Free Hand Embroidery Pattern---Flower and Leaves

Hi friends,

Today I am sharing another embroidery pattern with you all. This can be used as a corner design. I guess you will get a lot of ideas for embroidering this design. It will look great if simply outlined in chain stitch or you can use filling stitches such as long and short for the flower and satin for the leaves.

This design can also be repeated and used as a center design on table cloths, center pieces, and table mats.

Floral motifs have always been at the heart of embroidery traditions across cultures. They symbolize growth, beauty, and creativity while offering endless opportunities for personalization. The decorative floral pattern shown above is a perfect example—balanced, symmetrical, and versatile enough to be used on both home décor and apparel.

Why This Design Works

This pattern brings together clusters of flowers and leaves arranged in a cross-like composition, creating a sense of harmony and symmetry. It’s ideal for projects where you want to make a strong, elegant statement.

• Symmetry: The mirrored layout ensures a polished and professional look.

• Versatility: Works beautifully as a central motif on table linens, cushion covers, wall hangings, or even on the back of a kurta or blouse.

• Adaptable: You can stitch it in traditional bright colors, pastel shades for a soft look, or monochrome for modern minimalism.

Suggested Stitches

To make this floral design truly shine, here are some stitch ideas:

• Stem Stitch/Backstitch: For outlining the leaves and stems.

• Satin Stitch: Perfect for filling in the flower petals.

• Lazy Daisy Stitch: A natural choice for smaller leaves and petals.

• French Knots: Ideal for flower centers or to add decorative accents.

• Long and Short Stitch: To give shading and a realistic look to larger petals and leaves.

Color Palette Ideas

• Traditional Vibrance: Reds, pinks, and yellows for flowers, with lush greens for the leaves.

• Pastel Charm: Soft lavender, blush pink, and mint green for a calming look.

• Monochrome Elegance: Use a single color thread, like navy or gold, to highlight the intricacy of the design.

Tips for Stitching Success

1. Start from the center flower and work your way outward to maintain balance.

2. Use an embroidery hoop to keep your fabric tight and the lines neat.

3. Experiment with different thread thicknesses to add texture and dimension.

4. If you’re new, try working one quadrant first before completing the full symmetrical design.

Final Thoughts

This floral embroidery design is timeless, versatile, and full of potential. Whether you want to embellish home linens, create a stunning piece of wall art, or elevate your wardrobe, this symmetrical pattern will add elegance and charm to your project. It’s a design that invites creativity while being simple enough for embroiderers at any skill level.

Free Hand Embroidery Pattern --- Bird on a Tree Branch

Hi Friends,

Here is a new embroidery pattern. This little birdie pattern can be used especially for redwork. However, you can use it for other types of embroidery or fabric painting.

There’s something timeless about the image of a bird perched quietly on a branch. It evokes stillness, curiosity, and the gentle rhythm of nature. This embroidery pattern—featuring a single bird in profile, nestled among leafy twigs—is a celebration of that quiet beauty, rendered in thread and imagination.

Whether you're a seasoned stitcher or just beginning your embroidery journey, this pattern offers a canvas for creativity.

Techniques to Try

This pattern is perfect for experimenting with a mix of stitches:

• Backstitch or stem stitch for clean outlines
• Long and short stitch to add feather texture and shading
• Satin stitch for smooth leaf surfaces
• French knots for eyes or berry embellishments

You can also add dimension by layering threads or using a mix of matte and glossy floss.

Thread Color Suggestions

Bird

• Body and Wings:
• Slate Gray or Charcoal for a natural look
• Indigo or Deep Teal for a more stylized, elegant bird
• Beak:
• Golden Yellow or Burnt Orange for contrast
• Eye:

• Black with a tiny dot of White for a glint

Tree Branch and Leaves

• Branch:
• Chestnut Brown or Dark Walnut
• Leaves:

• Olive Green, Sage, or Emerald depending on the season you want to evoke
• For a whimsical twist: try Dusty Rose or Muted Lavender for the leaves

Background Accents (Optional)

• You could add a soft wash of Sky Blue or Pale Peach behind the bird to make it pop
• Or stitch a few blossoms in Soft Pink or Cream for a springtime vibe

A Moment of Stillness

In a world that moves fast, embroidery slows us down. As you stitch each feather and leaf, you’re not just creating art—you’re capturing a moment of quiet observation. A bird on a branch isn’t just a motif; it’s a reminder to pause, breathe, and notice the beauty perched right in front of us.

Personalizing Your Piece

One of the joys of embroidery is making a design your own. Consider:

• Adding blossoms or berries to the branch
• Incorporating a soft background wash with watercolor or fabric paint
• Framing it in a hoop with a rustic ribbon for display

This pattern also makes a lovely gift—especially for nature lovers, birdwatchers, or anyone who appreciates handmade charm.

Please let me know if you use this pattern in any of your projects. I will be happy to post the pictures of your project here on my blog. I have given my e-mail address in my profile. Have a nice day!

Happy stitching!

Flora

Progress on Doily and Neck Design

I have made a little progress on the doily and the neck design projects. I am doing both the projects simultaneously, so that I could make some progress on both. The center flower on the doily is almost finished (but I am having trouble embroidering on the satin fabric), and in the neck design, I am focusing on the blue flowers, hoping to finish them today or tomorrow. Here are the pictures.

Have a happy Monday and a great week ahead!

Kashmiri embroidery

During my trip to Shimla last month, I bought two kameez fabrics. One of these has hand embroidered flowers on the front and around the neck. Could you find the type of embroidery done on this Kameez?

I think most of the readers from India will easily identify it. It is called Kashmiri embroidery or Kasmiri Kashida. Generally, in Kashmiri Embroidery, the whole design is done with a single stitch. It is one of the specialties of Kashmiri embroidery. The design shown in the image is done only with chain stitch. Can you believe it?

Flowers and paisley designs are very common in Kashmiri embroidery. Although I already own some shawls and kameezes decorated with Kashmiri embroidery, I am always attracted to this embroidery wherever I see it.

 

Can you see how intricate are the design and the embroidery? I like the pastel colors used in this design. I guess the entire embroidery is done with variegated threads. My blogger friend Deepa has blogged about Kashmiri embroidery here.

Another Kameez fabric is jute cotton blend with Resham embroidery on it. Resham embroidery is nothing but soft shading or long and short embroidery. Here it is machine embroidered. I love the colors in this embroidery too. Actually, I bought this fabric just for the color combo and of course it has floral designs.