Angel Ornament with Twine Robe

 

Angel decoration takes shape by draping DMC perle cotton 

“twine” string over body & wings thickened cut shape. 

A cord or ribbon cinch belt holds the shoulder-draped 

“robe” in place, then the trimming template is positioned 

over assembly and used as guide for 

cutting off excess across hem. 

A punch hole at top accepts a hanging loop to make

this heaven-sent Nativity character ready to hang on a tree,

dangle from a peg, act as accent on a wreath, 

or join an angel choir draped as a swag across a wall. 

Ornament measures approx. 4” wide at wing tips x 

6.75 from wing tip to bottom hem trim line. 

ASSEMBLY: 1. Identify and cut the shapes:

A angel torso/wings (cut 8 to layer and glue together

for thickness and strength)

B full angel silhouette hem trimming guide

C sample of DMC size 5 perle cotton to wrap,

drape and trim for angel's robe

NOT SHOWN: ribbon to tie waist; hang twine

Here is a closer view of the label of

the DMC perle cotton size 5 in ecru used

for this project model. The completed sample

in the thumbnail photo uses ALL of this skein.

The angel will also look fine using around 3/4

of the skein, in case you are making multiples.

NOTE that you can wish to include a name inscription

for personalization. Hand-pen the name, or

enlist the "print & cut" feature of the Silhouette

software tools.

Take care when lifting the torso/wings shapes from

the cutting mat since there are several places where

tearing could easily occur.

2. Layer and glue the torso/wing shapes together,

taking care to align ALL cut edges as precisely

as possible. NOTE that it may be prudent to layer

half of the shapes in a first phase, then immediately . . .

. . . press flat under a heavy object such as the planed

wood plank shown here, possibly with something heavy

placed on top. Allow to dry thoroughly, such as for 2-3

hours, before continuing to add the remaining layers.

Return to the pressing mode for several more hours

or over night. 

3. Prepare the perle cotton or twine by finding something

rigid as a wrapping form where when cut at one end

of loops ONLY the lengths of the twine will measures

around 12". A dvd case such as the one shown works

well. Decide how much of the skein you wish to use,

and wrap that portion. NOTE that the sample angel uses

ALL of one skein, but approx. 3/4 of a skein will also work.

Once the wrapping is done, cut AT ONE END ONLY.

4. Prepare to place the twine robe onto the body/torso by

separating one strand and setting it aside to use as temp cinch.

Divide the trimmed lengths in half at the middle. Then . . .

. . . insert the head through the split, keeping the length

of the cut twine centered front-to-back.

Adjust the length so that ALL the ends align

along where the hem should be.

One good variation is to cross the half-hanks

over the chest area, at least on the front.

5. Use a tool such as the end of a blade tool, 

a knitting needle, or comb pick to straighten

the twine all across both front and back.

6. Use the set-aside strand to surround both

the front and back groups of twine, then

tie an over-hand knot, adjust the knotting loop

to be at the torso area lower body extension,

and cinch in all twine to shape the robe to fit.

Keep the cinch as tight as possible, then tie

strings into a tight double-knot.

7. Continue to straighten all strand ends to make

the grouping as neat and straight as possible.

8. Place the trimming guide over the top of the torso/wings

and match it to align with torso/wings.

9. Hold template in place while using sharp shears

to trim away robe hem edge ends. For a longer skirt,

it is recommended that you trim at least .25" beyond

the hem edge of template.

10. Finish the angel by adding a decorative cord

or ribbon at the cinched waist, to form a neat and

decorative knot and bow. Once it is adjusted,

trim cord/ribbon ends.

Here is the completed Angel Ornament.