Make a… candle wrap

Fabric, thread and LED lights available from www.willowfabrics.com

Step 1

CUT your blue 14 count aida larger than your glass or jar. The design is 34 high x 47 wide, 8.5x6.5cm (3„⁄†x2„⁄†in). Measure your glass, adding on an overlap at the back, and extra at the top and bottom. You can trim your aida to the exact size needed once it’s been stitched on.

START stitching in the centre of the fabric. When working with metallic thread, the thread can become twisted and knotted, so drop the needle regularly and allow it to hang and the thread to unravel. Secure the thread on the wrong side by weaving through the back of the stitches.

Step 2 Step 3

FOLLOW the yellow blocks on the chart, and carefully cut out the window centres with small, sharp scissors. Take care not to leave any loose ends, and to cut exactly on the aida rows. You’ll be leaving one row of blank aida squares around each opening before the stitching starts.

Step 4

USE clear fabric glue to coat the edges of the cut window fabric. Avoid clumps of glue on the fabric as it will show when dry – use a co ee stirrer to apply it. If you do bring up any fabric ends, just snip them o with scissors, and add more glue. Leave to fully dry – around 20 minutes.

Step 5

THREAD a pointed needle with one strand of silver thread. Work the inner window bars first, working the diagonals followed by the horizontals. Work the outer window bars next. Secure the thread by weaving through the stitches at the back of the fabric.

Step 6

WORK the windows using one strand of white stranded cotton. Work the window bars in the same way as for the silver thread, then the outer window edges. Make the cross in the diamond windows at the top, and then work long stitches around the edge to form the frame.

Step 7

ADD the silver petite beads to the Christmas tree using one strand of white stranded cotton. Work through the bead twice to secure it firmly to the fabric. Once stitched, use your needle to tease the beads neatly on the Christmas tree.

Step 8

CUT your aida to the exact size needed – slightly shorter than your glass or jar. Fray the top and bottom edges by peeling o a row of aida. Wrap the aida around your glass, then use double-sided tape on the back edge to hold it to the jar.

Step 9

SHAPE your LED lights gently to fit inside the glass. Switch them on then place inside the glass, moving each bulb slightly to get the best e ect showing through the windows. You could try other fabric and threads for di erent e ects.