a wonderful place and literally you can find anything you want on there if you know where to look and how to look for it. You must also be careful though, because a lot of websites out there were designed to harm your computer or steal information from you, but they're not hard to spot.

When you're looking for free cross stitch patterns, one of the first places you probably thought of was Google. This is what's called a search engine and there are plenty of these to go around, but the number one search engine is without a doubt is Google. A nice searching tip is to ask the search engines questions such as "Where can I find free cross stitching patterns?" or "Where is the best place to find free cross stitching patterns?" Of course those are just examples, but try to broaden your searches and you'll find much more results in what you're looking for.

The second way to find something you want online is by word of mouth or by links on a website. Say your checking your e-mail and on the right side of your screen on the website happens to be a link that interests you, and while there is nothing wrong with this, you're still not sure whether it's exactly what you want or not since you didn't search for it.

There are billions of websites online and probably thousands for finding free cross stitching patterns, you just have to know where to look and not to click on any old link you see because some websites are quite dangerous to your computer. Just remember that one helpful tip and to search in the form of questions such as "Where can I find some free cross stitching patterns" when you're doing you're searching and you will find much better results!

Loretta Oliver of Stitching the Night Away is a firm believer that everyone needs a hobby and is striving to help make cross stitch supplies and information easily accessible to everyone that wants to stitch.

You can find free cross stitch patterns at Stitching the Night Away along with a wealth of cross stitch information and resources. Including a free guide to stitching on evenweave and linen fabrics.

Happy Stitching!

5 Ways To Enhance Your Cross Stitch Project With Different Floss and Fibers

5 Ways to Enhance Your Cross Stitch Project With Different Floss and Fibers by Loretta Oliver

The basic design element of any cross stitch project is the embroidery floss used to create the pattern itself. The DMC and Anchor cotton floss lines provide a beautiful palette of colors to work with, and most designers are, of course, going to use these. But, sometimes you want a little something special in your project, maybe an added touch or two to make your piece different from everyone else's.

That's the great thing about cross stitch as a hobby, it's very adaptable and creative by nature. Yes, you have a pattern in front of you, and instructions, and we all begin with a pile of fabric and thread. However, there are so many ways that you can add a touch of your own pizazz to any project, even if it's from a prepackaged cross stitch kit.

Let's go over a few quick ideas for fiber enhancements.

o Use Kreinik pearl blending filament to go over an area of stitches that you want to stand out with a little extra shine. This is a great technique for accenting things like butterfly wings, it gives flower petals for a dewdrop look, and it can bring new depth to any cotton floss color.

o Swap out a standard floss color for an over dyed floss instead. This gives you a range of depth and detail that helps your project stand out from the crowd. It's also a great technique for jazzing up single color projects like samplers and blackwork projects.

o Swap out a solid color for a Kreinik Metallic, their #4 Very Fine Braid is the right size for this. Stitch with 1 strand of metallic braid instead of 2 strands of cotton floss. This is a fun way to add sparkle to your project and there are a lot of colors available.

o Change the color scheme completely. This one requires a bit more work and creative thinking, but the results can be so worth it. Change a red dragon into a blue dragon, or transform purple flowers into orange ones, use your imagination. Just make sure you use the same tones in a different color and you'll be fine.

o Make it glow in the dark! This is a fairly new option that's available by using the Glow in the Dark thread line from Kreinik threads. There are a few different colors, and of course they all glow in the dark. You can add these blending filaments to just about any project, but they are particularly fun for Halloween cross stitch projects. I've also had some luck adding them to Christmas ornament projects, they stand out on the tree at night even when it's not lit up.

I hope you have some ideas flowing for your next cross stitch project now. Your only limit on what you can do is your imagination. Enjoy your hobby and have fun with it. Just a simple color swap can take a project from nice to amazing.

Loretta Oliver is founder and creator of Stitching the Night Away, and a firm believer that everyone needs a hobby. She is striving to help make cross stitch supplies and information easily accessible to everyone that wants to stitch or find creativity. Stitching the Night Away is also home to a cross stitch forum and various free resources for stitchers since 2001.

Keeping a variety of extra cross stitch supplies on hand, also known in the stitching world as your "stash," is a great idea for any stitcher. With these extras on hand you'll always be ready for that creative spark when the mood strikes to start something new or to make changes to enhance an existing work in progress.

One of the key things for any stitcher to keep in their stash pile is a selection of embroidery floss and cross stitch fibers. Without these elements your fabric will remain a blank canvas, a masterpiece in waiting.

Bucilla Cross Stitch Pillowcases with Florals and Bumble Bees

A few months ago I purchased this Bucilla (tm) pillowcase cross stitching kit at one of my local craft stores. I finally got around to stitching them last week. This kit included the directions, chart, photo and the 2 standard size pillowcases. I had to purchase my DMC floss separately.

My mother has her bedroom decorated in a rose and floral motif and its leans more on the country side of decorating so I thought these pillowcases would make a great gift for her.

I was able to get them both completed in less than a weeks time and I think they came out beautiful. (although my photo's stink...the pillowcases are fabulous).

I have 3 other sets of Bucilla (tm) pillowcases that I need to find time to work on during the next few weeks as they will also be gifts come holiday time.

Dimensions Hydrangeas and Sea Shells Counted Cross Stitch

One of my very favorite crafting mediums is cross stitch and last year I found this beautiful counted cross stitch kit made by Dimensions (tm) at Joann's Fabrics & Craft Store.

I am remodeling my master bedroom into a hydrangeas and sea shell motif so this kit was just perfect for me! The kit included: thread palette, needle,cotton thread, blending filament, 14 count white Aida , and instructions. The finished size once completed measures 11" by 12".

It took me approximately 2 entire months to complete it...but goodness...its beautiful!!! Once done, I took it to get matted and framed. I had it double matted in a white and navy blue matting and then framed in a weathered wooden frame. I got the matting and frame at Michael's Craft Store.

This masterpiece now hangs right above our bed in our master bedroom. Everyone who sees it tells me how beautiful it is.

So...if you are decorating in a hydrangeas or sea shell nautical motif, I highly recommend this counted cross stitch kit by Dimensions!

Country Homespun Friends Stitchery Accent Pillow

A few weeks ago I made this little accent pillow for one of my dear friends who was feeling down at the time. I thought it would make a great "I am thinking of you" gift to cheer her up.

Once you complete this accent pillow, it will measure approximately 6 3/4" wide by 7 1/4" tall. I used a 1/4" seam allowance during the sewing construction.

Here are the supplies that you will need:

6" by 6" piece of tea-dyed cotton muslin fabric
1/4 yard of cotton homespun fabric
Embroidery floss to match homespun fabric
Sewing Machine and basic sewing supplies
Disappearing ink tracing pen
Small Embroidery Hoop
Small amount of poly-fiber fill

The saying that I stitched on my accent pillow says: "Side by side or miles apart, Dear friends are always close at heart." Please see photo for placement of wording.

Pattern: On a piece of paper that measures 4 1/4" by 4 1/2" in size, write out the wording as shown in the picture. You will use this as your pattern.

Trace the words onto your muslin fabric with a disappearing ink pen and then place fabric in a small embroidery hoop. Using 3 strands of embroidery floss and an embroidery needle, stitch the wording using small straight stitches.

From cotton homespun fabric, cut four strips that each measure 2 1/2" by 7 1/2", these strips will be used to make the border. Using your sewing machine, sew each border strip onto your muslin fabric. You will need to trim them down once you have them sewn on so that you have a complete rectangle.

Once your front panel of the pillow is completed, measure it and cut a matching back piece out of homespun fabric. Pin the two pieces right-sides together and sew around 3 and a 1/2 of the edges. Turn pillow right-side out and stuff with poly-fiber fill. Using a sewing needle and matching thread, sew the opening shut with a blind stitch.

Adding the accents: From homespun, cut a strip that measures 1/2" wide by 8" long and tie it into a bow. Trim ends of the bow and then hand sew it onto the top center of your pillow. If desired, cut a tiny heart from homespun and glue it to the front of the pillow with fabric glue. (mine is near the word 'always').

~ Happy Sewing ~

FREE Country Designed Muslin and Homespun Pillow Pattern

When it comes to crafting, I love looking for free patterns and instructions. A few weeks ago I stumbled across this FREE printable coloring page design for kids and thought to myself...I like that but I am going to print it out and use it as a pattern to make a primitive country stitchery pillow.

You can find the free printable pattern ---> HERE

I think the pattern is just way cute! I decided to make it into a pillow for my grand daughters bedroom...it has that little girl country charm to it!

I traced the pattern onto tea-stained cotton muslin fabric using a disappearing ink marker. I then used 2 strands of DMC embroidery floss to stitch the design. If desired, before you start your stitching, you can use some wax crayons to color in some of the areas to give it some extra color. I think it adds a nice touch.

Once I was done with my hand stitching, I added on a 3" wide homespun border to all 4 sides. Once I was done with that, I measured my entire pillow front to come up with my back panel measurements. I used matching homespun fabric and used 1/2" seam allowances. I stuffed my pillow with fiber-fill stuffing since I couldn't find a pillow form that size.

Pretty easy! It took me less than a day to make this pillow for my grand daughter.

If that design isn't your cup of tea, you can find free printable coloring pages such as gingerbread men, raggedies, doggie, school desk, angel, etc ---> HERE

Primitive Snowman Theme Muslin Fabric Tags

One of my favorite web sites to purchase Primitive Stitchery Patterns from is called Primitive Stitches. I love Rhonda's patterns because they are super affordable, easy to understand and they are delivered within hours to my email box so that I can print them out and get busy working on them.

This year I decided to make handmade ornaments to attach to all of our holiday packages and these cute primitive snowman tags is one that I purchased from the Primitive Stitches Site. I stitched them up onto tea-stained muslin using DMC floss. I used Warm & Natural batting in between my 2 layers of muslin fabric. I think they are just too cute since I am a snowman fan!

You could use these tags on your holiday packages, hang them on your tree, off of peg shelf hooks, cabinet knobs, etc.

Hop on over to Rhonda's web site and check out all of her fantastic primitive stitchery patterns today.

NOTE: No compensation was involved in this product/pattern review. I personally purchased the pattern from Primitive Stitches, it was not given to me so my review is honest and unbiased.

Primitive Stitches - Special Friends Primitive Pillow

When it comes to purchasing primitive stitchery patterns, I love to buy mine from Primitive Stitches as there is such a variety of patterns available. Plus...they are super affordable and delivered to your email box in just a few hours for you to print off.

Back in September, I purchased the 'Impossible To Forget Friendship Saying" pattern and stitched it up and then turned it into a throw pillow. I am going to give this as a holiday gift to my best friend Renee this year for Christmas as she loves decorating in the country and primitive style. You can find that particular pattern in Every Day Pattern Section of Rhonda's web site  E-Patterns are very affordable, only $2.25 each!

I stitched the design onto tea-stained cotton muslin using DMC embroidery floss. I purchased an oblong travel-size pillow form at my local craft supply store and used that as my filler. The backside of my pillow is navy blue check homespun fabric. It took me 2 days...one day for my handstitching and then the second day for my machine sewing/pillow construction.

I think my BFF Renee will just love getting this pillow come Christmas!

NOTE: I was not compensated in any way for this pattern review. I personally purchased the pattern from Primitive Stitches so my pattern review is honest and unbiased.

Dimensions Cross Stitch - Sea Shells In The Sand

One of my favorite crafting mediums to do is counted cross stitching. I just find it so relaxing to sit and watch my favorite tv show or a movie and do some cross stitching in my favorite over-stuffed easy chair :)

Last year I purchased a counted cross stitch kit from Dimensions (tm) and it was called 'Shells In The Sand' at my local arts and crafts store.

The design is worked on 14ct ivory colored aida. The kit also came with a designer imprinted mat to frame it in. I then purchased a beige/cream colored 8x10 wooden frame at my local craft store. The entire cost to make this project (including the kit and wooden frame) was less than $20.00

It took me approximately 2 1/2 days to make it so it does stitch up quickly. I love purchasing cross stitching kits by Dimensions (tm) because they are always very nice quality. Furthermore, their graphs and instructions are easy to read and easy to understand.

I give this kit 10 stars out of 10 stars!

I now have this hanging in my master bathroom since we decorated our bathroom in a seaside beach theme. Its the perfect finished size for a bathroom wall :)

Note: I was not compensated in any way for this project/pattern/kit review. I went out and personally purchased this kit and made it. My review is totally unbiased and based on my personal experience in using the kit that I personally purchased.

Primitive Stitches - Mammie Raggedy Stitchery Patterns

A few months ago I purchased several primitive stitchery patterns from Rhonda over at the Primitive Stitches Web Site. I just love her affordable, easy primitive patterns! I always order mine via the e-pattern method so they are delivered to my email box for printing in only a few short hours.

Anyway, I purchased the Mammie Tag Collection Pattern (find it under the TAGS category) and made some primitive muslin tags. However, I also decided to stitch up a few into small pillows with a homespun hanging loop...I like seeing them hung off of peg shelfs or cabinet knobs like that...you can also hang them on a tree.

I stitched the design onto tea-stained muslin, used fiber-fill for my stuffing and then used homespun fabric for my backings along with a matching homespun hanging loop. These work up super quickly and make a great gifts.

Note: I was not compensated in any way for posting this pattern review. I personally purchased the pattern from Primitive Stitches so my thoughts and review are unbiased.

~ Shelly ~

Free Raggedy Primitive Stitchery Kitchen Picture Pattern

I found this adorable FREE pattern online offered by the FREE PATTERN PAGE. I printed out the pattern design and then traced it onto tea-stained muslin. I wanted a little dimension to my stitchery piece so I backed my muslin with a thin piece of Warm & Natural Cotton Batting.

Before I started my hand stitching, I took some wax crayons and added a few colored accents to jazz it up a bit. I used DMC floss (2 strands) for all of my stitching. Once I completed it, I cut it down to size to fit inside my inexpensive wooden picture frame that I got on clearance last week. Ta-da....an instant primitive gift for a friend of mine who hates to cook!

The Saying Says "My favorite thing to make for dinner is reservations." How cute is that? Totally cute and you could whip up several of them to give away as gifts or to sell at various craft shows.

I was able to complete my entire project in only a few hours. No machine sewing was involved.

~ Shelly ~

Primitive Stitches - Stanley Snowman Prim Stitched Pillow Pattern

Last month I purchased several patterns from Rhonda over on the Primitive Stitches Web Site and I highly recommend her patterns to those who are looking for high quality and easy to read primitive stitchery patterns.

I recently completed my snowman pillow. She has named this pattern 'Stanley' and you can find him on her web site under her Snowman category on her web site.

I was able to do all of my hand stitching in one afternoon and the following day I did my machine sewing and turned him into a beautiful holiday pillow. I love decorating my home during the holidays in a snowman theme.

The front of my pillow is tea-stained muslin and the backside of my pillow is navy blue homespun fabric. I was able to use a pre-purchased 13x13" pillow form from my local craft store and I used 1/4" seam allowances as I constructed it.

I think he turned out fabulous!

Note: I was not compensated in any way. I personally purchased the pattern from Primitive Stitches and made the project.

~ Shelly ~

Country Primitive Stitchery Holiday Ornaments

I really enjoy making these primitive country-style holiday ornaments each and every year because they are easy to make and I can use up a lot of my left-over scrap fabric and embroidery supplies.

Country Primitive Stitchery Holiday Ornaments

Skill Level: Beginner
Time Involved: 1 hour

Supplies Needed

holiday pattern
disappearing ink marker
small piece of tea-dyed muslin fabric
embroidery floss and embroidery needle
small amount of poly fill stuffing
scissors
sewing machine with basic sewing supplies
scrap piece of homespun fabric
wax crayons (optional)

Pattern Notes: You will need to obtain your own holiday pattern. I got mine from a child's coloring book and traced it onto my muslin fabric using a disappearing ink marker. My pattern measures 3" wide by 4" high. You can shrink any pattern you want to use to ornament size by scanning it in and shrinking it down before printing it out.

Optional: If desired, you can use wax crayons and color in a few small areas of your design to add some color to it. You will want to do this before starting your stitching.

Step 1: Trace pattern onto muslin fabric. Using 3 strands of embroidery floss in coordinating colors, hand stitch all pattern lines on the design. In my case, I selected a Santa Claus face and used red, gray, black and green embroidery floss. For his eyes and mouth, I used french knots.

Step 2: Using a tape measure, I measured 1 1/2" past my stitch designed area and cut my muslin down to size. It now measures 4 1/2" by 5 1/2" in size. You will need a second piece of muslin fabric measuring the same size as your first piece. Cut a piece of homespun fabric measuring 1" wide by 4 1/2" long. Pin right sides together with the homespun hanging loop at the top.

Step 3: Sew around 3 1/2 of your edges, leaving 1/2 an edge open so that you can turn your design area inside out. Once you have completed the sewing, lightly stuff your ornament with poly fill stuffing. Using a sewing needle, hand sew the opening shut with little stitches.

Your ornament is now ready to be hung onto your holiday tree, package or off a peg shelf.

These pattern instructions are copyright 2009 by Shelly Hill, All Rights Reserved.

Craft Project - Framed Snowman Stitchery Project

A very good friend of mine just adores handcrafted snowman items and uses them to decorate her home every winter and Christmas season. I decided that I wanted to make her something unique for her holiday gift this year and this is what I made.

This framed snowman stitchery project will take you one afternoon to make and even a beginner can make this one. If you don't have a pattern, you can find one in a child's coloring book or look for printable coloring pages on the internet that you can print out and use for free.

Materials Needed

barn red 8" by10" wooden frame
double mat set (I selected off-white and barn red) with a 4" by 6" opening
piece of tea-stained muslin measuring 8" by 10" in size
8" by 10" piece vanilla colored card stock
embroidery hoop
needle and black embroidery floss
3 1/2" by 5 1/2" pattern (I got mine from a coloring book)
disappearing ink pen
scissors
wax crayons (optional)

For this project, you will need to find a pattern that you like. I was able to find mine in a child's holiday coloring book. If the pattern you like is large in size, you can scan it into your computer and shrink it to the size that you want.

Step 1: Using a disappearing ink pen, trace the outline and details of your pattern onto tea-stained muslin fabric. Once it has been traced, color in any areas that you want to add a little color to, with your wax crayons. I chose to color in my snowman's gloves, scarf and ear muffs. Once this has been completed, place your muslin fabric into your embroidery hoop.

Step 2: Using black embroidery floss (3 strands) hand stitch your pattern outline onto your fabric. Try to make sure your stitches are even in size and don't pull them too tight.

Step 3: Remove fabric from the embroidery hoop and mount it onto a piece of 8" by 10" card stock. (I selected the card stock that scrapbooker's use because it's acid-free).

Step 4: Layer your finished piece of work along with the double mats into the wooden frame. Make sure your fabric is pulled tightly so that there are no wrinkles.

You can decide if you want to hang this piece on the wall or if you want to sit it on top of your mantle