about shop patterns projects printables extras sponsorship wild olive twitter flickr pinterest subscribe

project: christmas unicorn felt ornament

Christmas Unicorn Ornament


When I started the Craft a Song of Christmas series, I promised that there would be both new and traditional songs featured, and while this one is a fresh song this year, it's sure to become a traditional. Well, maybe not. But it will be for me. I give you, the Christmas Unicorn.


Did you listen to all 12 minutes and 28 seconds? When I first heard Sufjan Stevens' new song, I knew it would become an ornament here on my blog. There's just so much crazy awesome in the song!

Now, if you've been paying attention and clicking musical links during this series, you may have noticed quite a few are for Sufjan songs...and there will be more. I make no apology for for my obsessive devotion completely healthy, non-creepy admiration for him and his music. A few years back, Christmas made me sad. I can't even say what it was about it, because I still loved the celebration of Jesus' birth, but I felt melancholy and not joyful. Sufjan's Songs for Christmas changed that, and I began to soak up the lyrics of each carol and embrace the crazy things that make each of us the Christmas Unicorn. Thanks, Mr. Stevens for helping me cherish everything about this season!

Christmas Unicorn Ornament

Now, let's make an ornament! Here's what you need:

Wool Blend Felt (I used BenzieBazaar felt - see note below)
Embroidery Floss (I used DMC 151, 347, 168, B5200, 937 and 310)
Needle
Scissors
Pinking or Scallop Shears (optional)
Christmas Unicorn Pattern PDF

A Note on Wool Blend Felt: This December, all of my felt projects are using felt provided by BenzieBazaar. I am seriously smitten with this felt! It's almost, almost as lovely as 100% wool, but at a fraction of the cost. By purchasing the Glitter and Glass collection, plus a small piece of Purple and Seaside, you'll have all that you need to make all of the small felt projects this month (at least six ornaments and two gift toppers!).

Christmas Unicorn Ornament

Cut out all of the pieces as shown. I used a scallop scissors on the smaller backing piece for extra unicorn magic, but that's optional.

Christmas Unicorn Ornament

Embroider the details onto the unicorn head and wreath piece. You can stitch the bow and berries a bit freehand, but I recommend following the pattern for the unicorn's face.

Christmas Unicorn Ornament

Layout the pieces like you see here, then start stitching the layers down, removing pieces and replacing them as you go. Sometimes it helps to replace everything with each new layer so that you are still making sure that they fit properly.

Christmas Unicorn Ornament

After all the pieces are stitched down, use red embroidery floss to stitch the striped details onto the horn.

Christmas Unicorn Ornament
Christmas Unicorn Ornament

Stitch the smaller backing onto the larger backing using tiny running stitch and floss that matches the back. In areas where the unicorn overlaps the edge, take stitches behind the ornament so that everything in securely attached, doesn't show on the front, but still looks uniform on the back.

Christmas Unicorn Ornament
Christmas Unicorn Ornament

Stitch a hanger through the back layer of felt, then tie it with an overhand knot and trim the ends. Your Christmas Unicorn is ready to grace the tree!

Christmas Unicorn Ornament

PS: The thing I'm most excited about this December? Even more than the Christmas day celebrations? Seeing Sufjan in Chicago, singing along with Christmas Unicorn, and even more so, with traditional songs about Jesus...it's gonna be a good night!

11 comments:

  1. This is super cute! I will make one as a hairclip and wear it all time on christmas =)
    You have a lovely blog! Started following you!

    merry christmas,
    Melissa
    http://mlle-opossum.blogspot.de/

    ReplyDelete
  2. Oh very nice collection here, I wish to share your blog with my facebook friends , Thanks Wildolive

    ReplyDelete
  3. Olivia7:41 PM

    What kind of scallop scissors do you use? Thanks :)

    ReplyDelete
    Replies
    1. I have these Fiskars shears, which are discontinued and expensive when you find them now: http://www.amazon.com/Fiskars-97917097-Scallop-Fabric-Shears/dp/B000B7OSSM

      But here's another place (still expensive, but a better option!): http://pquilts.com/index.php/catalogsearch/result/?q=scallop+scissor

      Delete
    2. Which size is the best? I noticed that the pquilts.com scissors come in three sizes, do you know which is best? THANK YOU! LOVING THIS ORNAMENT!!!

      Delete
    3. Thanks, Maria!

      I think it really depends on personal taste. I don't have the PQuilts version, but the medium is probably closest to what I used on this ornament. (The small size is calling my name, however! It's so sweet and cute!)

      Delete
    4. Seriously, the small ones are adorable! I think I may need both medium & small! Thank you for all your help! :) And again, thanks for the adorable patterns.

      Delete
  4. This is seriously cute! I can't wait to try it. I have a huge stash of Eco-Felt and the like, since I'm vegan and can't seem to pass the felt without buying a new color or variety. :) Thank you SO much for sharing your project!

    ReplyDelete
  5. I LOVE THIS! I will have to check out this album as well. I am always on the prowl for good, uplifting Christmas music.

    ReplyDelete
  6. This is so adorable! I don't think I've seen an ornament like this yet. : )

    ReplyDelete
  7. You're creativity is so amazing! I hope you know how talented and special you are. :D

    ReplyDelete

I often reply to comments in the comments...check back if you have a question!