If you’re like me, you’re probably still thinking it’s early days in the whole holiday preparation scheme of things.

I’ve heard that there are highly motivated, highly organized stitchers out there who actually embroider things for Christmas early in the year.

While I admire them – and I often wish I were one of those people – it never really works out that way for me. Usually, somewhere between Thanksgiving and Christmas, I get a hair-brained idea to stitch up holiday gifts. And then I do those frenzied late-night stitching sessions a couple days before the gift is due.

Don’t be like me! There’s still plenty of time to stitch up a fun gift or two for Christmas, enjoying the whole stitching process in a relaxed and calm state.

Here are some project ideas to help you do just that!

Christmas Embroidery Patterns

If you’re looking for embroidery patterns that would work well on gifts like flour sack towels (which make great gift basket liners, by the way), linen guest towels (you can use pre-made blanks!) and the like, you might enjoy some of these designs:

Boughs of Holly Corner Design

Holly & Joy – a lettering design in a bunch of different configurations

Some blackwork-style trees – just adds some beads for decorations!

Quaker Style Motif – this little tree would make a great little ornament!

Embroidered Ornament from Stash

A couple years ago, I ran this series on stitching an embroidered ornament from your stash. You’ll find finishing instructions in there, too!

Counted Cross Stitch Patterns

The following patterns work great with water-soluble canvas, to stitch on towels, pillow cases, a tree skirt – or what-have-you!

You can find tips for working on water-soluble canvas here.

You can find some tips on a substitute for water soluble canvas here – just use a printable water-soluble interfacing and your printer to make your grid. It works!

These patterns would also work great for embroidered filet lace (net darning) or filet crochet!

Winter Snowflakes and Leaping Deer – counted cross stitch designs that work great on water-soluble canvas

Leaping Deer & a Tree

A Simple Snowflake

More Snowflakes – including a corner design

A Great Big Snowflake

Coming Up on Needle ‘n Thread

On Friday, some Thread Talk! I’ll be reviewing a line of embroidery threads, and I can’t wait to chat about them with you! I’ll show you some fantastic embroidery worked with them, and share a great little offer you just can’t refuse if you love thread.

I’ve made some progress on my crewel project this week. Not a lot, but every bit counts. I’ll share that with you soon, and a sneaky little discovery about the ups and downs of wool thread.

And gosh, do I have some delightful surprises for you, between Thanksgiving and Christmas! I’ll be running a series of give-aways to prep you for the season of giving…and maybe to put something you really want in your own stocking!

Hope you have a wonderful Wednesday!