Embroidered Monogram Hoop

SUPPLIES & TOOLS:

• 4 1/2"x 4 1/2" Fabric Square
• Embroidery Needle
• Embroidery Floss
• 3 1/2" Embroidery Hoop
• Pencil

DIRECTIONS:

To find the downloadable pattern click on the "GET PATTERNS" tab above. Lightly sketch design from pattern onto fabric square. Embroider design using stitches below:

BRANCHES WITH LEAVES
Use a running stitch (the most basic stitch) or back stitch for branches. Use a lazy daisy stitch for leaves. To complete a lazy daisy stitch, bring needle up from under fabric. Return needle through the same hole, leaving a small loop of thread. Push needle through fabric at the point where the end of the leaf will be. Stitch down the end of the loop using a very small stitch.

PINE BOUGHS
Use running or back stitch for branches. For pine boughs, use a fly stitch with multiple loops. To complete a fly stitch, bring needle up from below fabric. Return needle several stitch lengths across from hole, leaving a good-sized thread loop. Repeat this process 2-3 more times, making each loop long enough so they all meet at the bottom. Stitch the bottom of the loops together with a small stitch to create pine bough shape. If desired, add an additional long running stitch in the middle of the bough shape to complete.

BERRIES
Berries are created with a French knot. To complete a French knot, pull needle up from below fabric. Wrap the thread around the needle firmly, but not too tightly, 2-3 times. Return needle with thread still wrapped around needle as closely to the original hole as possible. Pull needle through, allowing the thread to knot. Add the small stitches to berries for leaves if desired.

MONOGRAM
Sketch letter form and fill with satin stitches. Satin stitches are created by making running stitches parallel to each other. Use a lazy daisy stitch for the bottom top of the J and fill in with a running stitch.
To back your hoop, do a quick basting stitch through the edges of the fabric hanging from the hoop. Once you’ve gone all the way around the circle, pull the thread from both ends like a drawstring bag and tie. You can also simply glue the fabric down on the inside edge of the back of the hoop. There are many ways to back the hoop - find which one works best.

JOANN HACKS:

• It never hurts to practice a few stitches on a scrap piece of fabric. Embroidery thread does not need to be knotted, just leave a tail under the fabric 1-1 1/2".