Grow your own satin stitch flowers: step-by-step guide

Learn how to embroider pockets with cute satin stitch flowers in this tutorial by Mollie Johanson!

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Published: June 28, 2020 at 8:00 am

Satin stitch is an extremely useful technique to have in your stitching repertoire, as it's a simple way to create blocks of colour! In this tutorial we'll show you how to make sweet little satin stitch flowers, as well as how to embroider pockets so you can give that old t-shirt a new lease of life!

Notes

You will need to download and print the free satin stitch flowers embroidered pocket pattern template.

Use a 1cm (3/8in) seam allowance.

You will need:

  • T-shirt
  • Fabric (10x10in) (25x25cm)
  • Lining fabric (63/8x43/8in) (16x11cm)
  • DMC stranded cotton (in a selection of colours)
  • Tapestry needle
  • Matching thread
  • Basic sewing kit

How to embroider Satin Stitch Flowers

Step 1

Bring the needle up through the fabric at one side of the area you are filling. Insert the needle back through the other side of the area.

Satin_Stitch_Flowers_step_01

Step 2

Step two Bring the needle back up on the first side of the area, then insert the needle on the other side. Repeat this to fill the area, always coming up on the first side and going down on the opposite side.

Satin_Stitch_Flowers_step_02

Transfering the design

Step 1

Mark a rectangle centrally on the main fabric measuring 11cm (43/8in) wide and 12cm (43/4in) deep.

Step 2

Trace the floral template from the pattern sheet

Step 3

Place the main fabric on top so that the traced template lies within the marked outline. We have placed ours a little way in from the left bottom corner.

Step 4

Trace around the outlines of the floral template.

Stitching the design

Step 1

Embroider the floral design following the traced lines using three strands of stranded cotton throughout.

Step 2

Start by stitching the petals and leaves in satin stitch.

Step 3

When these are finished, work the outlines of the flower centres in backstitch.

Step 4

Fill the flower centres with French knots then work a few more outside the flowers.

Making the pocket

Step 1

Press your stitched fabric then trim it along the marked rectangular outline.

Step 2

Place the main and lining fabrics right sides (RS) facing and sew together along the top edge. Open out and press.

Satin_Stitch_Flowers_step_03

Step 3

Fold the sewn piece in half with RS facing, lining up the side and bottom edges.

Step 4

Sew together down the side and across the bottom but leaving a 5cm (2in) gap for turning. Trim the corners to reduce bulk.

Satin_Stitch_Flowers_step_04

Step 5

Turn RS out, making sure the seam allowance is folded in at the opening, and press.

Attaching the pocket

Step 1

Pin the pocket to your T-shirt in your desired position – this is easier to do when you are wearing it.

Satin_Stitch_Flowers_step_05

Step 2

Topstitch the pocket in place down the sides and across the bottom.

Step 3

Finish by working a line of running stitch on top of the topstitching using three strands of stranded cotton to decorate.

Satin_Stitch_Flowers_step_07

How to embroider pockets complete