Free mindful embroidery pattern
Stitched on mustard yellow fabric, this beautifully symmetrical pattern is the ideal way to relax after a long day. Designed with a folk-art style in mind, Liz Stiglets created this colourful pattern featuring a variety of stitch types. It is a wonderful chance to widen your stitch knowledge as this pattern uses some more unusual stitch types. We have lots of helpful guides for each stitch type below if there is one you have not tried before.
Embroidery has been celebrated as a mood-boosting activity and can improve mental health. Taking on even a small amount of stitching per evening to unwind after work can have its benefits. Plus, once it is complete, you can finish your hoop as you wish, and you'll have a bright, bold design to hang in your home.
This is one of our favourite free embroidery projects for beginners looking to step up their stitching game. If you need some advice on embroidery or any of the stitches listed below, please visit our embroidery guide for beginners.
This mindful embroidery was designed by Liz Stiglets and first appeared in Love Embroidery issue 9. Looking for similar projects? Sign up for our newsletter to get weekly inspiration and free patterns!
Stitches key:
- Satin stitch
- Brick stitch
- French knot
- Backstitch
- Colonial Knots
- Fly stitch
For other stitching help, try our embroidery stitch library.
What you will need:
- Cotton fabric: 35x35cm, orange
- Stranded cotton: 1 skein each of dark blue, light blue, cream,
khaki green, dark pink and yellow - Embroidery hoop: 20cm diameter
- Basic embroidery kit
Free template:
You’ll also need the free embroidery template.
You will need:
- Cotton fabric
- Stranded cotton
- Embroidery hoop
- Basic embroidery kit
Step 1
Transfer the design from the template onto the centre of your fabric using your preferred method. The design is pre-printed in the image, but you can transfer it from the template using an erasable pen or pencil. Insert the fabric into your hoop.
Step 2
Starting from the middle of the design (the pink petals) and working outwards, begin by working Satin Stitch in two strands using dark pink for the petals, light blue for the larger part of the berries, dark blue for the berry leaves, khaki green for the tulip leaves and dark pink for the tulip flower. Then, work a cluster of Colonial Knots in two strands at the centre of the flower petals in yellow and at the bottom of each berry in dark blue.
Step 3
Next, work Backstitch in two strands using dark blue for the berry stems, khaki green for the tulip stems and cream for the outside edges of the wavy border that encircles the central motif. Then, fill the centre of the wavy border with Brick Stitch in two strands of yellow.
Step 4
When you have completed the Satin Stitch, outline the top of each tulip petal with Fly Stitch in one strand of cream. Work three lines of Straight Stitch in two strands of cream above each tulip.
Step 5
Continue working outwards, filling the design until you reach the outside border. Use Satin Stitch in two strands of dark pink for the little flowers and Brick Stitch in two strands of yellow for the border that surrounds them. Work the remaining border using Backstitch in two strands of khaki green for the stem motif and yellow for the outer edge. Finish with Colonial Knots in two strands of light blue in the centre of each flower and dark blue above each tulip.
Step 6
Mount your stitching in your chosen hoop to display. Try painting your hoop before framing for an extra-special finish.
Practice stitches
This vibrant hoop is the ideal project for beginners wanting to practice lots of different stitches.
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