Penguin and Snowman Bauble Stocking Kits: How to Stitch Yours

By Mary Engelbreit, Licensed Art Studio, St Louis, Missouri | Published: 2026-11-03

Category: Guias Práticos

Learn how to stitch your Penguin or Snowman Bauble Stocking needlepoint kit with our step-by-step guide, from canvas prep to finishing the ornament.

Quick answer

Start by stitching the main design area with the Continental stitch for coverage, then use Basketweave for the background to keep the canvas from distorting. Work from the center outward, and finish by blocking and adding a backing to turn your stitched canvas into a keepsake bauble stocking.

Why these kits suit both new and experienced stitchers

The Penguin and Snowman Bauble Stocking kits come with a printed canvas and a curated thread palette, so you can start stitching without transferring a design or hunting for matching threads. The included stitch guide covers Continental and Basketweave, two foundational needlepoint stitches that are easy to learn but produce a professional finish. If you have never stitched before, the printed canvas shows exactly where each color goes, which reduces counting errors. More experienced stitchers can use the same guide as a base and experiment with thread blending or decorative stitches in the background if they want to add personal touches.

Thread management: the hidden key to a neat finish

The Tilli Tomas threads in these kits are a 50/50 blend of silk and merino wool, which gives them a soft sheen and good coverage. Because the threads are luxurious, they can snag if you pull them through the canvas too quickly or use overly long lengths. Cut strands to about 18 inches and separate them carefully; using one strand at a time for Continental stitch and two for Basketweave often works well, but test on a scrap area first. Keep your threads untwisted by letting the needle hang freely every few stitches—this prevents tangling and keeps the stitch surface smooth.

When to choose one design over the other

Both kits are ornament-sized bauble stockings, but the Penguin design features a cooler palette that may appeal to those who prefer contemporary holiday decor, while the Snowman design uses warmer tones and a classic jolly snowman motif. If you are stitching as a gift, consider the recipient's existing holiday color scheme. The Penguin kit is currently priced at $92.50 (compared to $125.00), and the Snowman kit at $81.25 (also compared to $125.00), so the Snowman offers a slightly lower entry point. Neither kit includes a backing fabric or finishing materials, so plan to source those separately if you intend to complete the bauble stocking as a finished ornament.

Step-by-step: stitching your bauble stocking kit

Prepare your canvas and threads: Unroll the printed canvas and let it relax flat for a few minutes. Cut threads to comfortable 18-inch lengths and separate the strands you'll need. Common mistake: using threads that are too long, which causes fraying and tangling. Check that your canvas lies flat before you begin; if it curls, place it under a heavy book for an hour.
Start with Continental stitch in the main design: Begin stitching the penguin or snowman figure using the Continental stitch, following the printed colors. Work from the center of the design outward to maintain even tension. Common mistake: pulling stitches too tight, which distorts the canvas and makes the design look smaller. Keep your tension consistent by laying the thread flat with each stitch; avoid tugging.
Switch to Basketweave for the background: Once the main motif is complete, fill the background with Basketweave stitch, which covers the canvas quickly and reduces distortion. Work in diagonal rows. Common mistake: switching to Basketweave before finishing the main design, which can make the canvas warp and complicate counting. Always complete the focal area first, then move to the background.
Check your work and fill any gaps: Hold the canvas up to the light to spot any unstitched areas or inconsistent stitches. Use a spare thread to fill gaps with the appropriate stitch. Common mistake: ignoring small gaps that become more noticeable after finishing. A quick light check now saves rework later.
Block and finish your bauble stocking: Lightly mist the stitched canvas from the back and pin it to a board to dry square. Once dry, trim the canvas leaving a 1-inch border, fold the border to the back, and attach a backing fabric of your choice. Common mistake: skipping blocking, which leaves the ornament misshapen. Blocking is essential for a professional-looking ornament; don't rush this step.

Kit details at a glance

Penguin Ornament Size Bauble Stocking Kit: Includes a printed canvas with Mary's Penguin design and Tilli Tomas 50% silk, 50% merino wool threads. The printed canvas eliminates design transfer, and the silk-wool blend threads provide a soft, lustrous finish that enhances the ornament's look.
Penguin Ornament Size Bauble Stocking Kit
Snowman Ornament Size Bauble Stocking Kit: Includes a printed canvas with Mary's Jolly Snowman design and Tilli Tomas 50% silk, 50% merino wool threads. The cheerful snowman motif and quality threads make this kit a welcoming project for stitchers who enjoy classic holiday imagery.
Snowman Ornament Size Bauble Stocking Kit