NAN - National Academy of Needlearts
National Academy of Needlearts

Fall Tree -- Canvas
Designed and Stitched by Nanette Costa

Materials:

  • 18-count canvas - 8" x 8"
  • Stretcher bars - to fit canvas square
  • Needle Necessities Floss Overdyed
    • #1281 (browns)
    • #143 (oranges)
  • DMC 6-Strand Embroidery Thread (floss)
    • #937 (dark green)
    • Blanc (white)
  • Note: You may use 6-Strand Embroidery Thread instead of Floss Overdyed. Select 2-3 values of brown and 3-4 values of orange (or other fall leaf colors).
  • #22 tapestry needle
  • Refer to Finishing Instructions for materials needed for finishing the ornament.

Trace the oval-shaped template onto the canvas and mount the canvas on stretcher bars as explained in the General Instructions.

Stitch two rows of continental stitch around the outer shape (see General Instructions) using 4 strands of DMC 6-Strand Embroidery Thread - Blanc.

Tree Trunk and Branches

Stitch the tree trunk in the stem and/or outline stitch (refer to chart at right) using 6 strands of Floss Overdyed #1281. Be sure to separate the individual strands, then recombine them before threading your needle.

Each stitch is over 4 canvas threads. Begin each row at the bottom of the tree, working up the trunk and branches. Do not lay the individual strands - you want them to slightly twist, looking like a tree trunk.

If you are using embroidery thread in different values of brown, stitch a row or two using dark brown, then a row in a lighter value, and so on.

Leaves

The leaves are created with cross stitches over 2 canvas threads. These stitches are placed randomly. Use 3 strands of Floss Overdyed #143. "Puddle" the stitches, working 3-4 closely together, then skipping a span so that the variegation is pooled as in the photograph.

If you are using embroidery thread in different values of orange, stitch a cluster of stitches in one value, skip a span and work another cluster of stitches. Continue throughout the leafy area of the tree. Then use the next value of orange and repeat the process.

Ground

Scatter randomly placed tent stitches using 4 strands of DMC #937.

See the finishing instructions to complete the tree as an ornament or as a brooch.

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