Spooky Stitching: Make Halloween Decor with Embroidery on Canvas

by Jennifer Perkins

You have probably seen people embroidering photographs printed onto fabric, but have you tried embroidering on canvas?  This is a Halloween version of a project from my latest book Creative Crafts For Teens (now available for pre-order on Amazon) because everything is more fun with a holiday twist. No fancy stitching skills necessary.

Materials for Spooky Stitching

• Black and white photograph printed onto canvas.
• Large needle
• Embroidery floss
• Scissors
• Paint
• Paint markers
• Adhesive back felt
• Paint brush
• Paint pen
• Clear plastic sheet
• Pen

Print Your Canvas

Start by choosing your favorite photos.  If you are tech savvy, remove the background and turn the photo black and white so the Halloween accents will really pop. Most drug stores and photo labs offer the service of having photos printed onto canvas.

Remove the Back

Remove the back of the canvas.  This is usually a piece of thick cardboard.  Depending on where the canvas was printed, it may pop right out or you may have to use scissors to cut it out.

Pick a Theme

You will basically be creating a felt appliqué to apply to your canvas.  That being said, simple themes like devil masks or witches hats work best.

Make a Pattern

Place a clear piece of plastic over the portion of the photo you will be creating the felt appliqué for (a sheet of shrink plastic works great and parchment paper will work in a pinch).  Once you have the design you want cut out with scissors.

Apply the Felt Appliqué

Cut out the pattern you created and trace onto a sheet of adhesive back felt.  If you trace onto the back side of the felt where the paper is be sure to also flip the pattern.  Cut out the design and remove the paper and apply the felt where you want it.

Start Stitching

Thread a needle with embroidery floss.  Starting from the back side of the canvas, begin a simple stitch to accent your designs.  Sometimes it is easier to pre-poke all the holes from the front to use as a guide.  Embroider as much or as little and even a simple stitch works great as an accent.

Paint the Background

You can of course leave the background blank but filling it in with a pop of Halloween color is also fun.  This might take multiple coats.  Allow paint to dry completely.

Paint Some Accents

If you have paint markers, add a few accents to the background, wardrobe or anywhere you see fit.

Once you have finished, all that is left to do is hang on the wall or prop on the mantle.  These photos are so much fun you might want to go ahead and start planning on making a few for Christmas.

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