"And a partridge in a pear treeee!" There are few songs more iconic than The Twelve Days of Christmas. And the star of that holiday tune is most certainly the partridge! Or is it the Golden Rings? For our newest Christmas in July tutorial, we present you with a needlepoint ornament for each day of gifts. This is the perfect project to start during the summer because there are a dozen ornaments to stitch! What are you waiting for, my true love?
Skill Level: Intermediate
Time: 6-8 hours per ornament
Supplies:
Twelve Days of Christmas Needlepoint Patterns (click to download)
Ornament Template (click to download)
Needlepoint Mono Canvas, 13 count
DMC Soft Matte Canvas Tapestry Thread
Felt, for backing
Thick Cardstock or Posterboard
Foam Board and Wonder Clips - optional
Full shoppable supply list included at end of post.
Directions:
1. Cut a 5 x 5" square of canvas. Canvas is large enough to yield twelve 5" squares to complete entire set of ornaments.
2. Mono canvas is stiff and not suitable for putting in a hoop. As an optional but encouraged step, cut a 5 1/2 x 5 1/2" square from foam board. Meaure 1" in from all sides and cut a 3 1/2" square opening in the center. Clip canvas to reusable frame to stabilize while stitching.
3. Download and print Twelve Days of Christmas Needlepoint Patterns in supply list above. Begin by completing all half (or tent) stitches on pattern.
A Half or Tent Stitch is made by crossing diagonally over the intersection of one vertical and one horizontal thread (or square) on the canvas. In this pattern, all half stitches should go in the same direction, from bottom left (1) to top right (2) and so on.
4. Complete pattern by adding any Straight stitches and/or French knots. Unclip canvas and set aside.
5. Download and print Ornament Template in supply list above. Cut out patterns and trace as directed onto thick cardstock and felt. Cut out.
6. Cut around stitched canvas leaving 3/4" border. Clip triangles into border to reduce bulk. Do not cut into stitching!
7. Stack two felt Inner Circles onto thick cardstock Inner Circle. Place on back of canvas and fold clipped edges around to back. Use clips to hold in place.
8. Use leftover tapestry thread to weave between all flaps until each is secured and design is held in place. Knot and cut thread.
9. Repeat Step 7 for felt Ornament Backing. Tacky glue, as opposed to tapestry thread, is sufficient to secure flaps.
10. Cut a length of elastic cord (or trim of choice) to make loop for hanging. Glue to back top of stitched canvas. Glue both sides of ornament, right sides out, together. Use clips to hold while drying.
11. Working in 1-2" sections, apply hot glue (micro tip recommended) along edge of ornament where two sides meet. Lay elastic cord or other trim along line of hot glue to cover edge.
12. As a final optional step, glue felt number onto back of ornament. Use felt that matches outer ring of ornament OR Silver metallic felt to coordinate with trim. One sheet of metallic felt is enough for numbers on a complete set of ornaments.
Time to get started! Those Calling Birds are... calling.
We hope you enjoy stitching The Twelve Days of Christmas Ornaments with us! Wouldn't they make a great advent? Be sure to share your progress on social media and tag @benziedesign so we can see!
Thanks to Camille for designing and writing this tutorial! You can follow her on Instagram @notsomodernmillie or visit her website. Be sure to check out our other tutorials to get a head start on your holiday crafting. Merry Christmas in July!
