Rediscovering an Old Embroidery Project: A Cushion Cover in Progress
Yesterday, while I was cleaning out the closets, I stumbled upon something that immediately brought back a rush of memories — a half-finished embroidered cushion cover tucked away beneath a stack of fabric. I remembered starting this piece several months ago with great excitement, only to set it aside when other projects took priority. Between experimenting with new stitches and diving deep into larger, more intricate works, this little project somehow slipped out of sight — and out of mind.
When I looked at the design, I immediately knew I wanted to continue working on it. After spending weeks on a more time-consuming embroidery project (especially one involving long and short stitch shading), I realized how refreshing it would be to switch gears and return to something simpler. Sometimes, a small and straightforward piece can be just what your creative spirit needs — a way to reconnect with the joy of stitching without overthinking the process.
This cushion cover uses only three stitches: the chain stitch, the satin stitch, and French knots. That’s all it takes — and yet these three can create such depth and texture when combined thoughtfully. The chain stitch outlines the main shapes, giving the design a rhythmic flow. Satin stitches to fill the petals at the center of the big flower with soft, solid color, while French knots add that playful, dotted texture for the pollens.
As I stitched last night, I was thinking how lovely this design would look done entirely in redwork style — just one vibrant shade of red against a neutral background. There’s something timeless about monochrome embroidery; it highlights the texture and rhythm of each stitch, letting the craftsmanship shine.
I plan to finish this cushion cover over the next few evenings — nothing rushed, just a few relaxed stitching sessions with a cup of coffee nearby. I’ll share photos of my progress as I go, and perhaps some of you will feel inspired to pull out an old unfinished project of your own.
Happy stitching!
---Flora
