Santa and Elves free embroidery patterns

We're celebrating week 2 of December with more free embroidery patterns from my newest book, Doodle Stitching: The Christmas Collection Transfer Pack and more will be coming each week up until Christmas! This week is extra special because along with these cute Santa and Elf patterns I'm going to show you how to sew these fun little stand up pillow dolls. They are perfect for holiday display and imaginative play. 

Besides fabric and floss to stitch the patterns, you'll also need stuffing, white felt, enough extra fabric for the backing of each figure and a couple handfuls of dry rice, beans or synthetic beanbag pellets.

First, embroider each design. Leave about 2 inches of extra fabric around the edges. I stitched mine using the Split Stitch and Stem Stitch on the outlines and Back Stitches, Scallop Stitches and Satin Stitches on the interior details. 

If you'd like to use my favorite Christmas candy color palette, here are my favorite floss colors from DMC:

red 321, pink 3716, green 702, light green 907, aqua 3811, light aqua 747, brown 436, dark brown 3031, peach 950.

Here is the embroidery pattern for you to use! You can also download the PDF version here.

When you're done embroidering, cut out each figure leaving an inch all around the edge and making the bottom flat. Cut another piece of fabric the same shape for the back and pin the fabric pieces together front sides facing. Now sew them together around the edge, leaving the bottom open as well as a 2 inch hole on one side. 

Cut a piece of white felt for the bottom. You'll need an oval shape about 2x2 1/2 inches for Santa and 2x3 inches for the two elves. Spread the bottom of the figure open into an oval shape, then pin and sew the base piece in place.

Trim and notch the edges (or use pinking shears) then turn each figure right side out. 

Using a funnel, fill the bottom 1 inch with about 1/4 cup of dry beans or rice (I find lentils are perfect) and then firmly stuff the rest of the figure. Stitch up the side hole using the Hidden Stitch. (You can find a description of that stitch right here!)

Now stand up your cuties and have fun with them! Mine are on my mantle right now hanging in a candy land forest with my felt gingerbread house.

Don't forget to check out my new book, it's one of my favorites! You can have a peek inside (and grab even MORE free patterns) right here.

Enjoy, and come back for another new post next week. 

Happy Holidays!

xo aimee