Christmas Hearts Spool

Design by Nancy Wahler of Faithworks Designs

Skill Level: Easy

Stitch Count: 26H x 78W Design Size: 1¾" x 5¼" Materials • 2" x 9" piece 30- count white linen 2"-wide stitchband #7271 from Zweigart®

• One skein each Anchor® or DMC® six-strand embroidery floss

• One spool Kreinik Very Fine Braid #4

• Size 24 tapestry needle

Instructions

Cross stitch over two threads using two strands of floss or Very Fine Braid.

Finishing Materials & Instructions

• 3"-high wood spool with 2" diameter

• Paint and paintbrush

• Craft glue

• Two 2" large-hole buttons

• 18"-length twisted cording

• Tassel

• Holly leaves and berries (optional)

Paint spool and allow to dry completely. Press stitched piece from reverse side, straightening as much as possible. Trim stitchband to 1/4" from stitching at both short ends. Fold under stitchband ends at stitching. Add a small amount of glue under fold and press to secure raw edges. Apply glue to back of stitchband at one end. Place stitchband on spool, pressing glued end down to secure. Wrap stitchband around spool tightly and glue other end in place so that edges meet. Fold twisted cording in half and tie a knot 11/2" from the ends. Thread cording ends through holes in top of one button. Pull ends tightly and tie off at the back of button to secure. Apply glue to back of button. Thread cording ends into hole on top of spool. Press button down firmly on top of spool to secure; let glue dry. Secure tassel to remaining button in same manner and glue button to bottom of spool. Embellish top of assembled piece with holly leaves and berries as desired.