Make a stocking

1. Download the template and print. Draw the outline shape of the stocking twice onto a large piece of fabric, such as a damask napkin, but do not cut it out. Choose the crown or heart motif and the wording you wish to use, then place the fabric over the design template you’ve printed off, and trace directly onto the fabric using a pencil or ballpoint pen. If you can’t see the design through the fabric, photocopy the motifs onto a piece of thin paper, and go over the outline on the wrong side (mirror image) with a transfer pen. Position the paper transfer-side down on the right side of the fabric and press with a hot iron.

2. Place the fabric in an embroidery hoop and make sure it’s taut. Starting with the wording, and using two strands of pink or pale blue embroidery thread and a crewel needle, fill in the lettering, inside the outlines, with running stitch. Then use satin stitch to fill in the thicker parts of the letters, and stem stitch for the narrower lines and the flourishes, making sure the stitches go just outside the outlines. The running stitch will create a good foundation for the embroidery, producing a slightly padded effect and helping to prevent the white fabric showing through the lettering, ensuring a neat and professional result.

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