Covered Button Ornament

Mimbres ornament, copyright Napa Needlepoint

Making a Christmas needlepoint ornament using a covered button form is so easy and fun, you’ll be able to make tons of ornaments even if it is early December!

Begin by buying the largest size (Size 100) of button forms to make covered buttons. They are about 2.5” in diameter.

You can finish it either as a two-sided ornament, or a single-sided ornament. These directions are for a two-sided ornament with a fabric back.

If you want needlepoint on both sides, follow the directions for the needlepoint mounting twice then continue.

If you want a metallic back (included in the package) just leave out the fabric and covering the back. just pop the metal back on after adding your hanging string.

Remember to keep the back of the package as it has your template for cutting fabric.

Begin by making your needlepoint. I like to use Congress Cloth for this as it is denser and softer, making it easy to finish.

I have and have given away dozens of these and I never tire of making them. It’s my favorite Christmas needlepoint ornament. They are quick to stitch and finish and I stockpile the button forms until I have time to finish.

Once your stitching is done, assemble your materials. You will need:

stitched needlepoint
backing fabric
material for hanger
white glue
Two button forms
lining fabric (optional)
trim (optional)

Trace the template on your backing fabric. Add about 1/4 inch all around when you trace it on the canvas. I find this makes it easier to finish. Make sure the stitched part of the design is in the center.

Disassemble the button form and discard the wire going across and both backs. If you are doing one without a fabric or needlepoint back only discard the wire.

If you do not want the silver of the back to show through the open canvas you will need to put a fabric lining behind the needlepoint. Use a thin fabric and stretch this over the button form first, followed by the needlepoint.

Make the back by centering the button form on the fabric and turning the edges of the fabric so the the teeth on the inside of the button form grip the fabric securely.

Do this for the compass points (north, south, east, and west) of the form first. Then work your way around, making sure the fabric is taut and smooth. This ensures that you Christmas needlepoint ornament looks clean and neat.

Set it aside.

Repeat the same process for the front of the ornament. But this time be sure that the stitched area is centered. I find this harder to do and often have to take the fabric off the teeth to reposition. By doing the compass points first, checking it, then repositioning, you can do this more easily.

Now take your hanger and glue the knotted end to the center back, using white glue. If possible, also have the hanger catch on the teeth along the edge.

Let the glue dry. When dry, run a thin line of glue around the inside edge of the needlepoint side, then press the two halves together and let dry.

If you are using the provided back, snap it into place. This can be hard to do as the needlepoint is thick.

If you are using trim, glue it around the edge.

Enjoy your Christmas needlepoint ornament!