A reader asked: “I have store-bought needlepoint Christmas stocking. I want to needlepoint (or use some other method) to put a child’s name on the stocking. Can I needlepoint over what is already there? ”
Yes, you can and here are some ideas.
You can stitch over the needlepoint stitches on the stocking with other needlepoint stitching, which is kind of like embroidering on a sweater (duplicate stitch). To do this you should chart the name and experiment with thickening your thread so that you will be happy with the coverage. I also think it would work better if the area was light and not dark.
Another possibility I’ve used, but not on names, is to do blackwork over needlepoint. Which lets you use thinner threads and have more delicate patterns. I’d did this with an overall pattern. To do it for as name, you have two choices. You could wrap the Backstitches, making Whipped Backstitch, which would stand away from the canvas. If you used fairly thick threads and an elaborate alphabet, this could look cool.
You could also make open letters and fill them with Blackwork patterns, although I think there might not be enough space for this on a stocking.
A final possibility would be to use DMC’s new memory thread and shape the letters from that. I haven’t tried this thread yet, but I’ve heard great things about it.
You might also think about making a separate tag with your child’s name on it. It hangs from the same side as the loop and then you can do any stitch you wanted. If I did that I’d add some small bells hanging from a ribbon and some tassels made with the colors in the stocking to make it look as if it was all planned.
This is such a great idea for making a stocking special!
About Janet M Perry
Janet Perry is the Internet's leading authority on needlepoint. She designs, teaches and writes, getting raves from her fans for her innovative techniques, extensive knowledge and generous teaching style. A leading writer of stitch guides, she blogs here and lives on an island in the northeast corner of the SF Bay with her family
My adult daughter wants me to add a name to needlepoint stocking for her dog. I really didn’t want to do it because if/when she gets another dog the name would need to be changed. Your fantastic idea to make a fancy tag is just the idea that we needed. Not only will it look great, it can be changed or added too.
Thanks!
Peggy