My New Embroidery Project -- Peonies in Bloom

Whether you’re a beginner or an experienced stitcher, every new project brings the opportunity to learn new techniques, explore color combinations, and develop your skills. One such project that promises to bring the joy of embroidery into your life is the Peonies in Bloom DIY embroidery kit. With its vibrant hues and intricate floral design, it’s the perfect way to celebrate the elegance of these stunning flowers through embroidery.

In this blog post, I’ll walk you through this exciting new embroidery project, showing you the materials, the design, and the creative process that transforms a simple piece of fabric into a beautiful, blooming piece of art.

The Beauty of Peonies: Nature’s Embroidery Inspiration

Peonies are a symbol of beauty, prosperity, and romance, making them a perfect subject for any artistic endeavor. Known for their lush, full petals and vibrant colors, these flowers have captured the hearts of flower enthusiasts and artists alike. Their soft curves and rich tones make them the perfect fit for an embroidery project. The Peonies in Bloom DIY kit embraces this natural beauty with its vibrant color palette, inviting you to bring these flowers to life on fabric.

Unboxing the DIY Embroidery Kit

When you first open your Peonies in Bloom embroidery kit, you’ll be greeted with everything you need to get started. Here's a breakdown of what’s inside:

*Embroidery Cloth: A piece of fabric that has been pre-stamped with a lovely outline of peonies and foliage. This guide helps you know exactly where to stitch, ensuring a neat and professional finish. The blue fabric used here contrasts beautifully with the bright pinks, reds, and greens of the peonies, helping them stand out vividly as you work.

*Embroidery Hoop: A plastic hoop that holds the fabric taut while you stitch. The hoop is essential for keeping your project stable and preventing puckering as you work through each detail.

*Embroidery Floss: A selection of threads in various colors, including rich pinks, greens, and whites, along with the recommended number of strands for each section. The vibrant shades of pink will add dimension to the flowers, while the greens provide a lovely contrast for the leaves and stems.

*Instruction Sheet: A helpful guide that gives clear instructions on how to stitch each part of the design. It shows you the corresponding color threads and which stitches to use. From outline stitches to long and short stitches, these simple techniques will come together to create a lush, floral masterpiece.

Getting Started with Stitches: Techniques and Tips

If you’re new to embroidery, don’t worry! The kit provides a detailed guide that breaks down each stitch and gives you step-by-step instructions. Here's an overview of the main techniques you'll be using:

1. Outline Stitch: This stitch creates clean, defined edges for the flowers and leaves. It’s perfect for outlining the shapes of the peonies and adding a sharp contrast against the blue fabric.

2. Long and Short Stitch: This technique is ideal for adding depth and texture to the petals of the flowers. By varying the length of your stitches, you can create the soft, layered look of a peony’s petals.

3. Chain Stitch: This stitch can be used for the stamens at the center of the flowers.

As you begin stitching, be sure to work in sections, following the color guide on the instruction sheet. Use your embroidery hoop to keep your fabric taut and even. It’s a good idea to keep the floss separated into manageable sections to avoid tangling.

The Color Palette: A Symphony of Shades

One of the best parts of this embroidery kit is the gorgeous color palette included. The bright shades of pink and red bring the peonies to life, while the greens provide a lush backdrop for the foliage. These colors are designed to mimic the natural hues of peonies, making your final creation feel both authentic and vibrant.

The thread organizer included in the kit ensures that your threads are neatly arranged, making it easy to select the right color for each section of the design. Here’s a closer look at the primary colors in the kit:

Pink and Red Shades: These will form the base of the peony flowers. The variety of pinks and reds allows you to layer stitches, giving the flowers dimension and richness.

Green Shades These represent the leaves and stems. The combination of bright and darker greens helps create depth and contrast, bringing the flowers into sharp focus.

White and Light Shades: These are used for highlights on the flowers and leaves, adding dimension and making your design look more dynamic.

The Joy of Creating Your Own Floral Masterpiece

As you continue working on this project, you’ll experience the satisfaction of seeing your embroidery come together. The long and short stitches will transform the blank fabric into blooming peonies, each stitch adding more life to the flowers.

Here is my progress on this project:

Whether you’re working on this project as a relaxation activity, a way to express your creativity, or as a gift for someone special, the process is sure to be a rewarding one. Plus, there’s nothing quite like the sense of accomplishment when you see the finished piece hanging on your wall, a beautiful display of your effort and artistic touch.

The Peonies in Bloom DIY embroidery kit is the perfect project for anyone looking to try their hand at embroidery or for those who want to challenge themselves with something a little more intricate. It’s a creative and relaxing way to pass the time while making something beautiful that you can display proudly. The result is a vibrant, blooming peony embroidery that brings nature’s beauty into your home.

So, if you're looking for a new craft project that’s both fun and rewarding, look no further than this gorgeous embroidery kit. The finished piece will not only brighten up your home but also serve as a reminder of the time, effort, and creativity you poured into it—just like the real peonies that bloom every spring.

Happy Stitching!

Flora

Free PDF Embroidery Pattern---Cinnamon-Chested Bee-Eater Bird

Bring the vibrant beauty of nature to your hoop with this eye-catching Cinnamon-Chested Bee-Eater Bird embroidery pattern. With its lush green wings and warm orange and yellow belly, this project is perfect for confident beginners and seasoned stitchers alike.

This tutorial consists of:

* Downloadable PDF Embroidery Pattern

* Supplies list 

* DMC thread list

* Anchor equivalents

* Suggested stitches (long and short, outline)

* A simple how-to tutorial for embroidering it

Supplies You’ll Need

* Fabric: Cotton, linen, or embroidery canvas (white or light-colored recommended)

* Embroidery hoop: 6" or 8"

* Embroidery needle: Size 7 or 9

* Embroidery floss: DMC (see lists below)

* Scissors

* Water-soluble marker or transfer paper

* Pattern printout (for tracing). Free patern link given below.

DMC Thread Colors Used

Suggested Stitches

* Long and Short Stitch – For realistic shading on the body, belly, wings, and tail feathers. This gives the bird a soft, feathered texture.

* Split Stitch – To outline the bird before filling (especially helpful around the belly and face).

* Outline/Backstitch – For fine details like the beak, eye ring, and black neck band.

* Satin Stitch – Optional for the eye and small color blocks like the yellow throat.

* Straight Stitch – For branch texture or fine feather details.

Free PDF Pattern Download

👉 Download the Free Cinnamon-Chested Bee-Eater Bird Embroidery Pattern PDF

How to Embroider This Bee-Eater Bird – Step-by-Step

Step 1: Prepare Your Fabric

Secure your fabric tightly in the hoop. Make sure it's smooth and taut like a drum.

Step 2: Transfer the Pattern

Use a lightbox or window to trace the pattern onto your fabric using a water-soluble pen or pencil. Ensure all key outlines (body, wings, tail, and branch) are clearly visible.

Step 3: Start with the Eye and Beak

Use 310 (Black) and White. Start with a small satin stitch or tight split stitches for the eye, leaving a tiny white dot for the eye highlight. Outline the beak and fill it using satin or long and short stitches.

Step 4: Fill the Belly and Chest

Use 920, 741, and 972 (Burnt Orange, Medium Tangerine, and Deep Canary) for the chest and belly area with long and short stitches, blending from top to bottom.

Step 5: Add the Throat and Neck Band

Use 742 (Light Tangerine) for the throat with satin or long and short stitches. Then use 310 (Black) for the neck stripe with a backstitch or outline stitch. You can also use long and short stitch for this.

Step 6: Embroider the Wings and Head

Switch to 986 and 989 (Greens). Use long and short stitches, following the direction of the feathers.

Step 7: Tail Feathers

Blend 317 (Pewter Gray) and 3799 (Dark Gray) using long and short stitches for that beautiful gradient effect.

Step 8: Branch and Claws

Use 801 (Brown) and add wood texture using straight stitches. Use Black for the tiny claws gripping the branch.

Step 9: Final Touches

Review your work for gaps. Carefully rinse off your transfer lines with cool water (if using water-soluble ink). Let dry flat.

Tips

* Keep your thread lengths short (no more than 18") to avoid tangling.

* Always stitch in the direction of the feathers for realism.

* Don’t worry about perfection – texture brings charm!

* Test your stitches on a scrap first if you're new to long and short.

Why You'll Love This Project

This pattern combines elegance and color harmony while helping you practice foundational embroidery stitches. It's a rewarding piece to frame or gift.

Happy stitching!

---Flora

Embroidered Hair Bows with Floral Designs -- Small Embroidery Projects

After finishing my cats and cherry blossoms embroidery project, I wanted to take on something smaller and quicker—something that would also let me experiment with different stitches. Since I’ve been planning to make some hair bows for my daughters, I thought it would be lovely to add embroidery to them. It turned out to be the perfect way to try new stitches while creating something both useful and pretty.

The sewing tutorial and free PDF sewing pattern can be found on my sewing blog.

👉 DIY embroidered cottage core hair bows 

Materials I Used

• Fabric for the bows (cotton or linen works beautifully)
• Embroidery hoop
• Embroidery floss in pinks, soft green, red, and khaki green
• Needle
• Scissors
• Hair clips or elastic bands (to attach the bows)

Bow Styles

I made two different styles of bows:

1. Simple bow – just the bow itself.
2. Bow with a long tail – both the bow and an attached tail, perfect for a more elegant look.

Embroidery Designs & Stitches

First Bow (Simple Bow)

• Design: A small floral motif
• Stitches Used:
  • Cast-on stitch for the flower petals
  • Bullion stitch for the flower center
  • Closed herringbone stitch for the leaves
• Colours: Variations of pinks for the petals, soft green for the leaves

The cast-on petals gave the flower a lovely raised effect, while the bullion stitches added a neat texture to the centre.

Second Bow (Bow with Tails)

• Design: Floral motif repeated on both the bow and the tail
• Stitches Used:
  • Woven wheel stitch (also called the woven spider web stitch) for the petals
  • Closed herringbone stitch for the leaves
• Colours: Bright red for the flower, khaki green for the leaves

The woven wheel stitch created bold, round flowers that really pop against the fabric. I repeated the design on the tail as well.

The Finished Bows

I’m so happy with how both bows turned out! The embroidery gave them such a charming touch, and the different stitches made each design unique. The best part, of course, was seeing my daughters’ delighted smiles when they tried them on.

Adding embroidery to hair bows is such a fun way to practise stitches on a small project—and it transforms a simple accessory into something special.

Happy stitching!

---Flora

Free Datura Flower Embroidery Pattern

The Datura flower is a striking bloom with mystical associations, often symbolizing transformation and introspection. Today, I’m excited to share a free PDF embroidery pattern of this beautiful flower. This project is beginner-friendly but also detailed enough to engage experienced stitchers.

Supplies You’ll Need

• Fabric: Cotton, linen, or an embroidery-friendly fabric (8”–10” hoop size works best)

• Embroidery Hoop: 8-inch wooden or plastic hoop

• Threads: DMC or Anchor stranded cotton (see colors below)

• Needles: Embroidery needle, size 7–9

• Scissors: Small, sharp embroidery scissors

• Transfer Supplies: Water-soluble pen, carbon transfer paper, or lightbox method

• Backing: Felt or fabric for finishing (optional)

Thread Color Guide

DMC Threads

• Flower Petals: DMC Blanc (White) or Ecru for a warmer tone

• Petal Shadows: DMC 762 (Pearl Gray)

• 
  

  Stamens: DMC 676 (Light Old Gold)

• Calyx/Stem: DMC 3345 (Dark Hunter Green)

• Leaves: DMC 702 (Kelly Green) and DMC 703 (Chartreuse Green) for shading

Anchor Threads (alternatives)

• Flower Petals: Anchor 1 (White) or 387 (Ecru)

• Petal Shadows: Anchor 847 (Light Gray)

• Stamens: Anchor 890 (Light Gold)

• Calyx/Stem: Anchor 268 (Dark Green)

• Leaves: Anchor 226 (Bright Green) and 229 (Medium Green)

Stitch Suggestions

• Flower Petals: Long & short stitch for smooth shading

• Petal Veins: Split stitch or stem stitch in light gray

• Stamens: Satin stitch for the tips, stem stitch for the filaments

• Calyx & Stem: Fishbone stitch for texture, or satin stitch for a smoother look

• Leaves: Long & short stitch for the main fill, with stem stitch for veins

• You can also just outline the pattern as in red work.

How-To Tutorial

1. Transfer the Pattern

   • Download and print the free PDF pattern (link below).

   • Transfer the design onto your fabric using your preferred method (lightbox, carbon paper, or water-soluble pen).

2. Set Up Your Hoop

   • Place your fabric in the hoop and tighten it until drum-taut.

3. Start with the Flower

   • Use white (DMC Blanc / Anchor 1) for the petals.

   • Work long & short stitches from the edge inward, blending with pale gray (DMC 762 / Anchor 847) to give dimension.

4. Add the Petal Veins

   • With gray thread, stitch delicate split stitches to mimic the natural folds.




5. Embroider the Stamens

   • Use gold (DMC 676 / Anchor 890) with satin stitch for the anthers, stem stitch for the filaments.

6. Stitch the Calyx and Stem

   • Work with dark green (DMC 3345 / Anchor 268) in fishbone or satin stitch.

7. Fill in the Leaves

   • Start with medium green (DMC 703 / Anchor 229) for the base fill in fishbone stitch.

   • Add depth with darker green (DMC 702 / Anchor 226) along the veins.

8. Finishing

   • Once complete, carefully wash away transfer lines.

   • Press the piece gently from the back with a pressing cloth.

   • Finish the back with felt or leave raw if framing.

 Free PDF Pattern Download

👉 Download the Free Datura Flower Embroidery Pattern PDF

Final Thoughts

This Datura embroidery project makes a beautiful framed piece, a patch for a tote bag, or a wall-hanging. With its flowing petals and textured leaves, it’s a wonderful project to practice shading and stitch variety.

Happy stitching! 

---Flora

Maple Leaf Free Embroidery Pattern: A Touch of Autumn for Your Needlework

 

As the leaves turn and the air grows crisp, there’s no better way to celebrate the season than with a timeless maple leaf embroidery. Whether you're embellishing a linen napkin, creating a seasonal hoop art, or adding flair to a tote bag, this pattern brings warmth and elegance to any project.

Supplies Needed to Embroider This Pattern

Needles

• Embroidery needle size 7–9: Ideal for 1–3 strands of floss
• Chenille needle (optional): If using thicker threads or metallics

Fabric

• Cotton, linen, or muslin: Light to medium weight
• Suggested colors: Natural, cream, or soft beige to make autumn tones pop

Embroidery Hoop

• 6" or 8" wooden or plastic hoop: Keeps fabric taut while stitching

Pattern Transfer Tools

• Water-soluble pen or pencil
• Lightbox or window (for tracing)
• Iron-on transfer pen (optional)

Other Essentials

• Sharp embroidery scissors
• Thread conditioner (like beeswax or Thread Heaven, optional)
• Pressing cloth (for ironing finished work)
• Backing fabric or stabilizer (if stitching on garments or bags)

Finishing Supplies

• Mild soap (for rinsing transfer lines)
• Iron (to press your finished piece)
• Frame or hoop for display (optional but lovely!)

Thread Suggestions

To capture the rich tones of fall, here’s a curated palette of DMC and Anchor threads that blend beautifully for shading and texture:

You can buy mix and match based on your fabric and personal style. You can also add metallic threads for a shimmering effect!

PDF Pattern Download Link:

Maple Leaf Free PDF Embroidery Pattern

Stitch Suggestions

This leaf’s structure lends itself to a variety of stitches. Here’s a breakdown:

• Stem Stitch: Perfect for outlining the leaf and stem.
• Long and Short Stitch: Ideal for filling in lobes with gradient shading.
• Split Stitch: Adds texture to the serrated edges.

Step-by-Step Tutorial to help you bring this design to life:

Step 1: Prepare Your Fabric

• Choose a medium-weight cotton or linen.
• Transfer the pattern using a water-soluble pen or lightbox.

Step 2: Outline the Leaf

• Use stem stitch with DMC 817 or Anchor 47 to trace the outer edge.
• For a bold look, double your thread.

Step 3: Fill the Lobes

• Begin with long and short stitch using burnt orange (DMC 921).
• Blend into golden yellow (DMC 972) toward the tips for a sunlit effect.

Step 4: Add Veins

• Use backstitch in brown (DMC 801) for the central vein.
• Branch out with thinner lines using olive green (DMC 733).

Step 5: Embellish the Stem

• Stitch the stem with split stitch in olive green.

Step 6: Finishing Touches

• Gently rinse off any pattern markings.
• Press your fabric from the back using a pressing cloth.

🌟 Tips for Beginners

• Always test your thread colors on scrap fabric.
• Use a hoop to maintain tension.
• Keep your stitches consistent in length for a polished look.

Happy Stitching!

---Flora

Cats and Cherry Blossom Flowers Embroidery – Project Completed!

*This post contains affiliate links, which means I make a small commission at no extra cost to you. 

I finally finished my Cats and Cherry Blossom Flowers embroidery project, and I am happy with how it turned out!

Back in April, I shared a little progress update on this piece. At that point, most of the cherry blossoms were stitched, and I had just started working on the cats. I remember writing about how tricky it was to get the fur looking natural—it really came down to following the direction of the stitches and blending the colors slowly.

I kept a little stitch “cheat sheet” for myself along the way:

* Long-and-short stitch for shading and fur texture

* Satin stitch for the smooth buds

* Stem stitch to keep the branches looking neat

* Straight stitch and French knots for the flower center

The Finished Piece

The cherry blossoms are probably my favorite part—the pinks and whites came together so softly, and the little buds give it a nice touch of movement. 

I’m not entirely sure I managed to capture the cats’ fur exactly the way I wanted. Getting the direction and blending of the long-and-short stitches just right is something I definitely need more practice with—it can be tricky to balance the texture while keeping it soft and natural-looking. Still, I love the overall effect. The way the two cats are nestled together gives the piece such a tender, affectionate feeling. It almost tells its own little story of comfort and the bond between a mother and her kitten under the blossoms, which makes me smile every time I look at it.

This project reminded me that embroidery really rewards patience. The long-and-short stitches took forever, but they made all the difference in how soft and natural everything looks. Adding in satin and stem stitches gave just the right amount of contrast and detail without losing that softness I was going for.

If you’d like to stitch this project yourself, the embroidery kit is available on Amazon. 

My older daughter is a huge cat lover, so I’ve decided that instead of just keeping this embroidery in the hoop, I’m going to turn it into something special for her. The plan is to carefully add it as a patchwork panel onto a pillow cover. I think it will be such a cozy and personal touch for her room, and I know she’ll absolutely love cuddling up with it. It makes me so happy to imagine this piece becoming part of something she’ll use and enjoy every day, rather than just being tucked away.

What’s Next?

I’m already looking forward to starting another project soon—perhaps something with more animals, a pattern I’ve shared on this blog, or maybe even a completely different style of flowers.

I really enjoyed the mix of techniques in this one, so I’d like to keep experimenting.

Do you also have a project in progress, or maybe one waiting in your “to-stitch” list? I’d love to hear what you’re working on. Please feel free to share your current or upcoming embroidery projects in the comments. It’s always inspiring to see what others are creating with needle and thread!

Happy Stitching!

---Flora

Free Monstera Plant Embroidery Pattern

If you’re a fan of greenery and stitching, this free monstera plant embroidery pattern is perfect for you! The Monstera, with its iconic split leaves, brings a touch of tropical elegance to any embroidery project. Whether you’re stitching a gift for a friend who loves plants or creating a home décor piece, this pattern is versatile and beginner-friendly.

Pattern download link is given below.

Thread Color Suggestions

DMC Thread Colors (Leaves & Pot):

* 3364 – Pine Green (leaves)

* 3363 – Fern Green (leaves)

* 3348 – Bright Leaf Green (leaves)

* 367 – Pale Green (leaves)

* 310 – Black (for outlines)

* 817 – Coral Red (plant pot)

* 921 – Medium Orange (plant pot shading)

* 740 – Light Orange/Yellow (plant pot highlights)

Anchor Thread Colors (Leaves & Pot)

* 226 – Deep Green (leaves)

* 225 – Medium Green (leaves)

* 224 – Light Green (leaves)

* 229 – Very Light Green (leaves)

* 403 – Black (for outlines)

* 46 – Coral Red (plant pot)

* 44 – Medium Orange (plant pot shading)

* 306 – Light Yellow/Orange (plant pot highlights)

Using these thread colors ensures your monstera embroidery has depth and realism while keeping it bright and cheerful.

For an added touch of elegance, you can trace the outline of the pattern using an outline stitch, just like in traditional redwork embroidery. This technique not only defines the shapes beautifully but also adds a classic, hand-stitched charm to your design. 

Stitch Guide

This pattern uses a combination of simple stitches:

* Backstitch: For outlining the leaves and stems.

* Long and Short Stitch: To fill in the solid areas of the leaves.

* Stem Stitch: For smooth, curving lines on the stems.

Download Link

You can download PDF version of the pattern by clicking the link below:

Download the Monstera Plant Embroidery Pattern

Embroidery Tutorial

1. Transfer the Pattern: Use a water-soluble pen to trace the monstera design onto your fabric.

2. Start with the Leaves: Begin with the largest leaf using satin stitch, layering darker colors for shadowed areas.

3. Add the Stems: Use stem stitch in the appropriate green to create natural curves connecting the leaves.

4. Outline the Leaves: Backstitch around the leaf edges for definition.

5. Plant Pot: Use long and short stitch to create shading for a 3D effect on the pot.

Where and How to Use This Pattern

* Home Décor: Frame it for a tropical wall display, or stitch it on a pillow cover for a cozy, botanical touch.

* Accessories: Add it to tote bags, aprons, or even denim jackets.

* Gifts: Create a personalized handmade gift for plant lovers or craft enthusiasts.

* Seasonal Projects: Perfect for spring and summer-themed embroidery collections.

Girl with Coffee – Free Embroidery Pattern

There’s something magical about slow autumn mornings with a warm cup of coffee in hand. This free embroidery pattern captures that cozy feeling in the simplest way – a quiet moment, a thoughtful gaze, and the beauty of falling leaves. 🍂☕✨

Whether you’re an embroidery beginner or an experienced stitcher, this design is perfect for anyone who loves calming, modern line-art patterns. The clean outlines make it beginner-friendly, while the details in the hair and leaves add enough variety to keep it fun and relaxing.

The Girl with Coffee embroidery pattern is simple, modern, and beginner-friendly — perfect for stitching while you sip your own cup of coffee or tea. 💛

Why You’ll Love This Pattern

• Minimalist line-art style
• Touch of autumn with colorful leaves
• Perfect gift idea for coffee lovers
• Beginner-friendly, but versatile for advanced stitchers too

Suggested Stitches

Backstitch – for the main outlines

Satin stitch – to fill the coffee and leaves

French knots – for tiny accents (like jewelry or details in the hair, if you’d like to add them)

Materials You’ll Need

* Embroidery hoop (6–8 inch recommended)

* Cotton fabric (light-colored works best)

* Embroidery floss in: black, brown, golden yellow, green, and orange

* Needle & scissors

Tips for Stitching

• Keep your stitches neat and even for the outline to maintain that clean line-art look.
• Experiment with thread colors for the leaves – you can go for autumn shades, or even a pastel spring palette if you’d like to give it a different seasonal mood.
• If you prefer a minimal look, you can stitch only the outlines and leave the coffee and leaves unfilled.

Save the Girl with Coffee Free Embroidery Pattern. Print it, transfer it to your fabric, and enjoy some cozy stitching time!

Happy stitching!

---Flora

Whimsical Halloween Ghost Free Embroidery Pattern: Tutorial + Thread Guide

Looking for a charming Halloween project that’s equal parts -- spooky and sweet? This embroidery pattern featuring a smiling ghost peeking from behind pumpkins and a stack of books is perfect for cozy autumn stitching. Whether you're a seasoned embroiderer or just starting out, this guide will walk you through everything you need to bring this delightful design to life.

 Thread Color Suggestions:

To capture the warm, vintage charm of the illustration, here are recommended DMC thread colors:

DMC Thread Color Suggestions

Adjust colors to match your personal palette or floss stash!

Stitch Guide:

Here’s a breakdown of stitches to use for each part of the design:

Ghost Body: Long and short stitch for soft shading and texture.

Ghost Face: Satin stitch for the eyes and cheeks; backstitch for the smile.

Pumpkins: Split stitch for outlines; satin stitch for filling the body.

Pumpkin Stems: Stem stitch for a natural, twisted look.

Books: Satin stitch for covers; backstitch for page edges and outlines.

How to Embroider This Pattern: Step-by-Step Tutorial

1. Prepare Your Materials

- Fabric: Linen or cotton in a warm beige or neutral tone.

- Embroidery hoop (6–8 inch recommended).

- Embroidery floss (see color guide above).

- Needle: Size 7 or 8 embroidery needle.

- Water-soluble pen or transfer paper.

2. Transfer the Pattern

Print the pattern and use your preferred method to transfer it onto your fabric. A lightbox or window tracing works well.

3. Start with the Ghost

Use long and short stitches to fill in the ghost’s body with DMC 3865. Add subtle shading with DMC 3024 around the edges. Stitch the eyes and smile with black floss, and add rosy cheeks with DMC 761 using satin stitch.

4. Embroider the Pumpkins

Outline each pumpkin with split stitch using DMC 921 and 922. Fill in the segments with satin stitch, following the natural grooves. Use DMC 938 for the stems with stem stitch.

5. Stitch the Books

Use satin stitch to fill in each book cover with DMC 400, 3778, and 3799. Outline the pages with backstitch using DMC 3866. Add subtle shading with a single strand of gray if desired.

6. Finishing Touches

Once stitching is complete, gently wash away any transfer lines. Press your piece from the back using a pressing cloth to avoid flattening the stitches.

Display Ideas:

- Frame it in a rustic hoop for seasonal wall decor.

- Turn it into a patch for a Halloween tote bag.

- Incorporate it into a quilted wall hanging or pillow.

Final Thoughts

This embroidery pattern is a cozy celebration of Halloween whimsy. With its friendly ghost and autumnal elements, it’s sure to bring a smile to anyone who sees it. Happy stitching—and may your thread never tangle!

---Flora

Robin on a Branch – Free Embroidery Pattern with Stitch Guide & Thread Color Tips

 

Bring a breath of woodland charm to your embroidery with this delightful **Robin on a Branch** pattern! This design captures a serene robin perched gracefully among maple leaves—perfect for beginners and seasoned stitchers alike who love nature-inspired projects.

What You’ll Need:

 

Embroidery hoop (6" recommended)

Embroidery floss (see color suggestions below)

Embroidery needle

Fabric (linen or cotton)

Pattern transfer tools (carbon paper, iron-on pen, or lightbox)

Scissors

Embroidery stand (optional)

 

Thread Color Suggestions:

 

DMC Thread Color Suggestions:

 

347 – Very Dark Salmon (for the robin's red breast)

606 – Bright Orange-Red (optional variation for a brighter breast)

3031 – Mocha Brown (for the back and shading of the body)

3799 – Very Dark Gray (for wings and tail)

844 – Brown Gray (for feather texture)

3865 – Winter White (for the underbelly and eye highlight)

310 – Black (for the eye)

783 – Topaz (for the beak)

435 – Light Brown (alternative for a warmer beak tone)

740 – Bright Autumn Gold

921 – Deep Burnt Orange

817 – Rustic Brick Red

801 – Rich Walnut Brown

838 – Brown (for the branch)

898 – Dark Coffee Brown (for bark texture or shading)

 

Anchor Thread Color Suggestions (DMC Equivalents):

 

38 – Red (equivalent to DMC 347)

333 – Bright Orange (equivalent to DMC 606)

382 – Dark Mocha Brown (equivalent to DMC 3031)

236 – Charcoal Gray (equivalent to DMC 3799)

400 – Brown Gray (equivalent to DMC 844)

2 – White (equivalent to DMC 3865)

403 – Black (equivalent to DMC 310)

306 – Topaz (equivalent to DMC 783)

372 – Light Brown (equivalent to DMC 435)

295 – Vibrant, golden tone reminiscent of bright fall highlights (equivalent to DMC 740)

326  – Warm, deep orange with a touch of softness (equivalent to DMC 921)

315 – Rich brick red that brings warmth and depth (equivalent to DMC 817)

356  –  Deep brown to anchor the palette and add natural contrast (equivalent to DMC 801)

359 – Brown (equivalent to DMC 838)

358 – Coffee Brown (equivalent to DMC 898)

Stitch Guide:

 

1. Robin’s Body:

 

Outline: Back Stitch or Split Stitch

Filling: Satin Stitch or Long & Short Stitch for a smooth, shaded effect.

 

2. Wings and Tail Feathers:

 

Use Fishbone Stitch or Long & Short Stitch for the feathers.

Add some subtle texture with Straight Stitch or Stem Stitch for feather lines.

 

3. Eye and Beak:

 

Eye: Satin Stitch or French Knot (with a small white dot for shine)

Beak: Satin Stitch

 

4. Branch:

 

Outline: Stem Stitch

Bark Texture: Split Stitch or tiny Straight Stitches

 

5. Leaves: 

Outline: Stem Stitch or Split Stitch

Filling: Fishbone Stitch or Satin Stitch

Use Back Stitch for the central vein and smaller veins.

 

 Tips:

 

* Use a light gray or cream background fabric for contrast.

* For added realism, blend two floss colors for the robin’s feathers.

* Add a tiny white French Knot to the robin’s eye for sparkle.

 

 

Final Touch:

 

Frame your finished piece in a wooden hoop, or turn it into a patch for a bag or a pillow! This robin design makes a lovely springtime or autumn decoration, or a heartfelt handmade gift for bird lovers.

 

Tag your finished robin with **#PerchedRobinEmbroidery** so we can admire your beautiful work!

Happy stitching!

--Flora