Updated April 28,2023.
While I am a pretty good cook and baker, one thing I’m NOT good with is rolled and decorated cookies. Even so, I see a lovely one (or even a silly one), and I wish I could do this. Haapily, I can use a great cookie cutter as the basis for a charming needlepoint. That’s what I used to make the button-covered tree pictured here.
First, look for a large cookie cutter without too many details. Once you have selected your cutter, put it on the front of your needlepoint canvas and trace around the outside with an extra-thin permanent marker, such as a Pigma Micron or a Sharpie. Let dry overnight.
Now you are ready to stitch. If you want it to look like a real cookie, begin by stitching a border, 3-5 stitches wide, using floss or silk in a “cookie” color. The rest of the area fill in with solid, mostly matte threads to be your “icing.”
You can then embellish the stitching with bugle beads (sprinkles), seed beads (decorative sugar or shot), brads (candy disks), couching (lines of icing) buttons, or other items.
I have a general stitch guide with ideas for stitching cookies available as a PDF for $6.00 available in my Etsy shop.
If you would like a custom line-drawn canvas with stitch guide for making your own Christmas cookie, please contact me. The price begins at $25 plus shipping and tax in CA).
If you don’t want it to look realistic (I didn’t on the one pictured above), stitch in whatever thread or stitch your heart desires. I used dark green Watercolours and almost covered the tree with buttons from Just Another Button Company (many no longer made).
The cookie cutter shape doesn’t have much detail, so you must be sure to add it using stitches or embellishments.
This is a great way to make unique small needlepoint quickly and economically.
If you on’t want to stitch your own and want to use the cutter as a frame consider the cookie cutter serries from Cheryl Schaeffer and Annie. The series includes the canvas and the cutter. Finishing instruction are also available in Needlepoint Now (January/Febriary 2021/).
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
Hi Janet,
A no calorie decorated cookie regardless of all the icing and sprinkles. Yahoo!
Marlene
Janet, this is the best idea ever! I’m going to my mother’s this weekend and can’t wait to look in her baking cabinet to see what cookie cutter I can borrow to do this.