Embroidery is such a wonderful craft, allowing you to transform fabric into a work of art. For this project, I decided to try something a bit different by working on the bodice of a doll dress. I wanted to break away from my usual go-to stitch—the long and short stitch, which can be time-consuming—and explore some other techniques that could add texture and dimension to my design. This mini embroidery project gave me the perfect opportunity to experiment with the cast-on stitch, one of the most popular three-dimensional stitches used in Brazilian embroidery.
In this blog post, I’ll take you through the process of designing and stitching this beautiful floral pattern using a variety of embroidery stitches to create depth and texture. I’ll cover everything from the basic techniques to tips for achieving the perfect finish, so you can follow along and try this out for yourself.
Materials Used for the Project:
* Doll dress bodice (I used cotton fabric for this particular project, but you could choose any fabric you prefer)
* Embroidery floss in multiple colors (shades of pink, blue, green)
* Embroidery needles (size 7 or 9)
* Embroidery hoop (optional, but useful for keeping the fabric taut)
* Embroidery scissors
* Fabric marker or pencil for drawing the design
Step 1: Planning and Drawing the Design
The first step in any embroidery project is to decide on your design. For this mini project, I drew a simple yet elegant floral pattern, featuring three roses, some leaves, and a few tiny blue flower bunches. The roses are the focal point of the design, with the blue flowers and leaves arranged around them to balance the composition.
I sketched the design lightly on the fabric using a pencil, but you could also use a fabric marke or chalk for a temporary outline. The roses are the central theme, with a variety of leaves and smaller flowers filling in the spaces. This allowed me to incorporate a mix of different stitches and explore how different techniques could bring each element of the design to life.
Step 2: Choosing Your Stitches
I knew I wanted to create a 3D effect for the flowers, so I chose to use the cast-on stitch for the petals of the roses. This stitch creates a raised, almost sculptural look, which is perfect for adding texture. For the flower centers, I opted for the bullion knot to give them a more defined, textured appearance.
Here’s a quick breakdown of the stitches I used:
1. Cast-On Stitch for the Rose Petals
The cast-on stitch is a fantastic technique for creating dimension in your embroidery work. It’s relatively easy to learn, and the results are stunning. I used this stitch for the petals of my roses in varying shades of pink, which gave each petal a soft yet pronounced texture.
To work the cast-on stitch, you’ll need to bring your needle up through the fabric, then wrap the floss around the needle a few times. Pull the needle through the wraps to create little loops on the surface. By varying the number of wraps, you can control the thickness of each petal. This is where the 3D effect really comes to life!
2. Bullion Knot for the Flower Centers
For the centers of the roses, I wanted something that would provide even more texture and a touch of contrast. The bullion knot was perfect for this. It’s a bit more advanced, but the results are worth it. By wrapping the floss around the needle several times and then pulling it through, you create a tiny, spiral-like knot that stands up from the fabric.
I used a slightly darker shade of pink for the centers to make them pop against the surrounding petals. This technique creates a beautiful, raised focal point that draws the eye to the center of the flower.
3. French Knots for the Blue Flowers
For the small blue flowers that I scattered around the design, I decided to use French knot*. French knots are one of the easiest and most versatile embroidery stitches, and they’re perfect for adding little textured details like flower centers or small blooms.
To make a French knot, you simply bring your needle up through the fabric, then wrap the thread around the needle two or three times (depending on how large you want the knot to be). Hold the thread taut and pull the needle back down through the fabric close to the original hole. The result is a small, lumpy knot that looks like the center of a flower.
4. Lazy Daisy (Detached Chain Stitch) for the Leaves with Blue Flowers
For the leaves near the blue flowers, I used the lazy daisy stitch—also known as the detached chain stitch. This stitch creates small, delicate petals or leaves that are perfect for creating subtle, soft shapes.
To make a lazy daisy, bring your needle up where you want the tip of the leaf to be, then make a loop with the thread and bring the needle down next to the loop. Pull the thread tightly to form a leaf-like shape. I used this stitch to create soft, flowing leaves for the blue flowers, adding a gentle contrast to the boldness of the roses.
5. Fishbone Stitch & Close Herringbone for the Larger Leaves
Finally, for the larger leaves surrounding the pink roses, I used two different stitches: fishbone stitch and close herringbone stitch. These two techniques are perfect for filling in larger areas with a textured, intricate design.
The fishbone stitch is worked by creating a series of diagonal stitches on both sides of a central line, with each stitch angled toward the center. This creates a lovely textured effect that mimics the natural look of leaves. I used this for the leaves that frame the roses.
The close herringbone stitch was used on some of the larger leaves as well. This stitch is similar to fishbone, but the stitches are closer together, giving the leaf a fuller, more compact appearance.
Step 3: Assembly and Finishing Touches
Once all the embroidery was complete, I carefully trimmed any excess threads and gave the fabric a light pressing to smooth out any wrinkles. I chose to leave the edges of the embroidery exposed for a more organic look, but you could easily finish the edges if you prefer a cleaner, more polished finish.
This mini embroidery project was not only a great way to practice a variety of stitches but also a perfect opportunity to try out the cast-on stitch and other techniques like French knots, lazy daisy, and bullion knots. I love how the combination of different textures and colors brought this simple doll dress bodice to life.
Embroidery is a wonderful way to add personality and beauty to anything—from doll dresses to home decor. If you’re looking to experiment with three-dimensional stitches and add texture to your embroidery projects, I highly recommend giving the cast-on stitch a try. With a little patience and practice, you’ll be able to create stunning, textured designs that will impress everyone who sees them.
Happy stitching!
--Flora
