Farmhouse “GATHER” Sign: With Embroidery Hoops

Is it too early to start thinking about Thanksgiving?? Of course not! Now is the perfect time to get a jump start on the holidays with a farmhouse “GATHER” sign. It promises to set a welcoming tone as you celebrate with family and friends and enjoy each other’s company.

I created this simple project using small embroidery hoops and muslin fabric for Farmhouse Style magazine’s summer 2021 edition. It still hangs in my kitchen, a reminder that life is so much better when we gather together, but it could easily be sold in my antique biz at a later date.

Note: This post contains affiliate links for [the same or similar] products used to complete this project. This is both for your convenience as well as to support my website, since I receive a small compensation whenever you click on a link and make any sort of purchase, for which I thank you 🙂 See my full disclosure here.

Materials

• Large piece of rustic wood (mine is 6″ x 26″ x 3/4″)
• 3 1/2″ Embroidery hoops (6)
• Dark stain
• Rag
• Off-white canvas (1/4 yd)
• Chalk paint (black)
• 2″ Alphabet stamps–these 1 1/4″ are the closest I could find (or use these 2″ stencils)
• Foam brush
• Tacky glue
• Claw hangers
• Small Nails

You can find stenciling instructions HERE (including a video!).

Rustic Scrap Wood

Where to Find Rustic Scrap Wood

I’m always on the hunt for hunks of what I call “good wood.” My husband thinks I’m a little crazy (and I admit that I am, LOL) given that I now have an amazing collection of “good wood.”

You can pick up scrap wood–including balusters and other decorative pieces–in a variety of locations:

• Curbside
• Garage sales
• Estate sales
• Flea markets

Embroidery Hoops & Canvas

Stamps

Chalk Paint, Foam Brush Stain, & Rag

How to Make a Farmhouse Gather Sign

1. Cut Fabric

Cut the canvas into six pieces that will fit into the embroidery hoop leaving an inch or so around the edges.

Fit the pieces into the hoops. The indentations made by the hoop will give you an idea of where the letters need to go.

2. Stain the Embroidery Hoop

Using a rag, stain the outside and the edges of the larger hoops that go around the smaller ones. Allow the stain to dry.

3. Stamp Letters

Apply chalk paint to the letter stamps with the foam brush and stamp the letters onto the center of each piece of canvas. [Alternatively, you can stencil the letters. Here’s directions for making your own stencils.]

4. Insert Fabric Into Hoop

Place the canvas on top of the smaller “inside” hoop. Then place the larger hoop over the canvas, being sure to align the letter with the screw at the top of the hoop. Press the hoop down over the canvas until the fabric is nice and taut and the two hoops are even with each other.

5. Trim the Canvas

Trim the canvas on the back to make it approximately even with the hoop’s edges.

6. Attach Claw Hangers

Time to nail two claw hangers onto the back of the scrap wood for hanging. Place them at the top of both sides.

7. Hang the Letters on the Scrap Wood

Using small finishing nails placed equidistant from each other, hang each of the letters onto the scrap wood.

It can be tricky to get the letters all hanging evenly but don’t drive yourself to crazy–it doesn’t need to be perfect to be beautiful!!

Now hang the piece and stand back to admire your work 🙂

Related posts: Wicker wrapped bottle guide and a cutting board cleaning guide.

Conclusion

I sure hope you enjoyed reading about this seasonal (or anytime!) project. I made mine for myself, but I could see it gracing an antique booth or Etsy shop with an asking price of $30-40.

Would you make it to keep or sell?

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