Uploaded November 2023 | Updated September 2026, 23 hours ago
This tutorial covers the step by step making of an embellished ornament hanger, as seen here. Step by step instruction starts at 13:30, the introduction covers sources and variations
You will need:
Cord, braid, trim or similar for the ornament hanger
Fine sewing thread (I am using Soie 100/3 but plain cotton sewing thread would also work)
A chenille needle large enough for your braid/trim/etc (I used a #22 chenille) and a fine finishing needle - I used a #10 milliner's needle
Your choice of embellishments - I used 7 8mm crystal bicone pendants, and 5 6mm crystal bicone pendants
Not your best scissors
You can find my conversion for the Prairie Schooler 2011 Santa, the original Katie's Sparkle Prim, in episode 39: youtube.com/watch?v=vUGJmuvFo8g&t=42s
Recommended materials:
Soie 100/3, available from the LNS of your choice
Au Ver a Soie metallic braid: color 032, size 8 used in this tutorial although you may prefer size 12 or 16
AVAS metallic braid comes in sizes from 4 (smallest) to 32 (largest), and you can find the full line here: needlestack.com/WebStore/Thread/AVAS_Metallic.html
Or it can be ordered through your LNS
Crystal pendants: I used 6 and 8mm bicones, color crystal, but also showed rounds, pears, briolette drops, and princess cuts. Crystal pendants come in an amazing variety of fancy shapes, some of which can coordinate with the design of your ornament.
You can see all the styles here: artbeads.com/prestige-articles-6000-6999-charms-pendants
and here: firemountaingems.com/shop/crystal_passions-pendants_drops_and_focals
I like crystals for sparkle, and pendants because they hang off the hanger, but beads (center drilled rather than top drilled), charms, or other types of pendants would also make for wonderful variations on the technique. Fire Mountain Gems can be a great place to find all kinds of interesting beads, pendants, semi precious gemstones (many of which come in top drilled drops). Explore what's out there, and please share your finishes me with me, @kstrachanembroidery on Instagram!
And my bead storage:
Boxes: amazon.com/SATINIOR-Plastic-Storage-Containers-Hinged/dp/B07JX44R38?pd_rd_w=TenrS&content-id=amzn1.sym.904ca806-5e87-42cf-86b8-c792f6d660bd&pf_rd_p=904ca806-5e87-42cf-86b8-c792f6d660bd&pf_rd_r=PE934SZN13W6TAKZPNQE&pd_rd_wg=8NOiz&pd_rd_r=a3666835-c5c0-4a47-90c3-fc82e799726a&pd_rd_i=B07JX44R38&ref_=pd_bap_d_grid_rp_0_7_t&th=1
Darice Bead Storage system (also available from Michaels, Joann, and other craft supply stores): amazon.com/Darice-Organizer-Screw-Top-Snap-Tight-Compartments/dp/B002DPINS6?pd_rd_w=TenrS&content-id=amzn1.sym.904ca806-5e87-42cf-86b8-c792f6d660bd&pf_rd_p=904ca806-5e87-42cf-86b8-c792f6d660bd&pf_rd_r=PE934SZN13W6TAKZPNQE&pd_rd_wg=8NOiz&pd_rd_r=a3666835-c5c0-4a47-90c3-fc82e799726a&pd_rd_i=B002DPINS6&ref_=pd_bap_d_grid_rp_0_6_t&th=1
This tutorial covers the step by step making of an embellished ornament hanger, as seen here. Step by step instruction starts at 13:30, the introduction covers sources and variations
You will need:
Cord, braid, trim or similar for the ornament hanger
Fine sewing thread (I am using Soie 100/3 but plain cotton sewing thread would also work)
A chenille needle large enough for your braid/trim/etc (I used a #22 chenille) and a fine finishing needle - I used a #10 milliner's needle
Your choice of embellishments - I used 7 8mm crystal bicone pendants, and 5 6mm crystal bicone pendants
Not your best scissors
You can find my conversion for the Prairie Schooler 2011 Santa, the original Katie's Sparkle Prim, in episode 39: youtube.com/watch?v=vUGJmuvFo8g&t=42s
Recommended materials:
Soie 100/3, available from the LNS of your choice
Au Ver a Soie metallic braid: color 032, size 8 used in this tutorial although you may prefer size 12 or 16
AVAS metallic braid comes in sizes from 4 (smallest) to 32 (largest), and you can find the full line here: needlestack.com/WebStore/Thread/AVAS_Metallic.html
Or it can be ordered through your LNS
Crystal pendants: I used 6 and 8mm bicones, color crystal, but also showed rounds, pears, briolette drops, and princess cuts. Crystal pendants come in an amazing variety of fancy shapes, some of which can coordinate with the design of your ornament.
You can see all the styles here: artbeads.com/prestige-articles-6000-6999-charms-pendants
and here: firemountaingems.com/shop/crystal_passions-pendants_drops_and_focals
I like crystals for sparkle, and pendants because they hang off the hanger, but beads (center drilled rather than top drilled), charms, or other types of pendants would also make for wonderful variations on the technique. Fire Mountain Gems can be a great place to find all kinds of interesting beads, pendants, semi precious gemstones (many of which come in top drilled drops). Explore what's out there, and please share your finishes me with me, @kstrachanembroidery on Instagram!
And my bead storage:
Boxes: amazon.com/SATINIOR-Plastic-Storage-Containers-Hinged/dp/B07JX44R38?pd_rd_w=TenrS&content-id=amzn1.sym.904ca806-5e87-42cf-86b8-c792f6d660bd&pf_rd_p=904ca806-5e87-42cf-86b8-c792f6d660bd&pf_rd_r=PE934SZN13W6TAKZPNQE&pd_rd_wg=8NOiz&pd_rd_r=a3666835-c5c0-4a47-90c3-fc82e799726a&pd_rd_i=B07JX44R38&ref_=pd_bap_d_grid_rp_0_7_t&th=1
Darice Bead Storage system (also available from Michaels, Joann, and other craft supply stores): amazon.com/Darice-Organizer-Screw-Top-Snap-Tight-Compartments/dp/B002DPINS6?pd_rd_w=TenrS&content-id=amzn1.sym.904ca806-5e87-42cf-86b8-c792f6d660bd&pf_rd_p=904ca806-5e87-42cf-86b8-c792f6d660bd&pf_rd_r=PE934SZN13W6TAKZPNQE&pd_rd_wg=8NOiz&pd_rd_r=a3666835-c5c0-4a47-90c3-fc82e799726a&pd_rd_i=B002DPINS6&ref_=pd_bap_d_grid_rp_0_6_t&th=1
