Official blog of www.NeedlePaint.com
where you can design your own Needlepoint!

NeedlePoint Kits and Canvas Designs | Design your own Needlepoint Kit!

Archive for the ‘Christmas Decorations’ Category

What’s On Your Needlepoint Holiday List For 2023?

Another joyous holiday season is behind us. The decorations have been packed up and it’s time to kick back, relax and reflect on the wonderful celebration that we have enjoyed with our family and friends. Now it is time to think about what will be on our needlepoint stitch list for next year? NeedlePaint has designed some delightful new needlepoint stocking cuff kits that are perfect for next year’s Christmas celebration! 

Christmas Whimsy Stocking Cuff Needlepoint Kit

These holiday trees have a whimsical personality, are festive,
and take on a fresh and playful life of their own!

Folk Art Angel Stocking Cuff Needlepoint Kit

This folk art angel will bring joy to your holiday with charm, grace,
elegance and a playfully festive floral motif. 

Gingerbread Stocking Cuff Needlepoint Kit

The best of the holiday cookies! Gingerbread is so rich with taste and color, especially when accompanied by the incredible smell of ginger, cloves, nutmeg, and cinnamon lofting from the oven. 

City Christmas Stocking Cuff Needlepoint Kit

The city is bursting with excitement, in anticipation of the holiday celebrations ahead! Row houses decorated to perfection, shopping, endless parties to attend,
and the simple joy of listening to a group of carolers.

Wagoneer Stocking Cuff Needlepoint Kit

Such fond memories of the entire family driving together in the old Wagoneer, for the traditional tree cutting. To make this task extra fun, Santa is at the wheel and ready with a little help from the elves.

Woodland Critters Stocking Cuff Needlepoint Kit

This charming cast of warmhearted woodland animals,
and the magic of winter will add a special warmth to your holiday stockings. 

Anchor Stocking Cuff Needlepoint Kit

Exploring wide open spaces, breathing in the fresh ocean air,
and sailing all day long, is your true passion!

Regal Reindeer Stocking Cuff Needlepoint Kit

Considered royalty of the North Pole, this regal reindeer
is legendary for helping Santa with his sleigh!

Regal Polar Bear Stocking Cuff Needlepoint Kit

Another member of the North Pole royalty — this regal polar bear is legendary for keeping an eye on the workshop while Santa’s crew is away, and providing hot chocolate upon their return the next day!

Playful Presents Stocking Cuff Needlepoint Kit

The Christmas packages are wrapped to perfection with
bright bouncing bows, and colorful patterned paper!

Playful Gingerbread Stocking Cuff Needlepoint Kit

Holiday treats baked to perfection! Gingerbread people are so rich in taste and color,
and playfully adorn this needlepoint stocking cuff!

Getting into the holiday spirit is easy when handcrafting your own needlepoint decorations. Stitch a stocking cuff that reflects the unique personality of a special loved one. Check out our complete needlepoint stocking cuff collection for more great ideas!

Please contact us with any questions that you may have at: info@needlepaint.com

Handmade touches will make your holiday special! 

Easy Sew Christmas Stocking with Cuff

Written by Peggy Bond

The Christmas season for me always brings back family memories – baking fruit cakes, decorating cookies, making gifts, shopping for a special gift, decorating the tree, and hanging Christmas stockings. While thinking about this coming Christmas, I remembered the long ago year when my older sister and I were 12 and 9 years old, and made felt Christmas stockings. We spelled our names out with sequins and stitched them together with yarn. It made me nostalgic and reminded me that my husband and I did not have stockings.  

Inspired by the Needlepaint stocking cuffs, I adapted my old Needlepaint Christmas ornament designs for use as cuffs on stockings. These small 10” x 2.5” canvases were quick to stitch. The top and bottom edges of the cuff were finished with an overcast stitch as described below, and the sides folded under. It was easily sewn onto the front piece of the felt stocking. Front and back of the stockings were stitched together with embroidery thread using a chain stitch. I was traveling when I made these and didn’t have my sewing machine, so all was done by hand.

Instead of using the traditional needlepoint binding stitch, I opted to using an overcast stitch so that I could finish the edges in multiple colors. The stitches were worked on four strands of canvas folded so that there are two stands on the front side and two on the back. In this example, every other stitch is one in red and then followed with every other stitch in blue.

This is the same technique that is used for sewing plastic canvas together, except you are working with a folded needlepoint canvas instead of two pieces of plastic canvas. The color variations give the canvas an additional dimension. And, on the train canvas, I used the same stitch with six different colored strands of embroidery floss on the needle. 

I have had request for cuffs from friends and family and have adapted several more of the original ornaments to cuffs. Each can be customized with a name. All are 18 mesh canvas designs except for the final snowflake design which is 14 mesh canvas.

Angel Song Stocking Cuff Needlepoint Kit

Candy Cane Stocking Cuff Needlepoint Kit

Penguin Parade Stocking Cuff Needlepoint Kit

Holiday Sleigh Stocking Cuff Needlepoint Kit

Flying Santa Stocking Cuff Needlepoint Kit

Ornaments Twinkle Stocking Cuff Needlepoint Kit

Gentle Snowflakes Stocking Cuff Needlepoint Kit

Holiday Express Stocking Cuff Needlepoint Kit

Wolf Song Stocking Cuff Needlepoint Kit

It’s never too late for Christmas stockings and the finishing of these is quick and easy.
New felt has arrived. Time to block and finish the latest creations.

Happy Holiday Stitching!

Unicorns and Rainbows Needlepoint Collection

At last, the elusive unicorn has been captured (in needlepoint) and these charming designs from our Unicorns and Rainbows Needlepoint Collection are sure to capture your heart. Whether you are stitching for yourself, or a fellow unicorn lover, our new designs will bring a magical touch to your needlework. 

Unicorn Forest Needlepoint Christmas Stocking Kit
12.43″ x 24″ on 14 mesh canvas

Unicorn Forest Needlepoint Ornament Kit
5″ circle on 18 mesh

Unicorn Forest Fantasy Needlepoint Ornament Kit
5″ circle on 18 mesh

Unicorn Forest Mini Stocking Needlepoint Kit
4″ x 5″ on 18 mesh

Unicorn Journey Purple Needlepoint Belt Kit

Unicorn Journey Purple Needlepoint Key Fob Kit

Unicorn Journey Purple Needlepoint Dog Collar Kit

Unicorn Dream Needlepoint Door Hanger Kit
6″ x 4″ on 18 mesh canvas

Unicorn Journey Blue Needlepoint Belt Kit

Unicorn Journey Blue Needlepoint Key Fob Kit

Unicorn Journey Blue Needlepoint Dog Collar Kit

Unicorn Wish Needlepoint Ornament Kit
4″ circle on 18 mesh canvas

Unique Unicorn Needlepoint Belt Kit

Unique Unicorn Needlepoint Key Fob Kit

Unicorn Baby Needlepoint Ornament Kit
4″ circle on 18 mesh

May there always be unicorns
in your heart and dreams
although there are those
who don’t believe it seems.
A rainbow, good luck
the tooth fairy
and Easter Bunny
they all make us smile
act a little funny.
Santa, hobbits
angels and fairies
can’t seem to touch them
but our faith never varies.
Keep dreams in your heart
let unicorns run free
all the joys of the world
will be yours to see.
— Patricia Walter

Filled with color, light and magic, the mythical powers of these unicorn and rainbow
needlepoint designs are sure to delight all ages!

We are happy to help with any questions that you may have at: info@needlepaint.com

Stitch A Little Mythical Magic!

Treasure A National Park Needlepoint Ornament Kit!

Rest, relax, explore, and needlepoint!

Create a keepsake NeedlePaint National Parks ornament kit, which will be as unique as the national treasure your family has explored together. We have designed a National Parks Needlepoint Ornament Collection just for you. Stitch one or stitch them all, this year’s Christmas tree will look fabulous!

Yellowstone National Park Needlepoint Ornament Kit

Our nation’s first national park — Yellowstone National Park, is home to bison, grizzly bears, wolves and many endangered species. With plenty of fragile geysers such as Old Faithful, hot springs, mudpots and travertine terraces. This park is truly a national treasure! 

Grand Teton National Park Needlepoint Ornament Kit

Wyomings most notable landmark features the prominent peaks of Grand Teton National Park. Visible from many miles away, this mountain range may be one of the youngest in North America, but the rocks of this national treasure are some of the oldest in the continent.

Grand Canyon National Park Needlepoint Ornament Kit

One of our most well known national parks, the Grand Canyon was the ancestral homeland to eleven American tribes, and is also one of the seven natural wonders of the world. The scenic beauty of these steep sided canyons, are one of the most extraordinary examples of erosion anywhere in the world.

Zion National Park Needlepoint Ornament Kit

Utah’s Zion National Park, has massive redstone cliffs in a spectacular array of colors, offering incredible views, plenty of outdoor adventure, and guests can follow the paths where native people and pioneers once walked.

Yosemite National Park Needlepoint Ornament Kit

Giant sequoias, deep valleys, soaring cliffs, cascading waterfalls and abundant wildlife are the pride and joy of California’s Yosemite National Park. This national treasure is a popular favorite travel destination. 

Everglades National Park Needlepoint Ornament Kit

Florida’s Everglades National Park, is the largest tropical wilderness in the US, and a habitat for numerous and endangered species including: the manatee, American crocodile, Florida panther, numerous bird and fish species. This was one of the first national parks that was created to protect a fragile ecosystem. 

Great Smoky Mountains National Park Needlepoint Ornament Kit

With beautiful ancient mountains and a magical smoky haze, the Great Smoky Mountains National Park is located in southeastern United States with areas in Tennessee and North Carolina. The most visited of all the national parks, one can see why with all the canopies of old growth forest, abundant wildflowers, wildlife and 70 miles of the well known Appalachian Trail.

Acadia National Park Needlepoint Ornament Kit

Located along the mid-section of the Maine coast, you will find the crown jewel — Acadia National Park! With expansive views of the ocean, pine forests and island lakes; this area features an abundance of wildlife, historic motor and carriage roads, hiking trails and plenty of cultural heritage.

If you have a favorite travel destination,
our designers would love to create a
custom vacation needlepoint ornament kit just for you!
We are here to help with any question that you may have at:
info@needlepaint.com

Create treasured memories, one stitch at a time!

A Sweet New Gingerbread House Needlepoint Kit!

Written by Peggy Bond

I had never baked a Gingerbread House nor did I want to. But then I got inspired by Santa’s New Ride needlepoint car canvas. Why not make a needlepoint Gingerbread House that has a roof that opens for the wrapped candies and treats that can be eaten? NeedlePaint’s designer Krystal Duffy designed the canvas and the house became a reality.

Gingerbread House Dimensional Needlepoint Kit Two
(available with an attached or detached roof)

The house is 8 x 6 ¾  x 9 inches, a scale that matches Santa’s needlepoint car, and I used a variety of stitches for the project. A staggered, elongated, horizontal cashmere stitch for the gingerbread gives the house the appearance of being made of bricks. 

Stitch Detail

Elongated Cashmere Bricks

Mosaic Window Trim

Continental – Gobelin Snow

The snow alternating rows of the continental stitch and straight Gobelin worked over 2 strands. Window frames are the slanted 2 x 2 Gobelin over 2 strands and dots above and the below the windows are the mosaic stitch. he windows are a staggered strait Gobelin over 2 stitched. There are lots of places to try new and different stitches. It was fun! 

As I stitched along, my mind worried away at “how are you going to put this all together”? Sure, it was going to a rectangular house with a roof with overhangs. How was it going to be stabilized since I wasn’t going to stuff it. (Stuffing the Gingerbread House is certainly an option.)

Initially, I cut plastic needlepoint canvas 1/8″ smaller than each side and the roofs, and stitched them to the canvas. The house could stand on its own but it wasn’t going to be rigid enough to be a container. 

Plastic Canvas Backings

While browsing through a crafter’s catalog, I found 8-inch square boxes which could be cutdown to make a 8 x 6 ¾ inch rectangle. This would give the base a solid frame and the sides could be cut down to size and shaped for the roof.  It worked! Below is a mock up of the box frame. The final was glued and the peak supports were cut from acid-free art board.

Mock up of House Frame

The base of the house is lined with a lightweight cotton fabric. Lining is sewn as shown below along only the upper edge of the stitching. The two roof segments are lined with a sturdier white fabric, leaving the top of each segment open to be sewn together later. (I probably could have used a lighter weight fabric but thought that extra weight would make a better hinge for the roof.) Turning the lining was not easy with the canvas backed by the plastic canvas, but the results were better than I had expected. There was one seam to stitch along the side of the base and it could be slipped onto the box frame. Acid-free art board was cut fit inside roofing pieces.

Also, piece of acid-free art board cut to the inside dimensions of the box is covered with the lining material and slid down to hold the lining of the sides in place.

The lined roof is stitched together at its peak with the back sides together, and the outside seam trimmed and covered with a bias strip. Self-adhesive Velcro dots along the sides and a strip at the peak affix one side of the roof and a button-ribbon tab is sewn to the opening-side of the roof.

There are certainly other ways to assemble the house. My granddaughters are all eyeing the Gingerbread House and maybe I will have to make more so please let me know if anyone has assembly suggestions.

We would love to help with all of your needlepoint needs.
Please contact us with any questions that you may have at:
info@needlepaint.com

  Stitch a little something sweet for the holidays!

New NeedlePaint Kits With A Touch Of Holiday Nostalgia!

As the holidays are in full swing, the smell of baking cookies, a song or a cherished ornament, will make a childhood memory come alive. At NeedlePaint we have created some new designs with a touch of nostalgia and that warm feeling from the past. Stitching these needlepoint stockings, pillows and ornament canvases, will add a vintage charm to your holidays!

Vintage Snowman Needlepoint Stocking Kit
12.43″ x 19″ on 14 mesh canvas

“Frosty the Snow Man came to town one bright, cold winter’s day!”

Vintage Snowman Needlepoint Ornament Kit
5.22″ x 5.22″ on 18 mesh canvas

“Frosty the Snow Man has gone away, where all snow men go on a sunny day.”

Vintage Snowman Needlepoint Pillow Kit
12″ x 12″ on 14 mesh canvas

“Let it Snow, Let it Snow, Let it Snow!”

Swirling Snow Needlepoint Stocking Kit
12.43″ x 19″ on 14 mesh canvas

Cool and crisp, yet warm and friendly; the swirling winter wind sparkles with magic!

Swirling Snow Pine Needlepoint Ornament Kit
5.22″ x 5.22″ on 18 mesh canvas

Winter is welcoming, with a dusting of snow on a newly decorated pine!

Swirling Snow Needlepoint Ornament Kit
5.22″ x 5.22″ on 18 mesh canvas

This swirling winter wind is a favorite of this friendly snowman! 

Vintage Santa Needlepoint Stocking Kit
12.43″ x 19″ on 14 mesh canvas

“His droll little mouth was drawn up like a bow, and the beard on his chin was as white as the snow!”

Vintage Santa Needlepoint Ornament Kit
5.22″ x 5.22″ on 18 mesh canvas

“His eyes how they twinkled! His dimples how merry!
His cheeks were like roses, his nose like a cherry!”

Vintage Santa Needlepoint Pillow Kit
12″ x 12″ on 14 mesh canvas

“He had a broad face and a little round belly, that shook, when he laughed, like a bowl full of jelly!” 

Stitch a little nostalgia, this holiday season!

Feel free to contact us with any questions,
or if our designers can create a special holiday memory for you to stitch,
let us know at: info@needlepaint.com

NeedlePaint’s New Nutcracker Holiday Needlepoint Kits!

A handmade touch is what makes Christmas the most magical time of year! Create your own holiday decorations, and stitch one of NeedlePaint‘s new unique needlepoint nutcracker stockings or needlepoint ornament kits! Nutcrackers historically represent power and strength, and were given as keepsakes to serve as a messenger of good luck and good will. These three new nutcracker designs will add a warm personality and rich colorful charm to your holiday festivities!

Nutcracker Klaus Needlepoint Stocking Kit
12.43″ x 19″ on 14 mesh canvas

Nutcracker Klaus has a commanding sparkle from his brilliant charming smile! He’ll put you at ease with his curly locks, which cascade freely from his jewel encrusted crown.
With a wink of his eye, a secret is shared; he is at his best when touring the grounds, 
as they are lush with trees full of nuts.

Nutcracker Klaus Needlepoint Ornament Kit
5.22″ x 5.22″ on 18 mesh canvas

Nutcracker Klaus Front and Back Ornament Kits
2.5″ x 6.22″ on 18 mesh canvas
(front and back are sold seperately)

Nutcracker Stefan Needlepoint Stocking Kit
12.43″ x 19″ on 14 mesh canvas

Nutcracker Stefan is the Lord Captain of his tiny ship! He sails the high seas from dawn til dusk, only stopping his post for a tasty meal in the galley down below deck. His crew doesn’t know so don’t give him away; you can find him sneaking the pecans off of the praline parfaits. 

Nutcracker Stefan Needlepoint Ornament Kit
5.22″ x 5.22″ on 18 mesh canvas

Nutcracker Stefan Front and Back Ornament Kits
2.5″ x 6.22″ on 18 mesh canvas
(front and back are sold seperately))

Nutcracker Adelar Needlepoint Stocking Kit
12.43″ x 19″ on 14 mesh canvas

Nutcracker Adelar is a fearless noble warrior! He uses a gazing stare from his deep blue eyes, to curtail any trouble which may be brewing. He shines his crown with crushed walnut shells,
that have been tossed aside to dry. 

Nutcracker Adelar Needlepoint Ornament Kit
5.22″ x 5.22″ on 18 mesh canvas

Nutcracker Adelar Front and Back Ornament Kits
2.5″ x 6.22″ on 18 mesh canvas
(front and back are sold seperately))

Feel free to contact us with any questions, 
or if our designers can create a special holiday decoration for you,
let us know, at: 
info@needlepaint.com

Build new holiday memories, one stitch at a time!

NeedlePaint’s New Christmas Stocking Cuffs!

Written by: Peggy Bond

Running late to get a Christmas stocking needlepointed? NeedlePaint suggests a Winter Wonderland Stocking Cuff. Needlepointing the cuff will take less than half the time of a full stocking. The bear and moose are perfect for my nephews who live in Maine,
and the chickadee will be prefect for Amos’ little sister who will be born in October.
It shouldn’t be difficult to get it finished in time for Christmas. 

Burly Black Bear Stocking Cuff Needlepoint Canvas

Woodland Moose Stocking Cuff Needlepoint Canvas

Joyful Chickadee Stocking Cuff Needlepoint Canvas

The bear and moose are finished and awaiting their big day. For texture and variety,
I used several different stitches on the large animals, sky, and snowy ground. 

The sky of the bear cuff is done with the vertical brick stitch done over 2 mesh.

The snowy ground is finished with the horizontal double brick stitch also done over 2 mesh.

For the bear, I wanted some color variation and texture.
His back is done using alternating continental with black and dark brown thread
while his under body and legs are all black and stitched with the continental. 

Alternating Continental Stitch

It’s winter and there must be snow falling sometimes, so the moose got the falling snow which was
created by using 3 strands of sky blue and 3 strands of light blue in the vertical brick stitch.
This created a random design that gives the sense of falling snow. 

The double twill stitch for the snow gives perception to the canvas,
accenting the varying size of the trees.

Diagonal chop sticks stitch: Mr. Moose took some searching for me to find the right stitch – one that I had never seen or used before. I found it in Susan Sturgeon Roberts’s book Needlepoint Dictionary of Stitches. It is called diagonal chop sticks. It is done in two shades of brown. 

I will post a the completed chickadee when I know the name of my niece.

We would love to help you with all of your needlepoint holiday decorations.
Please feel free to contact us with any questions you may have at: info@needlepaint.com

Happy Stitching!

New 3-Dimensional Needlepoint Kits!

Written by Peggy Bond

Santa Claus is Coming To Town And He Has New Wheels!
Santa’s reindeer refused to work in the summer heat, so Santa Claus had to find new wheels. NeedlePaint came to his rescue with their newly designed 3-D needlepoint station wagon, stitched on 18 mesh canvas with DMC thread. After Santa is done using it for warm weather transport, it will make an unforgettable stocking stuffer toy or Christmas mantle decoration.

Stitched car canvas: 
The main body of the car and window were stitched with only four strands of the DMC thread, so that it will be less bulky to sew together. Santa, his dog, and the remainder of the car were stitched with all six strands of the DMC thread which makes them stand out from the background. The brick stitch is used for the wood panel on the car, and the double brick stitch is used for the light blue underbody of the car.

Inside-out: 
Finishing the car was a bit more challenging than finishing a brick door stop, because there was not a solid frame and the car has curves. I trimmed the canvas closer to the stitching, leaving at least a ¾ inch of blank canvas. Folding the stitched portion of the canvas with right sides together to join the hood and trunk to the sides, is a delicate operation requiring that the curves are the same for each side. It took me a couple of tries to get that right. The stitching was done with thread of the same color as the sections being joined. For example, the front window was joined with dark grey, the hood and side with blue, and the underbody with light blue. There were a lot of tiny stitches and knots!

Sew car inside-out:
To prepare the car form before stuffing, I pressed the seams open and tacked down the corners as shown.

Addition of Pellon stiffeners:
I inserted 3 pieces of heavyweight Pellon interfacing to give the car some rigidity. It is not necessary, but I found this gives the car sharper edges. More rigid inserts would give even sharper edges. It is a matter of taste!

Stuffing in progress:
I used heavy felt for the bottom of the car, similar to the finishing technique I used for the needlepoint brick covers. I stitch most of the bottom in place, leaving a four inch opening on one side before stuffing the car.

Stuffed and sewn up!
I gave Santa and the car another steaming to crispen up the edges of the roof and seams. He says that his new wheels and helpful dog will guarantee a Merry Christmas to All!

Santa’s New Ride Three Dimensional Needlepoint Kit

Red Truck Three Dimensional Needlepoint Kit

We would love to help you with all of your holiday decorations!
Please feel free to contact us with any questions you may have at: info@needlepaint.com

Stitch up some magic this holiday season!

Wedding Ornament Needlepoint Kits

Wedding bells are ringing again!
There are a lot of “firsts” for a newly married couple, and the celebration of a first Christmas together is definitely on top of the list. NeedlePaint has designed some new wedding ornament canvases for you to stitch; which are great to go with a wedding gift, or as a gift for Christmas. Weddings are full of tradition, superstitions, and good wishes.
Stitch something special for that very lucky couple!

Hope Doves Needlepoint Ornament Canvas
If a bride tucks a sugar cube into her glove,
the sugar will sweeten the wedding union” — according to Greek culture.

Wedding Doves Needlepoint Ornament Canvas
The English believe a spider found in a wedding dress means good luck.

Wedding Doves Needlepoint Pillow Canvas
Wednesday is considered the best day to marry, although
Monday is for wealth and Tuesday is for health” — according to English tradition.

Formal Wedding Attire Needlepoint Ornament Canvas
“The tradition of a groom carrying his bride across the threshold,
will bravely protect her from evil spirits lurking below.”

Peace Doves Needlepoint Ornament Canvas
“Saturday is the unluckiest wedding day, oddly enough it’s the most popular day
of the week to marry” — according to English folklore.

Our First Christmas Needlepoint Ornament Canvas
“When a bride puts a silver coin from her father and a gold coin from her mother
in each shoe, it will ensure that she’ll never be without money
” — according to Swedish tradition.

Snow Couple Needlepoint Ornament Canvas
“Rain on your wedding day is actually considered good luck” — according to Hindu tradition.

Tree of Life Birds Needlepoint Ornament Canvas
“For a bit of good luck, Egyptian women pinch the bride on her wedding day.”

Wedding Sampler Needlepoint Ornament Canvas
“Wedding rings are worn on the fourth finger of the left hand because
it was once thought that a vein in that finger led directly to the heart.”

Tree Of Life Birds Needlepoint Pillow Canvas
In Holland, a pine tree is planted outside of a newly married couple’s home,
as a symbol of luck and fertility.

Create a needlepoint keepsake for a newly married couple!
We would love to help with your wedding ornament or pillow canvases
and do offer finishing services. Please contact us with any questions
you may have at info@needlepaint.com

After all, handmade gifts are the gifts that are remembered!