Sharon of SM Wollman Designs just posted a video of the little bunny her Ann Hanson (I think) Santa is holding. Sharon used trapunto to make the rabbit rounded and dimensional.
It's an easy technique. Note that she stitched the bunny as usual first, then she pinned a rectangle of muslin to the back of the canvas behind Mr. Bunny. (You can cut the slit in the middle before you pin it on if you are nervous about cutting the canvas when you slit the muslin after it is attached.) Then you turn the canvas back over and backstitch around the shape of the rabbit. Normally I use one ply of cotton floss in either a matching or contrasting color, depending on whether I want a bit of a shadow or not. It helps to make your backstitches small and pretty close together. Once the muslin is backstitched into place, stuff the muslin with as much padding (I use cotton batting) as needed to make the bunny rounded and dimensional as you want, then stitch the slit together to close it.
It's quite easy to do and gives a lovely effect.
Blogging at http://chillyhollownp.blogspot.com
and at http://chstitchguides.blogspot.com
© Copyright March 10, 2026 Jane M. Wood. All rights reserved.
