Materials & Instructions

Materials Required

Threads required
  • 1 x 8m skein of DMC Light Effects shade E168
  • 1 x 8m skein of DMC Satin shade S415
  • 1 x 8m skein of DMC Pearlescent Effects shade E966

Fabrics required

  • Main Fabric: 1 piece of Teal dupion silk fabric, measuring 30cm x 50cm
  • Stabilising fabric: 1 piece of 100% cotton Calico, measuring 30cm x 50cm

I used all three for sampling, though decided to use only the Light Effects silver for the main project. However, the threads have been chosen carefully so that they work very well together. You may want to mix and match your threads within the design or work them exactly the same as the photographed model.

The direct links to our Stitch Library and How to section as detailed below, are available upon subscription:

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Instructions

Step 1

There are links on the Project information page which will guide you through each of the stages detailed below.

Prepare the fabric - mark the centre:  Work a line of basting stitches with a fine sewing thread to mark the centre of your chosen fabric widthways and lengthways.

Click on the active link if you need help to Download and print off the chart and key.

Step 1
 
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Step 2

Transfer the design to the fabric

Cut out the chart around the rectangular box. Fold in half lengthways then widthways to find the centre lines. Position the chart onto the fabric so that the fold lines match the lines of basting stitches. Draw around the outer edge using the marker pen.

To mark the position of the start and finish of the stitching lines on the design, punch holes in the paper chart at each circle using a leather punch or large needle/stiletto. Position back onto the fabric and mark through the holes with the marker pen as shown in this example from another design.

If marking on dark fabric, you may prefer to use chalk or a white soluble marker pen.

Step 2
 
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Step 3

Stabilise the fabric before stitching

Place silk fabric face-up over stabiliser (calico) and insert them both together into a hoop.

Step 3
 
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Step 4

Embroider your design in the following order:

  1. Stitch the outer border using Buttonhole Stitch and 2 strands of Light Effects metallic thread
  2. Stitch the stem using one Straight Stitch (Starting at centre black dot to lower black dot) and 3 strands of thread
  3. Stitch the radiating branches (from centre black dot to outer white dots) using Straight Stitches and 3 strands of thread.
  4. Stitch the "starbursts" at the ends of each stalk using randomly placed Fly Stitches and 1 strand of thread. These Fly stitches are not uniform. They can be of any length and as densely packed or as far apart as you desire.
Step 4
 
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Step 5

Remove from hoop.

Press lightly on reverse to remove any creases from hoop.

Frame or make up your project as desired.

 
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