What is the best type of design to choose? Fractional cross stitches cannot easily be worked on perforated paper so the design you choose should consist of whole crosses and backstitch only.   Try to pick a design that has no small, spindly sections that would be difficult to cut out when the ornament is finished.

Remember that if you want to make a double-sided ornament you can do a front and back view. For example my snowman doesn't have eyes in the back of his head! If the design you pick is not symmetrical you will need to reverse the chart as well. But don't panic, try out my charts and you will soon see what I mean.

Alternatively, you can use felt as a backing for a one-sided ornament. Or why not stick card to the back, and add a metallic thread tie to produce an attractive gift tag?

Making up your decoration

When you have finished the stitching it is time to cut it out. Be careful not to cut too close to the work, or your stitches will come undone. Use the charts as a guide to cut through the next row of holes outside the design area. Embroidery snips can be useful here for getting into awkward areas. Remember not to use your best embroidery scissors on paper as it will tend to blunt them.

For a one-sided ornament place the stitched work face down onto a piece of felt or card and carefully draw round the shape with a pencil. Cut out the backing material just inside the drawn line.

For a gift tag a length of metallic thread is sandwiched between the stitching and the card backing. If the decoration is going to be hung from a tree I would recommend sandwiching a brass paper clip between the layers and attaching the thread to this.

Spread a layer of craft glue (PVA) onto the back of the stitching. Position the thread or paper clip at the point from which you want the decoration to hang, and press the backing material (or second piece of stitching) firmly in place. Leave until the glue is dry, preferably under a heavy book.

Please let me know if you have found this class (or any of the others) useful. If you have any suggestions for other classes I'd love to hear from you too.

X-Calibre Designs
created by Carol Leather

 

© Carol Leather, X-Calibre Designs