Welcome to the ‘Night Before Christmas’ Stitch A Long
This Stitch A Long will take place for 10 weeks on the Stitchdoodles blog – Starts Wednesday 22nd september 2021 and finishes on Wednesday 24th November 2021.
Each Wednesday during the SAL – a new tutorial will be published on the blog with all the information you need to complete a part of the Night Before Christmas Pattern.
If you are not familiar with a Stitchdoodles SAL and this is all new to you and you would like to join in, please go to this page to get all the information.
Now it’s the exciting part – time to get Stitching…
To start things off and set the scene, we are starting with the focal point which is…
The Fireplace
Colours Used: #3830, #3777, ECRU
Use 2 strands throughout unless stated otherwise.
#3830: Brick Stitch horizontally the fireplace surround. I know that Brick stitch can be one that a few people struggle with. I decided on this stitch as I liked the effect it gave however if you struggle and want somthing a bit more easier – go for split stitch instead.
Work your way from the bottom of one side up and across the top and then down the other side. Stitch over the little light details as they will be stitched over the brick work later on.
Adding on the Brick detail…
ECRU (1 strand): split stitch lines horizontally across the fireplace surround over the brick stitch, space the lines equally apart approx. 1/4inch. This will be the brick rows.
Next, stitch in the vertical lines to create the brick effect. As you can see in the photo below – a straight stitch has been placed vertically on every other row in a straight line.
The second photo shows the next vertical line of straight stitches on every other row that was missed on the first set. Now you can see the bricks forming.
Keep stitching the straight vertical stitches on alternate rows to form the pattern all over the fireplace until you have a wonderful brick fireplace.
Woohoo – this gave me so much happiness when it was finished as the bricks look so cute!
Stitching the Arch…
ECRU (2 strands) – straight stitch the brick lines as in photo 1 below.
#3777 (2 strands) – Satin Stitch in between the lines taking care to keep the lines visible.
ECRU (1 strand): Split stitch around the top and bottom curved edges of the bricks of the arch.
For the 2 side brick Columns… ECRU (2 strands): Straight stitch the 3 lines on each strip. #3777 (2 strands): Satin stitch horizontally inbetween the lines.
See the photo’s below to see the 2 completed side strips of bricks.
Finally, to complete the fireplace brick work – see photo to the right below: #3777 (1 strand): split stitch up each side of the strips of bricks. #3777 (2 strands): long stitch up the main sides of the fireplace.
Stitching the Fire…
#310: Long and Short stitch the surround of the fire flames.
Next, using the photo as a guide, long and short stitch the flames in the 3 different colours… 742 / #946 / #321
Finally, in #415: Straight stitch the fire grate.
Completing the Fireplace Scene…
#437: Brick stitch the bottom of the fireplace all the way across.
#3021: Split stitch the strip underneath the grate and the mantel at the top of the fireplace.
Stitching The Stockings…
Complete as shown in the photo. i stitched the red first, then the blue before adding on the french Knots
Pop the bow on at the end with 2 chain stitches and a couple of straight stitches for the ends of the bow.
There are some tiny little bits and bobs you just need to add on to complete the scene.
The remaining details (see photo below) are stitched as follows…
Tree: #910 straight stitch / #742 (1 strand) French Knot baubles / #825 straight stitch trunk.
Mistletoe: #910 Straight stitch stem, chain stitch 2 smaller leaves and satin stitch 2 larger leaves / #3752 French Knot buds.
Light Decorations: #910 straight stitch stalks / alternate the colour of the lights with French Knots in #825, #742, #321
Clock: #415 Satin stitch base with vertical stitches / #415 Back stitch the circle filling with circular rows / #3021 (1 strand) Split stith the outer edges of the clock, French Knot the dots and straight stitch the hands.
Your Wonderful Christmas Fireplace is complete!
Share your fabulous stitching as it is coming along on the Happy Stitching FB Group or send me some pics and I’ll post them here, can’t wait to see how you are getting on.
Don’t forget you can also share your stitching on Instagram with #stitchdoodlesembroidery.
Happy Stitching!
Nicola, i just had to comment. the sampler caught my eye but after reading thru the fireplace instructions i am determined to do this! the way you explain each and every step is truly inspirational. every detail is there and your spirited attitude shines as well.
i have to order my things but i am sure that stitching along with you will be delightful.
thank you for sharing kindness and cheering all your stitchers on!
Hi Debra, that is so kind of you to say, thank you x
I bought the Night Before Christmas some time ago but didn’ really want to do the stitch along. I’ve been waiting for a set of instructions to be published for printing. Is there one or do I have to have the computer on all the time?
Hi, its available as a PDF now here… https://shop.stitchdoodles.com/collections/pdf-hand-embroidery-patterns-instant-pdf-download/products/night-before-christmas-stitch-hand-embroidery-pattern