12 Days of Christmas Lords a-Leaping ITH Ornament Machine Embroidery Design - 3 Sizes
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Ten Lords a-Leaping ITH Ornament Machine Embroidery Design is a digital raw-edge project supplied in 3 sizes for 100x100 mm (4x4") hoops. The download includes machine files, printable cutting outlines and the programmed 18-block color sequence needed to stitch a flat felt ornament with a hanging loop and backing.
The composition places two leaping baroque dancers opposite one another. Reversed red and green costumes create balance, while antique-gold trim and a fleur-de-lis-style scroll anchor the figures inside a shaped Christmas medallion.
Design sizes and stitch counts
Size: 78.3x79.8 mm (3.08x3.14"), Stitches: 7506
Size: 86.2x87.8 mm (3.39x3.46"), Stitches: 8112
Size: 94.8x96.6 mm (3.73x3.80"), Stitches: 8999Formats: .dat, .dst, .exp, .hus, .jef, .jef+, .jpx, .pec, .pes, .sew, .vip, .vp3, .vp4, .xxx
The measurements describe the embroidery file only. The ribbon loop and optional bow extend beyond the listed height. The original worksheet records approximately 22.49 m (24.6 yd) of upper thread for the smallest size; actual consumption varies by machine and trimming settings.
What the download contains
- one shaped Ten Lords a-Leaping ornament in three prepared sizes;
- printable outlines for cutting matching front and backing pieces;
- the original RPE-3797-fr10 sequence with 9 thread shades and 18 programmed blocks;
- placement, front-attachment and final assembly outlines already built into each machine file;
- digital embroidery formats supplied together in a ZIP archive.
Hoop compatibility
| Design size | Suitable hoop |
|---|---|
| 78.3x79.8 mm (3.08x3.14") | 100x100 mm (4x4") hoop or larger |
| 86.2x87.8 mm (3.39x3.46") | 100x100 mm (4x4") hoop or larger |
| 94.8x96.6 mm (3.73x3.80") | 100x100 mm (4x4") hoop or larger |
A shaped raw-edge ornament made in the hoop
This is a flat ITH construction rather than a turned or stuffed ornament. The front is positioned over the first sewn outline, the two dancers are embroidered in separate groups, and the ribbon plus backing are added before the last border. The exposed fabric margin remains visible outside that seam.
Open the Illustrated Raw-Edge ITH Tutorial
| Machine stage | Operator action | Visual check |
|---|---|---|
| Block 1 completed | Center the pre-cut front over the placement line. | The top point, side curves and lower ornament follow the stitched shape evenly. |
| Block 2 completed | Continue with the decorative sequence. | The front is secured without ripples or stretched corners. |
| Block 9 completed | Inspect the first lord before the machine begins the mirrored partner. | The raised arm, bent leg and long coat edge remain registered. |
| Block 16 completed | Remove the hoop from the machine, then tape the folded ribbon and backing to its reverse. | Only the ribbon ends cross the seam; the loop stays away from the needle path. |
| Block 18 completed | Release the ornament and tear away the stabilizer. | The final outline caught both felt layers and both ribbon ends. |
Madeira Classic Rayon 40 color sequence
The RPE-3797-fr10 worksheet contains 9 Madeira Classic shades arranged in 18 programmed blocks. Blocks 3–9 build the first dancer, blocks 10–16 build the second, block 17 stitches the lower gold ornament, and block 18 closes the construction. Keep automatic color sorting switched off.
| Block | Color | Madeira Classic 40 | Embroidery function |
|---|---|---|---|
| 1 | 1170 — olive green | Front-piece placement line | |
| 2 | 1071 — light ivory | Front-piece securing outline | |
| 3 | 1149 — light beige | Face and hands of the first lord | |
| 4 | 1037 — rich red | Red costume areas on the first lord | |
| 5 | 1189 — deep green | Green costume areas on the first lord | |
| 6 | 1159 — antique gold | Cuffs and gold trim on the first costume | |
| 7 | 1087 — silver gray | Powdered wig of the first lord | |
| 8 | 1145 — dark brown | Stockings and shoes of the first lord | |
| 9 | 1006 — black | Definition and outlines on the first figure | |
| 10 | 1149 — light beige | Face and hands of the second lord | |
| 11 | 1189 — deep green | Green costume areas on the second lord | |
| 12 | 1037 — rich red | Red costume areas on the second lord | |
| 13 | 1159 — antique gold | Cuffs and gold trim on the second costume | |
| 14 | 1087 — silver gray | Powdered wig of the second lord | |
| 15 | 1145 — dark brown | Stockings and shoes of the second lord | |
| 16 | 1006 — black | Definition and outlines on the second figure | |
| 17 | 1159 — antique gold | Lower baroque scroll ornament | |
| 18 | 1071 — light ivory | Final border joining front, ribbon and backing |
The English color names describe the screen appearance; the Madeira number is the primary thread reference. Use the same ivory shade in the bobbin for block 18 because the assembly seam remains visible on the back.
Supplies selected for this ornament
| Supply | Recommendation | Why it matters here |
|---|---|---|
| Front and backing | Two matching pieces of firm, non-fraying felt | Firm felt supports the pointed curves of the medallion and the open margin. |
| Stabilizer | Madeira Cotton Soft tear-away — 50 g/m² | It holds the raised arms and narrow legs in registration, then tears away cleanly. |
| Needle | Schmetz Embroidery 130/705 H-E, NM 75/11 | A fresh needle improves the black definition around the mirrored costumes. |
| Upper thread | 40-weight rayon or polyester embroidery thread | The programmed density is intended for standard 40-weight thread. |
| Temporary hold | Optional Gunold KK 100 or low-tack painter's tape | It prevents the shaped front and backing from shifting around the top point. |
| Hanging loop | 15–20 cm (6–8") of narrow satin or grosgrain ribbon | This length provides a practical loop plus two ends for the final seam. |
| Cutting tool | Sharp straight or decorative-edge scissors | Decorative scissors can reproduce the scalloped raw edge shown in the sample. |
Keeping the mirrored dancers aligned
- Print every cutting outline at 100% or Actual Size; do not use Fit to Page.
- Cut the front and backing together so the upper point and lower curves match.
- Do not mirror individual color blocks in the machine. Both figures are already positioned around the centerline.
- Watch the long coat edges, raised arms and bent legs during blocks 9 and 16; black outlines make any shift visible.
- For soft felt, reduce the speed to approximately 500–600 stitches per minute through the figure blocks.
- Before block 18, run a finger around the reverse of the hoop and confirm that the backing is flat and the ribbon loop cannot cross the seam.
- Tear Madeira Cotton Soft away while supporting the ivory border, then trim loose fibers without cutting the stitches.
The tenth day of Christmas
The tenth verse of The Twelve Days of Christmas names Ten Lords a-Leaping. This ornament interprets the verse as a balanced pair rather than ten separate miniature figures, keeping the movement readable inside a 4x4 hoop. Raised arms, bent knees and sweeping coat tails communicate the leap without crowding the embroidery.
Add the finished medallion to a Christmas tree, wreath, fabric garland, gift package or textile advent calendar. Its red, green, ivory and antique-gold palette coordinates especially well with the matching bagpiper and drummer ornaments.
More Twelve Days of Christmas designs
 Christmas Bagpiper ITH Ornament3 sizes |
 Christmas Drummer ITH Ornament3 sizes |
 Christmas Milkmaid3 sizes |
 Seven Swans in a Christmas Ornament3 sizes |
Useful links
- In-the-Hoop Machine Embroidery Designs
- Twelve Days of Christmas Machine Embroidery Designs
- Madeira Thread Converter
- Online ZIP File Extractor
Digital download and license
This listing contains digital machine embroidery files and printable cutting outlines. No finished ornament, felt, ribbon, stabilizer, thread or other physical material is shipped. Download the ZIP archive, unzip it, and transfer only the compatible format and selected size to your embroidery machine.
You may sell finished physical ornaments embroidered with this design in small quantities. The digital files and templates may not be resold, copied, exchanged, shared or redistributed. The standard license does not cover factory mass production.
Frequently asked questions
Do all three Lords a-Leaping sizes fit a 4x4 hoop?
Yes. The 78.3x79.8, 86.2x87.8 and 94.8x96.6 mm files fit a 100x100 mm (4x4") hoop or larger.
Why are there 18 blocks when the chart uses only 9 colors?
The machine stitches the two dancers as separate groups, and the first and last blocks perform construction operations. Repeated thread colors must remain in their programmed positions.
Can I use pinking shears for the exposed edge?
Yes. Decorative-edge scissors create the scalloped appearance shown in the sample. Leave several millimeters of felt outside the assembly seam and never cut into the final outline.
When should the hanging ribbon be added?
Add it after block 16 and before the final assembly border. Tape both ribbon ends behind the hoop, keeping the loop and tape away from the stitching path.
Does the ornament need turning or stuffing?
No. It is a flat raw-edge construction. The front and backing are joined directly in the hoop by block 18.
Which bobbin thread should I use for the final border?
Use a bobbin thread matching Madeira Classic 1071 or your selected ivory substitute. The final seam is visible on the reverse, so matching upper and lower threads produce a cleaner finish.
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