National Academy of Needlearts - Surface Winter Tree

Trace the line design (2" x 3" oval) according to the directions included in the General Instructions. Refer to the Schematic Drawing below for the key to the numbered areas. Refer to the close-up photograph for stitching details.

Tree Trunk and Branches Areas 1 and 2

Area 1 -- Use one strand of Medici #8125 to work the Chain Stitch so that it solidly covers the tree trunk and branches.

Area 2 -- Use 2 strands of DMC 6-Strand Embroidery Thread #642 to work Coral Stitches along the left edge of the trunk and the bottom branch on the right side.

Chain Stitch	Coral Stitch	Fly Stitch

Tree Branch Tips Area 3

The tips or twigs are stitched with Fly Stitches using 2 strands of DMC 6-Strand Embroidery Thread #642.

Stem Stitch	Buttonhole Stitch

Ground Snow Area 4

The snow that surrounds the base of the tree is stitched in Stem Stitch with 2 strands of DMC 6-Strand Embroidery Thread Blanc and 2 strands of #827. Create shadows with the #827 (see the photograph for placement of these colors).

Snow on Tree Area 5

The crotches of the tree (where the branches meet the trunk) are filled with snow. Use 2 strands of DMC 6-Strand Embroidery Thread #Blanc to work Straight Stitches and Buttonhole Stitches for this.

Small Trees Area 6

The small trees in the distance are worked in Fly Stitch with 2 strands of DMC 6-Strand Embroidery Thread #502 and 2 strands of #827. Again, refer to the photograph for the specific use of these colors.

Ground Line Area 7

2 strands of DMC 6-Strand Embroidery Thread #827 depict the ground line in Stem and Buttonhole Stitches.

Snowflakes Area 8

Work scattered French Knots using 2 strands of DMC 6-Strand Embroidery Thread Blanc for the snowflakes.

Step 1	Step 2	Finished Knot

Grasses Area 9

A few grasses peek through the snow surrounding the tree trunk. Work these in Straight Stitches using 2 strands of DMC 6-Strand Embroidery Thread #211.

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

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Winter Tree -- Surface Designed and Stitched by Dolores Andrew