Layer the punch hole
stitching panels
for strength, then use tapestry needle and
one color of floss
to add cross stitches
to create the hearts-within-heart design.
Additional base
layers add thickness and sturdiness
for heart shaped ornament or round ornament tag.
Card measures approx. 5”x5” when
completed.
Ornament measures approx. 4.25”x4.16”.
Both stitched projects have identical cross stitching
and similar assembly steps.
The heart shaped card ornament will be explained
first in this tutorial, followed at Step 19 by
several images that will show how the card
round ornament are different.
ASSEMBLY: 1. Identify and cut the shapes:
A stitching grid punched hearts
(2 to layer and attach for sturdiness)
B stitching chart with one color floss
C buffer accent heart layers (2 for thickness)
D accent heart (whole)
E scalloped heart
F base heart front (2 for sturdiness)
G opt. "card back" heart
H opt. heart card interior sentiment plaque
2. Prepare the two stitching hole-punched hearts
by making sure that all "chads" or cut out "crumbs"
are removed. One way to do this is to bend
a standard paper clip end straight then use it
to poke through all holes not already vacant,
then brush or scrape away extra bits.
3. Position smaller front heart on top of second
contrast heart layer, and, working quickly,
attach together, taking care
that ALL outer cut edges plus stitch holes and
hang hole edges align as precisely as possible.
One way to check that the holes align is to use
the paper clip tool to poke through various holes
across the panel, particularly at edges and corners, etc.
a heavy flat object such as this thick book volume,
possibly with something else heavy placed on top,
and leave in place until thoroughly dried.
This could require several hours or over night.
a) layer and attach the heart base shapes
together, taking care to align all cut edges
as accurately as possible;
b) position and attach the scalloped heart accent
onto front of card base layers, then
press the unit under heavy object until dried;
c) layer and attach the buffer shape layers,
taking care to align cut edges; press under weight.
On the backside of work, insert the needle
. . . to complete that row, creating one cross stitch at
HEART CROSS STITCHING
5. To complete the project, use size 22-24 tapestry
(blunt tip) stitching needles.
6. Prepare to stitch by cutting a 32-36 inch
length of 6-ply floss for the main color.
Following these steps below (with some images
from a different project) which describe how
to separate single strands
from the 6-ply group to minimize knotting:
A) Separate 2 plies by holding the grouped floss length
somewhat firmly between fingers of offhand, isolating one
ply to pull away, then pull it gently away from others
while the twists of the group begin to bunch up behind it.
B) Place the two plies side by side and line up the ends.
Bring end pairs together to create a loop opposite end.
C) Thread the ends through
the needle eye.
Pull the ends through then adjust loop so that it is
the long end.
7. Study this diagram to understand how to form
cross stitches for uniform appearance and tension.
NOTE that the RIGHT SLANT stitches are generally
placed across the row first, followed by the LEFT SLANT
stitches placed coming back across the row.
8. For this project, begin at the bottom center where
the first cross stitch will be created.
Each square on the pattern chart represents 4 holes that
would be needed to create both the right and left slants.
A) Insert the needle with thread UP from backside
in the TOP LEFT HOLE where the first X will be made.
This closeup from a different heart project shows more
clearly where the first cross unit will be made.
Needle is inserted up through
the top left hole of the four that are used for
first cross. NOTE that the first hole on second
row of holes is NOT used for bottom-most row.
B) Pull the floss through UNTIL about 3-2 inches
of the loop end remains, then insert the needle
diagonally to complete the first right slant stitch.
through the loop and . . .
. . . pull the loop tight to remove all slack.
This is the "tying on" process.
9. Insert the needle through to front of work, in
the top right hole, then . . .
. . . insert the needle through to back of work,
in the bottom left hole to complete the left slant
of the only cross stitch on bottom row.
10. Move upward as shown on the chart to continue
to follow the chart . . .
the far left position, and one at the far right position,
with a skipped or blank space between.
11. Follow the chart to complete the third row with
stitches and spaces. Then . . .
. . . move upward to complete the third row,
and so forth.
. . . slide the needle off, and trim the tails close
FINISHING
12. As stitching proceeds, thread length will
eventually be used up. Before length is
unmanageably short, pause when the needle is on
the backside of work as a slant stitch is completed.
Slip needle under 3-4 stitches on the backside, then . . .
to the surface of the work.
This is the "tying off" procedure.
13. Continue to complete the rows of the design,
until all stitches are in place, and tie off final time.
14. Prepare to attach the buffer assembly behind
the stitched heart with glue applied to backside
of the stitched heart by positioning so that
stitching in within the buffer opening, then . . .
and adjusting so that the accent margin is
even all around. Apply pressure to secure.
15. Position the whole accent base under
the stitching assembly, adjust and glue in place.
Press under flat weight until dried.
16. Prepare the card back (if creating that version)
by bending the upper portion of the back panel
forward as the hinge. Then . . .
. . . position the upper portion back to back to
align scallop edges and hang loop of both
elements, and glue together only at upper portion.
Press flat.
17. If desired, position the message plaque
onto the inner surface of the card back
lower portion, and glue in place.
18. Add a length of ribbon and tie in knot
or knot & bow as shown.
CARD WITH ROUND STITCHED ORNAMENT
CARD WITH ROUND STITCHED ORNAMENT
19. Identify and cut the shapes:
A heart disc with punch holes grid for stitching
(2 shapes to layer for sturdiness)
B stitching guide with one color floss
C buffer layers (2 for thickness)
D ornament whole disc back panel
E card front accent panel with ribbon punches
F card base with ribbon punches
(top fold card)
20. Follow Steps 2-3 above to layer, align, glue together,
check for alignment, and press until dry.
21. Layer and attach the buffer layers together
and press flat.
22. Prepare the card base by bending back at
cross perforation line.
23. Position and attach the front accent panel
to the front of the card base, taking care to align
the ribbon holes, also adjusting to make sure
scallop edges are equal distance from base
straight edges all around.
24. Refer to Steps 5-15 to complete the heart stitching
design onto disc grid.
25. Position and attach the buffer layers to backside
of the stitching panel, reversing to view . . .
. . . from front to ensure that the stitching disc
is exactly vertical, with equal offset margin
all around.
26. Position and attach the whole ornament shape
to backside of the stitched assembly. Press flat.
27. Thread a length of ribbon through the pair of
ribbon holes of front panel/card base, then . . .
. . . complete by tying a bow; trim ends.
(NOTE: the bow may require some adjusting
and possibly temp sticky dots to keep it
arranged as desired, and as shown here.)
Here is another view of the completed card.
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