Let it Snow Stitch Along Project

This guide will walk you through all of the steps and techniques used to stitch this pattern. The information in this guide is merely a suggestion so please feel free to make changes to colors, stitches or techniques to make it your own. There is no right or wrong way to stitch this pattern, so relax and have fun! You will need: Sharp ScissorsEmbroidery Needles6" Embroidery HoopEmbroidery Floss or ThreadLet it Snow Pattern, Fabric or KitIron and Ironing-board or Equivalent DMC Floss Colors White, B5200 or Blue 3766Or colors of your choice ----- Let's get Started! ----- Fusible Embroidery Stabilizer Using a stabilizer is not required when doing hand embroidery, but a stabilizer will firm the fabric and improve stitch quality. For best results a stabilizer is recommended with the printed fabric pattern. If you purchase the kit a square of fusible embroidery stabilizer is included.Iron the stabilizer to the fabric before you begin stitching. To ensure your iron stays clean you can put a pressing cloth or old flour-sack dish towel over the top of the stabilizer before pressing. (Pressing cloth not shown)Place your fabric face down on a flat heat-safe surface (ironing board or equivalent). Press lightly with a hot dry (no steam) iron to remove any creases. Next center the stabilizer SHINY SIDE DOWN over your fabric. The shiny side is adhesive and must be in contact with the back of the fabric. Using a dry iron on its hottest setting press the stabilizer to the fabric. Starting in the center hold the iron on each section for 8-10 seconds, working your way outward. Be sure to get the edges. Stitches Used in this Project To complete the Back Stitch Start on the back side of the fabric and bring your needle up through the fabric at 1 then down through at 2. Bring your needle up through at 3 and back down at 4 in the same hole as 1. Each stitch is made by moving forward on the back side then back to the previous stitch on top. To complete the Fly Stitch Start on the back side of the fabric and bring your needle up through the fabric at 1 then down through at 2, leaving a loop. Come up at 3 with the needle over the loop, pull the thread to a V shape. Go down at 4 to anchor the V shape. To complete the French Knot Note: This stitch requires two hands.  The french knot can be a little tricky to master but once you get the hang of it, it will become one of your favorite stitches.Start on the back side of the fabric, bring your needle up through the fabric at 1.  Keeping the needle point close to the fabric at 1, wrap the thread around the needle 2 or 3 times.  With the needle point resting on 2 pull the thread taut and down to the needle point.  Then bring the needle down in 2 right next to 1 but not in the same hole.   To complete the Eyelet or Star Stitch Start on the back side of the fabric and bring your needle up through the fabric at 1 then down through at 2.  Bring your needle up through at 3 and back down at 4 in the same hole as 2.  Work your way around the star shape always starting your stitch on the outside and ending it in the middle of the star. To complete the Smyrna or Double Cross Stitch The Smyrna Cross Stitch looks similar to the Eyelet Stitch but instead of having a hole in the center the thread goes all the way across making an x over a +.  Start on the back side of the fabric and bring your needle up through the fabric at 1 then down through at 2.  Bring your needle up through at 3 and back down at 4.  Continue around.  To complete the Fill or Long/Short Stitch Use the long and short stitch to fill large shapes.  You can use one color or multiple for different shading.  Starting at the top or bottom of a shape, create a row of parallel stitches varying the length.  Next work a second row of long stitches into the short stitches of the first row, passing the needle through the stitch above.  Continue working rows until the shape is filled.When filling circles be careful not to go to far out on the sides or the circle will start to look more oval.  If you are having trouble keeping your stitches straight, use a ruler to draw parallel lines in. This pattern can be stitched in 1 to 3 strands of embroidery floss depending on how full you want your snowflakes to be. You can keep them all the same or try a different number of strands on each snowflake. Snowflake One (This snowflake was stitched in two strands of floss. For comparison the next snowflake was stitched in three strands.)1. Choose an arm of the snowflake and start at the outside and work your way to the center. 2. Start by outlining the diamond shape with a back stitch. Then stitch the center line of the diamond, by going from top to bottom. 3. Complete the first fly stitch.4. Add the french knots to both tips, then complete the next fly stitch. 5. Finish the arm by completing the fly stitches. Your needle should enter the center of the snowflake from the front of the fabric.6. To stitch the short arm, create a french knot at the tip. Then bring the needle up from the back just under the french knot being careful not to catch the knot with your needle point. Then make one long stitch and enter the fabric at the center of the snowflake again.7. Work your way around the snowflake completing one arm at a time. Snowflake Two (This snowflake was stitched in three stands of floss.)1. Start with the center ring of squares. The center is two squares with diamond corners. Using the back stitch, stitch one square all the way around and then the other.2. Next stitch the outer ring of boxes.3. Starting at the bottom of the diamond, back stitch around the diamond. Make one stitch, then complete the fly stitch but anchor the fly stitch by bringing your needle down at A. Next stitch the cross bar just above A. Then bring your needle back up through the fabric at A and create one long straight stitch to the center of the snowflake.4. Complete this arm the same way, but instead of a short stitch at the bottom of the diamond, stitch from the top of the diamond to the center of the fly stitch. Snowflake Three (This snowflake was stitched in two strands.)1. Choose an arm of the snowflake and start at the outside and work your way to the center. 2. Start by outlining the outermost diamond shape with a back stitch, do not stitch any of the diamond center lines yet.3. Add the french knots to both tips, then complete the fly stitch.4. Outline the next two diamonds with a back stitch.5. Then from the back bring your needle up through the fabric at the center of the snowflake. Create one long stitch from the center of the snowflake to the tip of the outermost diamond.6. To stitch the short arm, create a french knot at the tip. Then bring the needle up from the back just under the french knot being careful not to catch the knot with your needle point. Then make one long stitch and enter the fabric at the center of the snowflake.7. Work your way around the snowflake completing one arm at a time. Let it Snow Lettering There are a few ways you can stitch the lettering.You can outline the letters with a back stitch.Use a fill stitch to fill them in.Use french knots for a snowball look.Or you can leave them un-stitched.This example was done with two strands of floss and fill stitches on “let it”, and two strands of floss and french knots on “snow” The Little Snowflakes The little snowflakes dancing around the larger ones can be stitched with either an eyelet stitch or Smyrna cross stitch (double cross stitch). The difference between the two is the eyelet stitch has a shared center but the Smyrna stitch extends from one side to the other without a center point. In this example both Eyelet and Smyrna stitches were used in this example. The smallest snowflakes were stitched in one strand of floss and the larger in two or three strands. Displaying Your Finished Work There are a number of ways to display a finished embroidery piece. You can leave it in the hoop, make a small quilted wall hanging, or mount it in a frame, just to name a few. This piece looks great finished in the hoop. You can leave the hoop with its natural wood finish or decorate it for a unique look. The hoop shown here was painted with white and light blue, then set in an embroidery hoop display stand to make it look like a snow globe. You can also put the adjusting hardware to the top and add a bow and string to hang it on the wall. Paint, stain, tape or fabric are all fun ways to decorate a hoop. For best results stitch the project with a plain hoop. Then remove the outer hoop ring and apply any decorative product. After the hoop is dry re-hoop the fabric and finish the back. Finishing the Back You will need a 30 inch long piece of sewing thread or a single strand of embroidery floss.To finish the back start by trimming the corners, leaving about an inch of fabric. Starting with your needle on the backside of the fabric, bring your needle up through the fabric about a quarter inch from the edge. Leave a three or four inch tail of thread to the inside. Continue to stitch a loose running stitch all the way around the hoop. Try to stay about a quarter of an inch away from the edge of the fabric.When you get back to your first stitch, pull the tail thread and the needle thread together. This will gather and bunch the fabric. Tie the two ends of thread together with a secure knot. Cut off any excess thread. You can use a little steam along the edges to help it lay flat. Add Some Sparkle To make your piece really pop try adding a few sequence or seed beads.For a more subtle shimmering effect try a specialty thread or floss. Share Your Work! You did it, great job! Thank you so much for joining me on this stitch along project. If you enjoyed this pattern snap a photo of your finished piece and share it on social media.I love seeing your work and your unique take on patterns so don't forget to tag me. #wildflowerfoxcrafts Follow me on Instagram Join me In the Hoop Get all of the latest news, tips & tutorials delivered right to your inbox!There is always something fun happening in the hoop. In The Hoop Newsletter Sign up to get the latest on sales, new releases and more … Subscribe This guide will walk you through all of the steps and techniques used to stitch this pattern. The information in this guide is merely a suggestion so please feel free to make changes to colors, stitches or techniques to make it your own. There is no right or wrong way to stitch this pattern, so relax and have fun! You will need: Sharp ScissorsEmbroidery Needles6" Embroidery HoopEmbroidery Floss or ThreadLet it Snow Pattern, Fabric or KitIron and Ironing-board or Equivalent DMC Floss Colors White, B5200 or Blue 3766Or colors of your choice ----- Let's get Started! ----- Fusible Embroidery Stabilizer Using a stabilizer is not required when doing hand embroidery, but a stabilizer will firm the fabric and improve stitch quality. For best results a stabilizer is recommended with the printed fabric pattern. If you purchase the kit a square of fusible embroidery stabilizer is included.Iron the stabilizer to the fabric before you begin stitching. To ensure your iron stays clean you can put a pressing cloth or old flour-sack dish towel over the top of the stabilizer before pressing. (Pressing cloth not shown)Place your fabric face down on a flat heat-safe surface (ironing board or equivalent). Press lightly with a hot dry (no steam) iron to remove any creases. Next center the stabilizer SHINY SIDE DOWN over your fabric. The shiny side is adhesive and must be in contact with the back of the fabric. Using a dry iron on its hottest setting press the stabilizer to the fabric. Starting in the center hold the iron on each section for 8-10 seconds, working your way outward. Be sure to get the edges. Stitches Used in this Project To complete the Back Stitch Start on the back side of the fabric and bring your needle up through the fabric at 1 then down through at 2. Bring your needle up through at 3 and back down at 4 in the same hole as 1. Each stitch is made by moving forward on the back side then back to the previous stitch on top. To complete the Fly Stitch Start on the back side of the fabric and bring your needle up through the fabric at 1 then down through at 2, leaving a loop. Come up at 3 with the needle over the loop, pull the thread to a V shape. Go down at 4 to anchor the V shape. To complete the French Knot Note: This stitch requires two hands.  The french knot can be a little tricky to master but once you get the hang of it, it will become one of your favorite stitches.Start on the back side of the fabric, bring your needle up through the fabric at 1.  Keeping the needle point close to the fabric at 1, wrap the thread around the needle 2 or 3 times.  With the needle point resting on 2 pull the thread taut and down to the needle point.  Then bring the needle down in 2 right next to 1 but not in the same hole.   To complete the Eyelet or Star Stitch Start on the back side of the fabric and bring your needle up through the fabric at 1 then down through at 2.  Bring your needle up through at 3 and back down at 4 in the same hole as 2.  Work your way around the star shape always starting your stitch on the outside and ending it in the middle of the star. To complete the Smyrna or Double Cross Stitch The Smyrna Cross Stitch looks similar to the Eyelet Stitch but instead of having a hole in the center the thread goes all the way across making an x over a +.  Start on the back side of the fabric and bring your needle up through the fabric at 1 then down through at 2.  Bring your needle up through at 3 and back down at 4.  Continue around.  To complete the Fill or Long/Short Stitch Use the long and short stitch to fill large shapes.  You can use one color or multiple for different shading.  Starting at the top or bottom of a shape, create a row of parallel stitches varying the length.  Next work a second row of long stitches into the short stitches of the first row, passing the needle through the stitch above.  Continue working rows until the shape is filled.When filling circles be careful not to go to far out on the sides or the circle will start to look more oval.  If you are having trouble keeping your stitches straight, use a ruler to draw parallel lines in. This pattern can be stitched in 1 to 3 strands of embroidery floss depending on how full you want your snowflakes to be. You can keep them all the same or try a different number of strands on each snowflake. Snowflake One (This snowflake was stitched in two strands of floss. For comparison the next snowflake was stitched in three strands.)1. Choose an arm of the snowflake and start at the outside and work your way to the center. 2. Start by outlining the diamond shape with a back stitch. Then stitch the center line of the diamond, by going from top to bottom. 3. Complete the first fly stitch.4. Add the french knots to both tips, then complete the next fly stitch. 5. Finish the arm by completing the fly stitches. Your needle should enter the center of the snowflake from the front of the fabric.6. To stitch the short arm, create a french knot at the tip. Then bring the needle up from the back just under the french knot being careful not to catch the knot with your needle point. Then make one long stitch and enter the fabric at the center of the snowflake again.7. Work your way around the snowflake completing one arm at a time. Snowflake Two (This snowflake was stitched in three stands of floss.)1. Start with the center ring of squares. The center is two squares with diamond corners. Using the back stitch, stitch one square all the way around and then the other.2. Next stitch the outer ring of boxes.3. Starting at the bottom of the diamond, back stitch around the diamond. Make one stitch, then complete the fly stitch but anchor the fly stitch by bringing your needle down at A. Next stitch the cross bar just above A. Then bring your needle back up through the fabric at A and create one long straight stitch to the center of the snowflake.4. Complete this arm the same way, but instead of a short stitch at the bottom of the diamond, stitch from the top of the diamond to the center of the fly stitch. Snowflake Three (This snowflake was stitched in two strands.)1. Choose an arm of the snowflake and start at the outside and work your way to the center. 2. Start by outlining the outermost diamond shape with a back stitch, do not stitch any of the diamond center lines yet.3. Add the french knots to both tips, then complete the fly stitch.4. Outline the next two diamonds with a back stitch.5. Then from the back bring your needle up through the fabric at the center of the snowflake. Create one long stitch from the center of the snowflake to the tip of the outermost diamond.6. To stitch the short arm, create a french knot at the tip. Then bring the needle up from the back just under the french knot being careful not to catch the knot with your needle point. Then make one long stitch and enter the fabric at the center of the snowflake.7. Work your way around the snowflake completing one arm at a time. Let it Snow Lettering There are a few ways you can stitch the lettering.You can outline the letters with a back stitch.Use a fill stitch to fill them in.Use french knots for a snowball look.Or you can leave them un-stitched.This example was done with two strands of floss and fill stitches on “let it”, and two strands of floss and french knots on “snow” The Little Snowflakes The little snowflakes dancing around the larger ones can be stitched with either an eyelet stitch or Smyrna cross stitch (double cross stitch). The difference between the two is the eyelet stitch has a shared center but the Smyrna stitch extends from one side to the other without a center point. In this example both Eyelet and Smyrna stitches were used in this example. The smallest snowflakes were stitched in one strand of floss and the larger in two or three strands. Displaying Your Finished Work There are a number of ways to display a finished embroidery piece. You can leave it in the hoop, make a small quilted wall hanging, or mount it in a frame, just to name a few. This piece looks great finished in the hoop. You can leave the hoop with its natural wood finish or decorate it for a unique look. The hoop shown here was painted with white and light blue, then set in an embroidery hoop display stand to make it look like a snow globe. You can also put the adjusting hardware to the top and add a bow and string to hang it on the wall. Paint, stain, tape or fabric are all fun ways to decorate a hoop. For best results stitch the project with a plain hoop. Then remove the outer hoop ring and apply any decorative product. After the hoop is dry re-hoop the fabric and finish the back. Finishing the Back You will need a 30 inch long piece of sewing thread or a single strand of embroidery floss.To finish the back start by trimming the corners, leaving about an inch of fabric. Starting with your needle on the backside of the fabric, bring your needle up through the fabric about a quarter inch from the edge. Leave a three or four inch tail of thread to the inside. Continue to stitch a loose running stitch all the way around the hoop. Try to stay about a quarter of an inch away from the edge of the fabric.When you get back to your first stitch, pull the tail thread and the needle thread together. This will gather and bunch the fabric. Tie the two ends of thread together with a secure knot. Cut off any excess thread. You can use a little steam along the edges to help it lay flat. Add Some Sparkle To make your piece really pop try adding a few sequence or seed beads.For a more subtle shimmering effect try a specialty thread or floss. Share Your Work! You did it, great job! Thank you so much for joining me on this stitch along project. If you enjoyed this pattern snap a photo of your finished piece and share it on social media.I love seeing your work and your unique take on patterns so don't forget to tag me. #wildflowerfoxcrafts Follow me on Instagram Join me In the Hoop Get all of the latest news, tips & tutorials delivered right to your inbox!There is always something fun happening in the hoop. In The Hoop Newsletter Sign up to get the latest on sales, new releases and more … Subscribe