Valentine Gnome with Hearts Embroidery Design, Instant Download

11 colours and up to 68,256 stitches on the largest 7.51 inch size. Thats a high-count build for a gnome design, but it earns every stitch. The body is that classic round barrel shape with a pointed red hat that comes down low over the face leaving only a big bushy beard visible at the bottom. The gnome's small hands poke out from the sides holding a cluster heart balloons in red and pink, each balloon a different size so the bouquet looks loose and natural, not symmetrical and stiff.

Use a thick backer, full stop. At a density of 1,373 and 39,927 stitches even at the smallest 4.51 inch version, anything lighter will pucker. Layer the topping with a water-soluble film on terry cloth or fleece so the dense fill areas stay raised and defined. Slow the machine down on the colour changes especially around the beard area where the cream and tan stitches overlap. Ive done this on a deep navy cotton canvas and the red hat and pink hearts really jump off the fabric.

A customer wrote me last christmas asking if this gnome would work for the holidays in a different colourway, I told her to swap the red for forest green and the pink for gold and it was brilliant. But for valentine's day as-is, this one sells itself. Worth every stitch count honestly. The design is detailed enough that it looks expensive, which is what customers want when theyre making gifts and not things to sell.

Stitch the chest 6-in on a throw pillow for a seasonal home decor swap. Try the 5-inch hoop on a kids sweatshirt chest for a Valentine outfit that their whole class will notice. Add the 7 inch chest placement on a tote bag and it fills the front panel well with room for the balloons to spread without getting cut off at the edges. Best on medium to heavy woven fabrics where the dense underlay beds in flat and doesnt ripple.