Get Started

Not sure how to get going with my heirloom ornament patterns? You’ve come to the right place! 

SHOWN: Snow Bird, Partridge & Pear, LodeStar Ornament, Egg (from Goose a-Laying), and True Love Heart (from Lord a-Leaping)


My PDFs are not just patterns, they are more like a craft class on paper. Each downloadable, digital project includes:

  • Comprehensive materials list
  • Step-by-step instructions with clear illustrations
  • Lovely sample photos
  • Additional tips, tricks, stitch guides
  • Sources for materials or kits
  • Contact information in case you get stuck 

In short, everything you need to feel supported in the process. You can have confidence that if you follow each step carefully, you will end up with a beautiful result! Have a look at the reviews in my Etsy shop and the samples of what folks have made on Instagram.

Ready? Getting started is as easy as 1, 2, 3:

1) THE SECRET: SIMPLY STITCH ON THE LINES!


The secret to making my heirloom ornaments is Sulky Stick ‘n Stitch. Seriously the best thing to ever happen to felt crafting since the sheep. It’s a water soluble, adhesive, printable stabilizer. Simply print my pattern on Stick ‘n Stitch, adhere the pieces to wool felt, then stitch right on the lines.

No need to trace pattern pieces or transfer embroidery designs. FANTASTIC. When the stitching is done, cut out the pieces, soak the stabilizer away in water, then air-dry them. Tada! You are left with perfectly executed embroidery on wool felt. Then you will sew the pieces together to finish your beautiful ornament.

You may be saying to yourself, “Wait, doesn’t wool felt shrink?” 
You are correct! It does shrink. Which is why you will follow my instructions to pre-shrink the felts by simply wetting them in water and letting them air dry before you begin your project.

2) CHOOSE THE RIGHT PATTERN FOR YOU:

Match your skill set to the pattern. If you are new to this type of crafting, you should start with one of my simpler, beginner-friendly patterns. If you can do basic hand sewing/embroidery stitches and cut pieces accurately, then my step-by-step instructions will take you from there. 

BEGINNERS:

  • My patterns assume you understand common sewing terms and have basic sewing and embroidery skills. I include stitch diagrams in the Resources section at the end of my patterns as reminders, but if you need to brush up on your skills this is a great place to start.
  • Choose Partridge & Pear or LodeStar Ornaments if you want to get started using Sulky Stick ‘n Stitch, the printable stabilizer I mentioned above. That’s the method I use with most of my heirloom ornaments.
  • Choose Snow Bird if you’d rather use the freezer paper method of tracing and you don’t mind working with a few sequins and beads.
  • If you’d like to graduate to my intermediate level ornament patterns, my entire Twelve Days series makes a great primer. The Twelve Days patterns are designed to increase in complexity from 1-12. If you make them in order, you’ll build your skills and be ready to jump into an intermediate series after finishing.

EXPERIENCED MMMAKERS:

  • If you are experienced in this type of hand sewing/small-scale crafting OR have completed my Twelve Days series, then you can handle my intermediate ornaments.
  • My intermediate patterns have the same format and step-by-step instructions as all my patterns, only with more delightful details, smaller pieces, sparkly bits, and additional crafting materials.
  • Intermediate ornament series include ‘Twas The Night and Ebenezer. 

3) COLOR GUIDES AND KITS AVAILABLE!

Are you ready to get mmmaking and don’t wish to spend time dithering over colors? No problem. Each time I release an ornament pattern I also create samples in different colors and provide the color guides for you. (Feel free to use them as inspiration if you want to substitute other colors, etc…) Follow the link at the top of the guide to purchase your felt, floss, and notions!

PLEASE NOTE: While the kits include felt, floss, and some notions, they are not comprehensive kits and may not include everything listed on my color guides or materials lists. Feel free to substitute items and customize materials to suit your taste and stash.

Are you outside the US? Benzie Design offers international shipping, but have a look at my international vendors list if you are searching for supplies nearer you. They won’t have the same kits available, but you should be able to find similar colors.

OK, that’s all you need to get started. Ready? Set? Make!

Have more questions? Check here.
Ready to buy a pattern? mmmcrafts.etsy.com
More helpful tips and tutorials.