Space embroidery: telescope notebook

Stare into the beautiful night sky and get lost in the stars with this mesmerising stitch from Matilda Smith.

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Matilda Smith

Published: March 22, 2022 at 3:27 pm

Space, stars, moons and planets are endless sources of magical inspiration for embroidery. From constellations and moon phases right through to space ships and telescopes! You'll find exactly that in issue 25 of Love Embroidery - where we have included a beautiful set of celestial transfers for you to stitch.

In this article, we'll guide you through creating your very own telescope notebook using one of those transfers. Of course, if you prefer, you can use the transfers on any project you would like, from t-shirts to tote bags.

Sprucing up an old notebook is a great way to breathe new life into your workspace. They can also make thoughtful gifts for friends and family. The perfect gift, in fact, for those dreamers in your life who can't get enough of gazing at the stars!

This project is suitable for beginners and uses only 5 different stitches. If you are new to some of these stitches you’ll find our guide below, or you can head over to our helpful stitch library. If you are new to embroidery altogether, we also have an extensive guide to embroidery.

Space embroidery materials:

  • The celestial telescope template
  • Cotton fabric: 20x20cm, light lilac
  • Stranded cotton: 1 skein each of apricot, very dark grey, peach, purple, dark purple, light purple, white and light yellow
  • Metallic stranded thread: 1 skein of bronze gold
  • Embroidery hoop: 10cm diameter
  • Fabric-covered notebook
  • Iron-on double-sided patch adhesive
  • Pressing cloth
  • Basic embroidery kit

Stitches used:

Space embroidery template

Find the telescope template here.

If you would like to create the other designs you'll find them in issue 25 of Love Embroidery.

The beautifully celestial designs were created by Matilda Smith and stitched by Heather Nugent.

How to make the space embroidery notebook:

You will need:

  • Template
  • Stranded cotton
  • Cotton fabric
  • Metallic thread
  • Embroidery hoop
  • Fabric covered notebook
  • Iron on patch

Step 1

Carefully cut around your telescope transfer, taking care not to cut through any of the lines. Then, iron your transfer onto your fabric – the longer or harder you press, the more the ink will transfer. Try not to move your iron from side to side, but instead press down to achieve a crisp transfer. Now, mount your fabric in your hoop with the design positioned centrally and the fabric pulled taut like a drum. Using Backstitch, first stitch the outline of the telescope in two strands of very dark grey and then stitch the circle outline in two strands of purple.

Step 2

Next, use Long and Short Stitch to work the tripod legs of the telescope in dark purple and the lens shade in two strands of metallic bronze gold. Work the lens itself using Satin Stitch in two strands of very dark grey and then add two diagonal Straight Stitches in one strand to create the shine of the glass.

space embroidery

Step 3

Now, work the main tube of the telescope, the eyepiece and tripod mount using Satin Stitch in two strands of purple, dark purple and light purple. Then, add in some vertical shine lines along the length of the tube to make it appear more three-dimensional using Straight Stitch in one strand of purple and light purple.

Step 4

Work the star shapes using Backstitch in two strands of apricot or peach. Then, work the straight-line stars using Straight Stitch in two strands of metallic bronze gold.

space embroidery

Step 5

Finish your stitching by working the dots on the design using French Knots in two strands of light yellow or white.

Step 6

On the reverse of your stitching, iron a piece of iron-on patch adhesive that’s slightly larger than your design. Next, cut out the design with a 2mm border, being careful not to snip into any of your stitches. Peel off the paper backing of the patch adhesive and then iron over your stitching to carefully press the design onto the fabric cover of the book – use a pressing cloth to protect your stitches from heat damage.

space embroidery

More like the space embroidery

We hope you loved this gorgeous space embroidery pattern. Are you looking for similar projects? Try this constellation embroidery. Don’t miss our free embroidered buttons pattern, which will liven up your cardis! We also have lots more nature-inspired patterns available, try the cactus embroidery, the deer embroidery, the mushroom embroidery pattern, the bee embroidery or this lovely embroidered wall hanging. Looking for a relaxing project, try this beautiful yet easy wildflower design. If you’re also looking to delve into machine embroidery or would like to find out more about it take a look at our guide to the best embroidery machine.

Matilda Smith

Illustrator & Designer

Matilda is a graphic designer by day and an illustrator by night. She draws inspiration from folk art and traditional crafts, and enjoys knitting and cooking. Find Matilda on Instagram @matildartsmith
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