Embroidery Pattern Design

Scissors – nothing specific, but sharp is always good. Embroidery hoop or frame – again you can pick these up from charity shops/local selling sites, but here are some great online options. https://www.hobbycraft.co.uk/flexible-woodgrain-embroidery-hoop-10-inches/6427211000.html?glCountry=GB&gclid=Cj0KCQjw2v-gBhC1ARIsAOQdKY2kyDcTzEM2nc5NT0s9aKxt7ltFf3nSsoTScoHzZtMq_C6k-MeHFrkaArNkEALw_wcB&gclsrc=aw.ds I used a 10 inch frame to sew with, then a 12 inch to display for the A3 panel.  Embroidery floss/threads – as above for reusing, but here are links for new… from as little as £3 https://www.theworks.co.uk/p/craft-essentials/embroidery-thread-pack-of-30/5052089011335.html https://www.hobbycraft.co.uk/search/?q=embroidery%20thread%20pack Small businesses https://www.etsy.com/uk/listing/1132698787/50-embroidery-flosses-wide-variety-ofclick_key=554121ef6a230a220fb6ad03b489a1f22f9ef280%3A1132698787&click_sum=7fe18a2d&ref=shop_home_recs_1&frs=1&sts=1 https://www.olivertwists.co.uk/listing/222632345/pot-luck-thread-pack-mixed-media-supply Needle – a basic sewing needle, you might have a sock repair kit lying around – that would be fine, or here are some links to purchasing some. https://www.hobbycraft.co.uk/hemline-size-3-to-9-embroidery-crewel-needles-16-pack/5669851000.htmlglCountry=GB&gclid=Cj0KCQjwtsCgBhDEARIsAE7RYh3L1L1o1Z6nlo0IMMwTQDSbghsV4glJoF7yE6MYgFuZ_iCmgfhGcoaAgiTEALw_wcB&gclsrc=aw.ds https://www.lovecrafts.com/en-gb/p/hemline-16-embroidery-crewel-needles-sizes-3-9/10204381?utm_source=google&utm_source=google&utm_medium=cpc&utm_medium=cpc&utm_campaign=shopping_gb&utm_campaign=17961312649&utm_term&gclid=Cj0KCQjwtsCgBhDEARIsAE7RYh330qeyFXgS8vVdZIODLh8oscTPStzMsMJ0NwnsyC25PsUX3_fMjNUaAnmZEALw_wcB

Embroidery Techniques

That is all you need to embroider, now the stitches… YouTube, blogs, books & facebook groups are your friends here. I have also left quite a lot of space at the top of the panel, which could be used for practicing stitches & knots. I am very much am amateur, but keen to learn, my favourite stitches and some great basic ones to have a play with are; Satin Stitch – Great for filling in larger areas. You can also do beautiful shading by using almost an ombre of coloured floss. Love this stitch! Great advice here. https://www.thesprucecrafts.com/how-to-work-basic-satin-stitch-1177555

Back Stitch –  Lovely for a continuous line, outlining and more. Love how this blog explains it. https://www.embroidery.rocksea.org/stitch/back-stitch/back-stitch/ Chain Stitch – A fab stitch for texture, I loved adding this to mix up the stitches and overall look of the piece. French Knots – Beautiful little details! I used them to add the small features and again for texture to the piece. A great tutorial here. https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=pjI5yo656U4 I also incorporated some appliqué, which is pieces of fabric are sewn or stuck on to a larger piece to form a picture or pattern. Appliqué – https://www.prima.co.uk/craft/sewing/a40832313/how-to-applique/

If you want to stick super close to the original design in terms of colours, here is a list of DMC threads.

Caterpillar green – 702 Kelly Green

Caterpillar head & Feet – 801 Dk Coffee Brown

Caterpillar orange – 971 Pumpkin

Mushroom cap – 666 Bright Red

Spots – 746 Off White

Spot shadow – 815 Md Garnet

Frill dark- 321

Red Frill lines – 349 Dk Coral

Stem top – 3078 Vy Lt Golden Yellow

Stem top lines – 307 Lemon

Main Stem – 307 Lemon

Stem dot details – 746 Off White

Mouse main body – 436 Tan

Mouse tummy – 822 Lt Beige Gray

Mouse pink – 3713 Vy Lt Salmon

Mouse pink shadow – 760 Salmon

Mouse eye brown – 801 Dk Coffee Brown

Mouse eye black – 310 Black

Grass one – 3347 Md Yellow Green

Grass two – 3346 Hunter Green

Grass three – 320 Md Pistachio Green

Framing/Mounting – I used a simple 12 inch frame from Hobby Craft which was £4.50. One of the testers used a large box frame & another made a loop at the top and used as a wall hanging.

I love how unique & beautiful they came out! Each tester created a piece which although the same printed design, produced a personal piece with their own colour & stitch selections.

 

I hope this little guide might give you some pointers, but honestly, just do your own thing. Go your own way! Choose colours you love and stitches you adore to do.

As an added bonus, did you know embroidery can help;

• Alleviate Stress. …
• Reduce Anxiety. …
• Lower blood pressure and a decrease heart rate. …
• Keep your brain healthy. …
• Help the brain recover from injury. …
• Keep your eyes sharp. …
• Be mindful. …
• Build confidence

Sounds like a good idea all round. Have fun & enjoy. If you do sew a pikolo panel, please do tag us on our socials. Janine xx