How to Embroider a Monogram by Hand – Great for Vintage-Style Hankies!

aroundTheYear — Fri, 14 Apr 2023 09:22:50 +0000

Hand-embroidering a monogram can seem daunting the first time, but they’re so much fun! Obviously, you will need to decide on your design first, so I recommend looking at some examples online. I personally love using calligraphy-style fonts, so it could also be a good idea to have a look at some of those.

Once you’ve decided on your monogram, it’s time to embroider! For thread, I recommend bisecting a 6-strand piece of embroidery cotton (you know the thick kind you can get at craft stores), leaving you with 3 threads on your needle.

Start by chain-stitching your entire design. The key here is to keep your stitches small and short, especially if your design is curvy.

Go over it again, just wrapping thread around the chain-stitches. So, pass the needle under and around your chain stitches, without actually going through your base fabric. Repeat 2-3 times per chain stitch. This will pull the chain stitches together into a neat line, and give your monogram a more pronounced 3d effect. Watch the video below for a step-by-step demonstration.

TRY: make monogrammed crochet-lace hankies!

The post How to Embroider a Monogram by Hand – Great for Vintage-Style Hankies! first appeared on Around the Year.

Easy No-Sew Patchwork Baubles: DIY Fabric-Covered Christmas Ornaments

aroundTheYear — Wed, 14 Dec 2022 12:25:54 +0000

Most people already have all of their ornaments up, but these no-sew “quilted” baubles are too good to miss! I’m originally German, so it’s not too late for me yet, as we put up our decor gradually, starting with Advent wreaths, angels choirs, etc. and only decorate our Christmas trees on December 24th. But even if you’ve had your tree up for ages, it’s not too late to add a few of these gorgeous handmade ornaments!

Below, you’ll find both written instructions and a video tutorial. Let get going!

How to make your Fabric-Covered Baubles:

You’ll need: Takes approx. 10-15 mins.

a polystyrene ball (I used a 7cm diameter, which is quite small)
festive fabric
sharp craft knife
ribbon
our FREE pdf pattern

Divide your polystyrene ball into 6 equal sections, and use your craft knife to make cuts along each section. Make sure you cut at least 5mm deep.

Cut out your fabric using our pdf pattern. If you want to make your own, create a leaf-shape as wide as each section and as long as half the circumference of your bauble. Make sure to add a generous seam allowance all around. You’ll need 6 pieces of fabric.

Fix the fabric onto the baubles by pushing the seam allowance into the cuts on the balls using the blunt side of your craft knife. Add a ribbon bow and loop to the top of the bauble using glue or a pin.

Optional: use gold or silver cord to cover the “seams” of your bauble, this is also a good way to hide imperfections! You’ll need to add the cord before the bow though!

The post Easy No-Sew Patchwork Baubles: DIY Fabric-Covered Christmas Ornaments first appeared on Around the Year.

handmade - Around the Year

How to Embroider a Monogram by Hand – Great for Vintage-Style Hankies!

Easy No-Sew Patchwork Baubles: DIY Fabric-Covered Christmas Ornaments

How to make your Fabric-Covered Baubles: