Hoop Ornaments for 2025 Hospice Tree - 8/11/25

August 11, 2025--For the past few years, Delaware's Seashore Chapter of ANG has been participating in Delaware's Hospice Holiday Tree program.  Last year we did clothespin angels and they were a huge success.  

This year we are making ornaments that are self-finished using 3" and 4" embroidery hoops.   I volunteered to stitch up three ornaments and below is my first one.  This is a free design from Laura Perin called Christmas Square.  It's supposed to be stitched on 18 count canvas with perle 5 thread.  Since canvas doesn't squeeze well into hoops, I thought I would work this up on 26 count linen (given to me a long time ago) using perle 8 thread.  The idea was good, but I learned that needlepoint stitches can be too heavy for linen--the fabric isn't stiff enough to hold the weight of the thread, so it looks a bit warped.   For the next ornament (using a different design), I'm going to tack the linen onto stretcher bars, then use lighter weight thread (e.g., 2 strands of floss, not perle 8).  That should work better.  Stay tuned on how that will work.

Hoop Ornament Christmas Square Completed

When I was first thinking about using this design on linen, I wasn't sure if perle 8 would work, so I asked Microsoft's AI called CoPilot (this comes with my Microsoft 365 subscription).  Here is what it told me:

My Query:  Can DMC perle 8 be used on 26 count linen?

CoPilot's Response:  Absolutely — DMC Perle 8 can be used on 26-count linen, but it depends on the look and feel you're going for. Here's how it plays out:

🧵 Compatibility & Stitching Style

• Thread Thickness: Perle 8 is a non-divisible, medium-weight thread. On 26-count linen (typically stitched over two threads), it will produce bold, raised stitches with good texture.

• Coverage: It offers full coverage on 26-count linen, especially for surface embroidery, Hardanger, or specialty stitches.

• Needle Choice: A size 26 tapestry needle works well with Perle 8 on this fabric count.

✨ Ideal Uses

• Surface Embroidery: Great for decorative stitches like stem stitch, chain stitch, or satin stitch.

• Hardanger Embroidery: Perle 8 is often used for the satin stitch portion, paired with Perle 12 for the delicate cutwork.

• Bold Cross Stitch: If you're doing cross stitch, expect a chunkier, more dimensional look than with standard floss.

If you're aiming for delicate detail, you might prefer a finer thread like Perle 12 or stranded cotton. But if you want texture and drama, Perle 8 on 26-count linen is a lovely combo. 

Pretty cool.