Picture this: a moment you always want to remember in an heirloom frame. New Maker Team member Maria of @surprisinglyupbeat is bringing that vision to life! Maria makes beautiful hand stitched pieces and created a tutorial for an embroidered frame that even a beginner can complete. It's a special way to display a special memory.
Embroidery is such an enjoyable craft – it’s relaxing, creative, and a wonderful way to slow down and make something with your own two hands. Are you ready to take your embroidery skills to the next level? This embroidered frame project is perfect for the beginner who has some embroidery experience and is ready to create something beautiful and display worthy. With simple stitches, a fun design, and plenty of room to add your own creative touch, you’ll turn a piece of fabric into a unique piece of handmade art. Grab your needle and thread - it’s time to stitch something you’ll be proud to show off!
Skill Level: Beginner
Time: 8 - 10 Hours
Additional Supplies:
Embroidered Frame Pattern (click to download)
Light Board - optional
Directions:
1. Download and print Embroidery Frame Pattern. Next, choose a favorite photo. The fabric and floss can be changed to better match your selected photo.
2. Cut linen to fit 8" hoop with 1-2" of fabric extending beyond hoop edge. Loosen screw to separate inner and outer hoops and place linen over inner hoop. Return outer hoop and tighten screw. Make sure to pull fabric tight. It should feel like a drum when you tap on it.
3. Use a light board or window to trace Embroidery Frame Pattern onto fabric. Tape pattern to light source and flip hoop upside down and trace with Frixion pen. Occasionally place photo in position to make sure corner placement is correct.
4. Use six strands of DMC 3822 to make straight stitches to hold photo in place. Begin by bringing threaded needle from back of fabric at beginning of diagonal line. Insert needle back down through fabric at end of line and pull gently until it lays flat. Repeat two more times for a total of three straight stitches at the corner. Try to keep stitches as even as possible. Tie off thread on backside of fabric.
Repeat Step 4 for all four corners. Tie off each corner to avoid wasting thread.
5. To create the center rose, use six strands of DMC 976 and a Woven Wheel (or Wagon Wheel) stitch. Make five straight stitches from the center outward, like spokes on a wheel.
Bring needle up near center of wheel and weave it over and under spokes. Do not pierce the fabric. Keep moving around wheel, gently pushing woven stitches together, as needed, as rose fills in. When rose is desired size, push needle through to back of fabric and tie off.
Repeat Step 5 for smaller roses using DMC 3750. Stitch roses on opposite side of frame in same manner.
6. To make leaves, use four strands of DMC 580 (or six strands for fuller leaves) and a Fishbone stitch. Bring needle from back up through top point of leaf and take needle back down about 1/3 of length of leaf. Bring needle back up close to first entry point along outer edge, then back down along center line, just below first exit point.
Alternate left and right sides of center line following leaf pattern until completely filled. At base of leaf, make final stitch along center and tie off thread on back side.
Repeat Step 6 for all leaves.
7. Use one strand of DMC 471 and a straight stitch to create stems lines along center of leaves. Make additional stitches to create veins on leaves.
8. Use the same floss and a backstitch to make stems for French knot flowers. Bring needle from back through start of stem and make about a 1/4 - 1/2" stitch. Bring needle up a short distance from the first stitch, about the same length. Take stitch back down through exit point of first stitch. Make subsequent stitches by coming up a short distance away and going back down through end of previous stitch.
9. For French Knots, use two strands of DMC 3822. Bring threaded needle up through back of fabric. Hold thread taut with left hand and wrap around needle twice. Take needle back down close to entry point. Hold thread gently as needle goes through. Pull until knot is snug against fabric.
Repeat this step for each yellow dot on pattern.
10. Use one strand of DMC 434 and a backstitch (detailed in Step 8) to stitch swirling branches. Use two strands of DMC 3779 and French knots (detailed in Step 9) to stitch pink flowers.
11. Use heat source (blow dryer or iron) to remove any visible marks from Frixion pen.
12. Remove fabric from hoop and iron, if necessary. Replace fabric in hoop so embroidered portion is now resting on top of inner hoop. Tighten screw and pull fabric taut.
13. Flip over hoop and use embroidery floss (any color) and a running stitch to gather excess fabric. Pull thread tight so fabric is gathered toward center of back and is not visible from front of hoop. Tie off thread.
14. Place photo is embroidered frame! If picture is not laying flat, use double sided fabric tape on back corners. Slide photo into stitched corners and press gently.
YAY! You did it!
Don’t worry if your stitches aren’t perfectly even. A little variation gives hand embroidery its charm. You should be so proud of yourself! You can cover your stitches on the back with felt, but I like to see the back of the embroidery. It tells a story – sometimes it’s a tragedy, but it’s a story, nonetheless!
Thanks to Maria for designing and writing this tutorial! You can see more of her work on Instagram @surprisinglyupbeat and on her website. Stay tuned for more tutorials from the Benzie Design Maker Team!
