Embroidery Motifs for Christmas

Christmas Trees

• Embroidered Christmas trees can be as simple or complicated as your skills allow. The shape of the tree is relatively simple and is the ideal motif to embroider not only on Christmas decorations but also on linen reserved for Christmas, such as tablecloths or napkins. To embroider Christmas trees onto napkins, first draw the design with a washable marker directly onto the fabric, either by freehand or using a template such as a Christmas tree stencil to make the outline. Use an embroidery hoop to hold the fabric taut while you either fill in the outline with satin stitch, or pick out the outline with a simple backstitch.

Greetings

• Embroider word greetings onto all kinds of household linens for Christmas cheer. Choose embroidery thread in Christmas colors such as red or green, and keep greetings simple for the most impact. Hand write the greeting onto such items as guest towels or Christmas dish towels, then embroider over the writing using chain stitch, backstitch or a combination of both. For long greetings that include punctuation, use French knots for full stops. Simple Christmas greetings are also ideal to embroider onto homemade greeting cards. Write the greeting on the card, and use a pin or paper piercer to evenly pierce around the letters. Backstitch through the holes with embroidery floss.

Ornaments

• Use Christmas embroidery motifs as Christmas tree ornaments with a difference. Cut Christmas shapes, such as Christmas trees, snowflakes or stars from felt, then embroider the surface of the shape in bright Christmas colored embroidery floss. Embroidering small motifs for the Christmas tree is also a festive way to introduce children to the craft of embroidery.

Machine Embroidery

• The options for machine-embroidered Christmas motifs include angels, bells, baubles, stockings and trees. Machine embroidery is quick to complete, so it's useful for making last-minute gifts such as cushion covers or pictures. Christmas-themed picture ideas include choosing a central image, such as Father Christmas, and surrounding the image with wreath-like embroidered holly leaves and poinsettia flowers.