Linen Finishing Stitch
Overcast Variation

Continued

Page 5 of 5

4. Add the next two panels. Begin at the bottom of the next set of straight seams, beginning with a double wrap, stitch up to where the diagonal begins and make a second double wrap. Continue up the diagonal and leave the excess tail for later use.

Continue with the last seam in the same manner until all three panels are connected. Leave the three tails together at the point. Depending on the use of the object, these tails can be used to create hangers, a loop for attaching ribbons, or treated as individual fibers to which charms and button are added.

Do not begin to sew the remaining diagonal seams at this time. Turn the object upside down. It should look like a tulip, with three points open at the top but securely connected at the bottom. Next, we'll stuff the object and sew up these last three diagonals.

5. To stuff the object, you will need:
Cotton or polyester fill. Cotton will pack more firmly than poly-fil. Decide which to use based on the use of the object as well as any allergies you need to keep in mind. 

You will also need an orange stick, small crochet hook or a very dull pencil which we will use to get the stuffing in the corners for neat corners. While you are gathering these items, you may also want to get the trims you want to use for the finishing touches. You may want to have two more needles for convenience sake.

6. Now it's time to decide on your finishing touches. This decision must be made before you sew the last three diagonals. For the Holly Band Ornament, we attached silk ribbon to match the deepest shade of red at the bottom and created a simple hanger at the top.

Three complementary colors were used to trim the top of the Folk Art Ornament. A hanger was also created at the top. Folk art-style star buttons added a whimsical touch the the bottom.

7. Stuff as you stitch the the last three seams together. Patience is the key for this step! The best method I have found is to stitch a little bit of each diagonal seam, stuff that part, then stitch a little more. I continue this way until all stitching comes to one point.

8. The stitching fibers at the top and bottom are now put to some practical use. To attach silk or satin ribbons, thread all three fibers into one needle, perhaps one with a larger eye than you have been using. Make a small stitch into the fabric to anchor the threads. Then create a small loop by stitching over something like the orange stick. Repeat and then anchor the stitching fibers for the last time by taking a few tiny stitches in the tip. 

Next, put a quilter's tip to work to end the stitching: Slip the threaded needle into the ornament at the tip, and out one of the sides, as far from the tip as you can manage. Pull taut and clip close to the fabric. The stitching fibers will "pop" back into the ornament.

If you want to create a hanger with the stitching fibers, first simply tie two fibers together at the ends with an overhand knot. Thread the third one into a needle and finish off as described above.

Thread the ribbons into the eye of a large needle and slip it under the loop you just made. Tie the ribbons into bows and trim if necessary. If you should ever need to freshen the ribbons, you will be able to untie them, slip them out of the loop and then replace them.

To make the button trim, begin by tying the three stitching fibers into a knot. Either braid them together or make a series of knots. Thread one button through the fibers and continue braiding/knotting, then add another button. Continue for whatever length you want.

Other possible trims are jingle bells, charms and beads. You can attach them to single fibers so that you will have three fibers dangling at the bottom, or as a single braided/knotted fiber. Your only limitation is your imagination!         ----END----