Pattern diagramAbout this image
Diagram drawn from this project’s written instructions. Use the instructions for measurements and construction. This is not a finished-project photograph.Embroidery
A little botanical hoop
Stitch a single leafy stem on linen. A gentle introduction to backstitch and straight stitch.
Before you begin
Materials
- 18 × 18 cm (7 × 7 in) tightly woven cotton or linen
- 10 cm (4 in) embroidery hoop
- Stranded embroidery floss in two greens
- Size 7 embroidery needle, scissors, washable fabric pen
Quick reference
Abbreviations
- Backstitch
- Bring the needle up ahead of the previous stitch, then down at the previous stitch’s endpoint.
- Straight stitch
- Bring the needle up at one end of a marked line and down at the other.
One step at a time
Step-by-step instructions
- 1
Draw your stem
Test the fabric pen on a scrap. Draw a gently curved 6 cm (2½ in) vertical stem in the fabric center. At 1, 2, 3, 4, and 5 cm from its base, draw one 8 mm diagonal leaf line on each side, pointing upward.
- 2
Hoop the fabric
Loosen the outer ring. Place the fabric over the inner ring and fit the outer ring on top. Tighten the screw and smooth the fabric until firm without stretching its weave.
- 3
Prepare two strands
Cut 45 cm (18 in) of dark green floss and separate two of its six strands. Thread them together through the needle and knot the far ends. Start from the back at the stem base.
- 4
Backstitch the stem
Make a 3 mm stitch up the stem. Bring the needle up 3 mm ahead, then down at the end of the last stitch. Repeat along the curve. At the end, weave beneath several stitches on the back and trim.
- 5
Add your leaves
Thread two strands of the lighter green. For each leaf line, bring the needle up at its outer tip and down at the stem. Add one parallel stitch beside it for a fuller leaf. Keep the fabric flat.
- 6
Rinse and finish
Remove the fabric from the hoop. Remove pen marks as its maker directs and let the fabric dry. Rehoop, trim the excess to 3 cm (1¼ in), and gather the back with a running stitch.
Original starter instructions. Sizes and making times are approximate; check your tension and measurements as you go.
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