These simple Christmas tree decorations are slow stitch projects that you can embroider with cross stitch and complete without a sewing machine. Hang them on the tree or use them as decorations in your home. The size makes them perfect for scraps of aida or linen and leftover yarn.

You will need:

• Aida or linen fabric
• Embroidery floss in chosen colors, for example Christmas red, DMC 321
• Stuffing or similar filling (e.g. wadding)
• Embroidery needle
• Scissors
• Thread or ribbon for hanging
• Optionally, pins to pin the front and back pieces together

Instructions

• Choose your pattern. When measuring the pattern on your fabric, add a seam allowance (margin) of at least 1.5 centimeters.
• Embroider two copies of the pattern—you need one front piece and one back piece.
• Place the embroideries right sides together (wrong side out) and align the edges.
• Pin the fabric pieces together if desired.
• Attach the thread or ribbon you want to use for hanging in the middle of the top edge of the embroidery.
• Sew the pieces together with backstitch along the outer edge of the outermost stitches, but leave a section open.
• Turn the embroidery right side out and fill with a bit of wadding or other stuffing.
  • For example, you can use leftover yarn or fabric scraps.
  • How much stuffing you want in your decoration is up to you. If you prefer it completely flat, that works perfectly fine too!
• Sew the opening closed and secure the thread.

Tip: If you like, you can embroider the year.

Pattern

Free pattern and color chart for the Christmas decorations can be found here. The motifs are 35×35 stitches for the squares and 36×37 for the wreaths. Remember that the final size of the embroidery depends on which fabric count you use.

I hope you like it! Please share it. License: CC-BY.