
Charms and miniature oprnaments can easily add lots of interest to your needlepoint.Evrn new stitchers can easiy add these because they go over your stitching. That’s what I did with this Christmas tree from Julia’s Needleworks. The canvas was just the tree. I stitched it using a hand-dyed silk floss from Gloriana, so there would be some variation in the foliage.
The background is mostly exposed canvas with Blackwork snowflakes.
What makes the project though is all the ornaments used to trim the tree. At the time I stitched itmini trees made from beads were popular. My local crafts store had lots of tint ornaments made to trim these trees. As you can see, they are a perfect size for needlepoint. I bought a bunchand attached them to the tree.
You can do this as well, by following the instructions below.
Items with Loops

Miniature ornaments and charms of all kinds usually have loops at the top. If you were putting them on a charm bracelet, it would be attached here. If you were trimming a real tree, this is where the ornament hanger would go. In needlepoint, you’ll use this ring as the place where your stitches will attach the charm.
Begin by using a thread that matches the color of the stitching below. That’s so the loop will not show.
Hold the charm in place where you want it to go.
Bring your needle out of the canvas inside the ring, go over it. Bring your needle back into the canvas outside the ring.
Continue to make these stitches all around the lop until it is completely covered. You will be able to remove your finger after a few stitches.
items with Sticks
Items like the lollipos and candy canes here don’t have loops on them. Instead you’ll need to attach them as if you were couching a thread.
Once again you’ll need to hold the embellishment in place. This time use a thread that matches the item you are attaching.
Bring your needle out of the canvas on one side of the stick and bring it over the stick. Put it back into the canvas on the other side of the stick.
For lollipos I used just a couple of stitches on the stick. For candy canes I use three stitches, one on each straight part and one on the curve.
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
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