Make a table centre

Making a dollhouse needlepoint table centre

Stitch a table centre – so handy for your dolls to put things on in the middle of their dining table!

Dollhouse table setting with a table centre "Christmas Candles"

 

The table centre is to be worked on 32 count silk gauze with one strand of Anchor stranded cotton. The curved edge is trimmed and glued with fabric glue for a neat finish, so that hemming is not necessary.


Contents of a table centre kit

In addition to a piece of 32 count silk gauze, each kit contains a colour block chart to count the design from, a suitable needle, Anchor stranded cotton (use one strand) and full instructions.

 

This tutorial features the ‘Christmas Candles’ doll’s house table centre design, which can be seen in our Needlepoint Kit Store.

 

If you have never done miniature needlepoint before, start by reading the BASIC EQUIPMENT and NEEDLEPOINT STITCHES tutorials first, then come back to this page.

Miniature needlepoint tutorial - silk gauze in a card mount

Before you begin stitching, you will need to make a card mount for the silk gauze. This will make it much easier to work on, and help to keep your stitch tension even.

Cut a piece of stiff card 3¼ x 3¼ inches, with an aperture of 2¼ x 2¼ inches. Fix the silk gauze to the card with masking tape along all four edges, as tautly as possible. See the HOW TO MOUNT SILK GAUZE tutorial for details.

Identify the thread colours supplied in the kit using the colour key, then, using one strand of the Anchor stranded cotton, start the design in the centre, using tent stitch. Remember that one square on the chart equals one stitch, and always use a ‘stabbing’ motion, not a ‘sewing’ (scooping) one.


Miniature needlepoint tutorial - run a line of fabric glue such as Fray Check around the edge

When the stitching is complete, if it has become slightly mis-shapen (especially if you did not use a card mount to hold the silk gauze taut), press it on the reverse side with a medium hot iron, over a padded ironing board, pulling the fabric gently if necessary to get it dead square.

Hold the gauze piece face down and run a line of fabric glue such as Fray Check around the edge of the stitching, about a quarter of an inch wide.

 

Miniature needlepoint tutorial - cut away the unstitched gauze

 

Wait for the glue to dry completely, then, with a pair of sharp scissors, carefully cut away the unstitched gauze, right up to the stitching.

 

Press the stitching again.

Miniature needlepoint tutorial - the completed table centre on the table

 

Your table centre is now complete, and ready to display in your dolls’ house!

 

Go to the Needlepoint Kit Store now, to see the miniature table centre kit.