Hey, Everyone! Today I'm sharing an easy how-to if you're looking for a heartfelt Christmas gift this season. These ornaments are very inexpensive and filled with love! I've been seeing them all over social media, so I thought it was a good time to share how easy they are. Let's get started!
Supplies
Scrap Fabric 6" x 6" (more on this below)
Embroidery Floss
Handwritten Name
Optional Supplies:
Decorative items such as ribbon
More on Fabric: For simplicity's sake, I would recommend using a light colored fabric so you can easily trace your handwritten name onto it. This saves the trouble of having to use and wash away stabilizer. Opt for something a little thicker than quilting cotton. A linen or drop cloth material would work, or even a canvas material.
Directions:
First, we need to get the handwritten name. In most cases, which is the easiest, the child (or person) is there and can write their name out in the size that you need. However, in other cases, you would have a scan of this. I've written out directions for both!
If you have the child (or person) there to write the name: on a blank sheet of paper, use your embroidery hoop and trace the inner circle onto it. Draw two dots as reference points so that the child can visualize where their name needs to be written (see photo above). Have them write out their name between the two dots.
If the child (or person) isn't with you and you have a scan: The easiest thing to do with a scan is use the settings on your printer to resize this. I have an HP DeskJet and in the app, I can scan and resize images, then print so it's a size that I'm happy with. If you do not have this option, upload the scan into Canva onto an 11" x 8.5" (landscape flyer) page. Remove the background. Highlight the name and then drag the box so that the measurments match those that you need to fit inside your embroidery hoop. Download and print this page and proceed to the next steps. Please note: some of the tips on Canva may be paid options.
-First, let's trace our name onto the center of our scrap fabric using a water soluble pen. You can use a lightbox or an open window to do this.
If you are opting to use a dark fabric, trace your name on to the Sulky Stick & Stitch Stabilizer. Cut out around your name, and press it down onto your fabric. If you are using this method, you will follow the same steps as light fabric, except you are washing away your stabilizer at the end, drying, and then rehooping.
-Hoop your fabric, making sure that the screw to the top hoop is centered above your name.
-In the video, I am using all 6 strands of embroidery floss to backstitch Sara's name. I am using 3 strands of embroidery floss for the heart to give it a more delicate look. It's totally up to you as to what you want to do here! Tie off your threads in the back.
-Using a spray bottle filled with water and a little baking soda, spray your fabric to get rid of the water soluble pen markings. If you are using stabilizer, unhoop your work, and follow the steps on the packaging to rinse the stabilizer away. Let it air dry, then rehoop tightly. You may need to run an iron over it to remove any wrinkles.
If you're not worried about the back of the hoop, you can tie a string on the hoop and you're finished! If you would like to cover your stitching in the back...keep reading.
-To finish the back of your hoop: First, trace your embroidery hoop on to a piece of felt fabric. Cut out just inside of the line. Cut the excess fabric from your hoop, leaving about 1/2" around the edges. This doesn't have to be perfect, it will be covered.
Using a hot glue gun or felt glue and working in sections, glue the fabric down in the back of the hoop. Next hot glue around the hoop and place the piece of felt over the top. Firmly press down until it's dry.
Take a piece of ribbon and glue a bow on or consider using jingle bells, twine, etc. to spice things up!
Find me on Instagram and let me know how your ornament turns out!
-Ashley
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