How to attach a hanging loop

FIRST, a frequently asked question:

Q: Larissa, why do you sew on the loop after the ornament is finished? Wouldn’t it be easier to attach it before the ornament pieces are sewn together?

A: I do not sew them on before because the little inconsistencies/variances that come with hand crafting might result in a pre-attached loop that’s in a slightly wrong spot. And crooked ornaments drive me crazy. (I’m the type that straightens pictures when I come to your house.)

This ain’t hard, trust me:

TUTORIAL:

I’d start by using a test thread through the loop spot to make sure you will like the way the ornament hangs. This is more of an issue with ornaments that are asymmetrical. If you need to make any adjustments in placement, do that now and mark your ideal spot with a pin.

Follow my pattern instructions to make the hanging loop and have it handy. Grab a sewing sharp that’s threaded with doubled metallic sewing thread, or whichever color sewing thread matches.

NOTE: If you prefer to use wire hooks, you can sew on a metal jump ring instead of a floss loop. Give some thought to how to orient the jump ring so that the ornament hangs correctly.

No knot. Enter the ornament at a random spot about an inch away, then come out at the loop spot, leaving thread tails hanging out of the ornament.

To anchor your thread and keep the tails from pulling through, take two or three stitches on the same spot. You can clamp your thumb over the thread tails to keep them from pulling through on the first stitch, but they should stay put after that.

Now to attach the loop. Go through the loop and stitch again on the spot, pulling the loop snug against the ornament.

Repeat that three more times to create a strong attachment.

Finish up by going back in at the spot, then out at a random place about an inch away.

I do not have three hands, which is what it would take to get the above shot showing the scissors actually snipping the threads. Use your mind’s eye, or look at the following in which I fake it by laying the scissors cleverly on top of the ornament:

Pretend I have a really lovely manicure, while you are at it.

OK, now the loop is sewed on, but maybe the knot is not centered. No sweat, because you sewed around the floss and not through it, simply pull it back or forth to center the knot.

I recommend you add a dab of Dritz Fray Check to 1) the loop attachment and 2) the loop knot to keep them both from coming undone with usage. Let that dry for a few minutes before using the ornament.

TADA! See, that wasn’t bad at all. Be sure to follow my pattern instructions for the ideal loop placement for each ornament.