Seasonal embroidery designs are a lovely way to celebrate Christmas. They add a festive touch to holiday crafts and make perfectly thoughtful gifts. Here are eight ways you can use embroidery to spread joy this season.
Embroider a Tote Bag
Anyone who’s headed to the market, the gym, or the library can use a good tote bag, and a custom design can turn this basic into a thoughtful gift. You can get pre-made totes online or at the craft store, then pick out a design your friend will love and stitch it on the front of the bag. Just think how cute a grinning, embroidered elf would look on a bright red background! You can make an abstract design by stitching stars on a blue background or putting a heavenly white angel on a snowy white fabric.
Decorate a Table Runner
Do you have a friend who loves to entertain or make their house festive? If so, you can help them make a beautiful table by adding threaded designs to a decorative table runner. Try stitching a design of green holly leaves and red berries all around the edges of a long, cream-colored piece of fabric, then add tassels to each corner. You could also create interest by embroidering a winter scene, a pair of reindeer, or a row of bells or garlands at the ends or center of the cloth.
Stitch up Some Tea Towels
Custom tea towels are a practical gift that can add charm to a kitchen or table. You can embroider a tea towel with a nutcracker, a sugar plum fairy, or a cardinal on a Christmas tree. Tea towels can make your home a bit more stylish and make everyday tasks special. Whenever your friend dries a dish or covers a plate of cookies, they’ll be celebrating the season.
Make Fabric Ornaments
Cute holiday ornaments can be delightful gifts, and you can make them yourself! Start by cutting shapes like circles, ovals, squares, and diamonds from fabric, then embroider the pieces with holiday designs like snowflakes and bells. Once you’re finished decorating, stitch the fabric together and stuff it to make it 3-D, then sew on some shiny trim and add a loop and a hook for hanging. These ornaments are a wonderful, personalized way to add joy to any tree.
Craft a Throw Pillow
Adding a pillow to a chair or a sofa adds a cozy touch to any home. Why not spread some Christmas cheer by giving your friend or colleague a holiday throw pillow? You can keep it classy with embroidered evergreens or add some whimsy by stitching a cheerful snowman onto candy-striped fabric. You can’t go wrong with neutrals, but remember—a simple design in bold green, red, or gold makes a wonderful seasonal statement.
Embellish Some Christmas Stockings
Who doesn’t love a good Christmas stocking, filled to the brim with treats? You can use embroidery to emblazon your stocking with images of glowing candles or stripey candy canes. Add a holiday message that says “Merry Christmas,” fill the stocking with candy or toys, and present it with a smile. Anyone who gets your customized gift is sure to appreciate the gesture.
Whip up a Holiday Zip Pouch
There’s nothing like a zip pouch for staying organized in style, so why not spread some joy by gifting a holiday-themed caddy? Make an embroidered pouch that displays a singing caroler, a big red bow, or a gingerbread man. It’s a cute reminder of the holidays that’s easy to keep at hand, and the person who receives your gift is sure to love it.
Create a Wall Hanging
Nothing adds holiday joy to a bare wall like a beautifully embroidered decoration. A scene of a stitched tree topped with a star and holding bright ornaments makes a lovely display. Embroidered stars, cabin scenes, or even the word “Noel” will surely be appreciated by anyone who loves sprucing up their home for the holidays.
