Hoop Ornaments for 2025 Hospice Tree - Updated 8/16/25

 August 16, 2015--Here's the second hoop ornament stitched to date.  It's called Tower of Presents by DebBee Designs, 2024.  This time, instead of stitching it in a hoop, I placed the 26-count linen on stretcher bars.  Worked perfectly since I was able to get it tight as a drum.  When the stitching was done, I "starched" the piece using Nori paste, let it dry overnight, removed the linen from the stretcher bars, then placed it in a hoop.   No wonkiness or warping.

I have one more hoop ornament to stitch, so I'm off to "shop my stash".  

Please see posts below for more information about this project.

Tower of Presents Completed

Tower of Presents on Stretcher Bars

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.