Dakota Collectibles’ new Merry Christmas Ornaments set (970450) features 20 freestanding lace designs in applique format. This project uses the Window with Snowflakes ornament (XM1791).
Although the fabric applique would look lovely, using a sheer organza, or, in this case, a metallic sheer fabric, allows Christmas lights to shine through the ornament while it is hanging on the tree. The background even glistens through regular rayon thread.
Materials:
- Dakota Collectibles XM1791 design
- Threads of choice
- Water soluble stabilizer
- 5”x5” scrap of organza or sheer metallic fabric
- Spray Adhesive Stabilizer
- Metal, ribbon, or clear nylon for the hanger
Use the same color of thread in the bobbin as in the machine so that stitches are the same, front and back.
The first stitch is the outline stitch. That shows the placement and size of the applique. Spray the back of the organza or metallic sheer fabric with adhesive and finger press it in place on top of the WSS making sure the fabric covers all of the outline stitch.
Stitch the next stitch, the tack-down stitch. That tacks down the edges so that the applique fabric can be trimmed close enough to be covered by the finishing satin stitches.
Tip:
Use the same thread for the outline and tack-down stitches that you are using for the first stitch color. It will be covered by other stitches later and saves you thread/bobbin changes!
Remove the hoop from the machine but do not remove the WSS stabilizer. Place the hoop on a flat surface and carefully trim the excess applique fabric close to the stitch line. Applique scissors are designed especially for this procedure. Their wedged shape makes it easy to cut closely but not harm the applique or stabilizer.
The third stitch is the underlay for the window frame, followed by blue, turquoise, and lavender snowflakes with color stops in between.
The design finishes up with the remainder of the window frame. When finished, remove the design from the hoop and trim excess WSS close to the satin stitched edges.
Tip:
Keep all scraps of WSS in an air-tight plastic container or zip bag. You’d be surprised by what you can do with them. Among other things, they come in handy when patching a hole or tear in a previously hooped WSS project.
Soak the finished design to remove the WSS. I tend to not over-soak my freestanding lace or freestanding applique pieces. Leaving some stabilizer in the stitches keeps the piece crisp, especially desirable when the item will be hung.
Attach a hanger of choice. You can use typical metal ornament hangers, decorative thread, or ribbon.
The ornament looks great both hung on the tree or in a window.
Options:
Make a unique gift tag–
Embroider the recipient’s name on a piece of fabric and trim it to the final ornament size. Before the final window frame stitching sequence, center it on the back of the hooped WSS keeping it within the satin stitch area. Otherwise, embroider the name on a piece of felt, trim it to fit, and glue it in place.
Add extra sparkle–
Apply hot-fix crystals to the snowflakes.
Experiment with different threads–
Metallic threads add even more sparkle. Use them for the snow and keep the window frame rayon or cotton (less reflective and more like wood).
Many of the other designs in this collection will work equally well with this technique. You’ll never look at applique the same way again!
Other Christmas Ornaments to Make:
- Calico Pony Stick Horse
- Wooden Quilted Heart Ornament
- Embroidered Monogram Heart Ornament
- Snowman in a Bucket Ornament
- Happy Holly Days Quilt Swag
- Merry and Bright Embroidery With Christmas Lights
Debbie Henry - Debbie Henry has been writing and editing for more than 23 years, most recently as a publications designer/editor at a state university. ...
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