So here’s a very easy use of Kraft-Tex and machine embroidery to create a charming village.

I re-upped this border design which I used on my last quilt project. Some simple white Kraft-Tex and an exacto knife, and I trimmed the whole thing.

I attached it with crazy glue to a 1 x 1 block painted white. Honestly, the simplest of ideas. And yet, it’s really effective. For anyone who’s not familiar with Kraft-tex, it’s a tough, durable leather-like textile. It withstands a lot. It won’t rip. It’s washable, if that’s what you want to do.

But I just used a sticky-back tearaway stabilizer (Stabilstick) with a piece of the white Kraft-Tex on top. This particular design is ideal for this application. It’s not stitch heavy, but enough to hold its visibility.

I created three of these village scenes, added some fairy lights, with a backdrop of a white birch, which I already owned.

A bit of white filler which I found in the basement (for making stuffed shapes, pillows, etc.)

And when I was done, I had a charming village which would look lovely on a mantle. I have it on a book shelf in our hallway.

It took very little time to create this scenario, and of course, I wished there had been a series of these borders with other shops and scenes all in the same profile. But this worked out on its own.

I hope your holidays are peaceful and calm. May you enjoy your craft and create beautiful things. Happy Stitching!