Let's Make Baubles

Several of the "It's a Baltimore Christmas" blocks have baubles in their designs. These are quick and easy to make. Just following these simple steps.

Braid: Thin gold braid is the only additional embellishment you will need to make these blocks. I purchased 4 yards so that I would have enough for my blocks as well as any baubles in my border.

Fabric: You can use any 100% cotton gold colored fabric for the cap. I chose to use a fabric that was in my stash. It is a white tricot backed gold lame. As far as I know it is no longer available in the stores.

Technique: The directions assume that you are using the back basting technique for block preparation.

Step 1: Trace the pattern on the wrong side of the background fabric.

The photo to the right shows the gold braid that I used.

Step 2: From the wrong side, stitch a small running stitch around the bauble cap. Do not knot the thread, but instead push the needle through to the front of the work.

The pictures to the left are done in black thread so that the stitching shows for this demo. The pictures to the right use actual gold colored thread. The photos both show the back of our work.

These photos show the front of our work after we have basted a running stitch around the outside of our bauble cap.

I used gold colored YLI 100 wt. silk thread.

Step 3: Working on the front, place the gold braid over the gold running stitch. Whip stitch the gold cord to the background. The original gold basting line will not show as it is completely covered by the gold braid.

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