handmade cards of congratulations

I get so much joy out of giving and receiving handmade gifts. When I came across a pile of mini wooden clothes pegs I’d bought years ago in a craft store, at first I couldn’t think what to do with them… but I think I found the perfect solution.

The great thing about these little cards is they can be personalised for new additions earthside making a really beautiful keepsake to frame or slip into a baby book - and the area of embroidery is so small they are great for beginners learning. You can simply start again if you aren’t happy with your design.

YOU WILL NEED

mini wooden clothes pegs (you can find some here)

embroidery threads (the colours you use will depend on the design you choose; i just made use of threads i already had in the house)

an embroidery needle

felt for the newborn bodysuits (i like ‘melange marble’ from ‘world of wool’)

fabric scissors

paper template

kraft cards and envelopes (available here)

twine for your washing line (i prefer 2-ply)

ink pad (widely available online)

letter stamps (you can find lots of these online; i bought mine from here)

WHAT TO DO

Cut your template from paper, and then use this to cut out your felt pieces. I recommend using small fabric scissors and once you have cut one piece, use that rather than the paper template to cut the rest of your pieces (it's easier).

Using two strands of embroidery thread, thread onto a needle and knot at the end. Coming up with your needle from the back of the felt (to hide your knot), blanket stitch around the edges. Secure your thread with a knot again at the back of the felt when you are finished.

The design you embroider onto the front of the bodysuit is up to you. I started creating these cards when I was in the process of teaching myself embroidery and found it a really satisfying project because you can test out different embroidery techniques, quickly and easily producing some really pretty designs.

I have attached a few photographs below for inspiration, but I used a combination of french knots, lazy daisy stitch, satin stitch and good old fashioned back stitch.

When you have created a couple of miniature bodysuits you are ready to hang them up on your makeshift washing line. Pierce a hole on the inside edge of your card at the level you would like your washing line to hang. (Be sure to do it on the back side of the card, so your hole won’t be visible from the front of the card). I used the fabric scissors but you could alternatively use a hole punch.

Thread your length of twine through the hole, and bring it over the front of the card, over the edge and back inside the card, tying it neatly to the other end of twine with a bow. Your washing line should now be secure and you can trim the edges of your twine to size.

Hang your miniature bodysuit up on the line with a peg over either shoulder.

Finish up personalising the card by stamping greetings of ‘congratulations’, ‘welcome to the world’ or a baby name on the front.