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Want the wonder of changing leaves to last forever? Now it can! Fall colors come to life to stay in this Fall Leaf Mosaic from Maker Team member Kelly of @bykellyjo. The finished design looks so complex but Kelly has made the journey simple and enjoyable. Need a refresher on some of your embroidery stitches? Reference our Stitch Dictionary as you work! Like Fall, this process is meant to be savored.
Autumn leaves and Benzie felt, please! Combine embroidery with lush wool felt and glistening beads to create a fun piece of autumnal art. The ombre color scheme and variety of textures add a whimsical flair. Your finished hoop art will be perfect for fall decor or gift giving. And be-leaf me, making this mosaic is just as joyful as the finished piece!
Skill Level: Intermediate
Time: 5-6 hours
Additional Supplies:
Fall Leaf Mosaic Pattern (click to download)
Directions:
1. Cut an 8 x 8" piece of linen (or roughly 1" larger than embroidery hoop on all sides.) Secure fabric in hoop.
2. Download and print Fall Leaf Mosaic Pattern above. Trace pattern onto linen in hoop using a Frixion pen. I like to place the paper template behind the fabric and use a light source below, like a light board or window, to better see the template. Tracing lines can be removed at the end using heat from a blow dryer or iron.
Cut out Felt Cut Templates and use to trace shapes onto felt. Cut out.
3. It's time to start stitching! First, use a split stitch with 3 strands of DMC 315 to create the stem and veins of the leaf.
4. Next, the geometric mosaic shapes are added in rings working from inner base of leaf to outer edges. The lettered shapes on diagram correspond with lettered steps below.
First (Innermost) Ring:
a. Shape 1 in Rooibos; Running Stitch with 3 strands of DMC 3777
b. Shape 2 in Rooibos; Fly Stitch with 3 strands of DMC 315
c. Chain Stitch with 3 strands of DMC 3777
d. Shape 3 in Rooibos; Layer Rose Quartz beads on Rose Quartz sequins, secure using 2 strands of DMC 3712
e. Fishbone Stitch with 3 strands of DMC 921
f. Shape 4 in Rooibos; Straight Stitch with 3 strands of DMC 315
Second Ring:
g. Back Stitch with 3 strands of DMC 921; Add a Rose Quartz sequin to each stitch
h. Satin Stitch with Straight Stitch border using 3 strands of DMC 921
i. Shape 5 in Chantenay; French Knots (2 wraps) with 3 strands DMC 3712
j. Shape 6 in Chantenay; Straight Stitch with 3 strands DMC 921
k. Fishbone Stitch with 3 strands DMC 3776; Straight Stitch detail with 3 strands DMC 315
l. Shape 7 in Chantenay; Straight Stitch with 3 strands DMC 3777
m. Shape 8 in Chantenay; Back Stitch with 6 strands DMC 3712
n. French Knots (2 wraps) with 6 strands DMC 3776 + DMC 3712 (sporadic pink knots among orange knots)
Third Ring:
o. Shape 9 in Salmon; Straight Stitch with 2 strands DMC 3776
p. Shape 10 in Salmon; Straight Stitch with 3 strands DMC 921
q. Rose Quartz beads, secure using 2 strands DMC 3712
r. Shape 11 in Salmon; Straight Stitch with 2 strands DMC 3776
s. Detached Chain Stitch with 3 strands DMC 3712
t. Shape 12 in Salmon; Running Stitch with 2 strands DMC 3771
Fourth (Outermost) Ring:
u. French Knots (3 wraps) with 6 strands DMC 3771
v. Shape 13 in Apricot; Fern Stitch with 3 strands DMC 3712; add a Rose Quartz sequin to each stitch
w. Shape 14 in Apricot; Back Stitch with 3 strands DMC 3776
x. Detached Chain Stitch with 4 strands DMC 3771
y. Shape 15 in Apricot; Straight Stitch with 3 strands DMC 3712
z. Chain Stitch with 4 strands DMC 3771
zz. Shape 16 in Apricot; Rose Quartz beads, secure using 2 strands DMC 3712
5. To finish the hoop back, trim excess linen to roughly ¾ - 1" around hoop.
6. Using 6 strands of embroidery floss (any color), sew a running stitch around hoop. Pull both ends of floss so linen gathers into a tight circle on backside of hoop. Tie a knot in the floss to secure gathered linen.
7. Using a blanket stitch with 2 strands of embroidery floss, sew felt Hoop Back to backside of hoop. Make sure to sew through felt and gathered linen, but not through to front side of embroidery.
I hope you fall in love with your new hoop art! Embrace your creativity and make this mosaic your own - fill the shapes with your other favorite stitches, a different color palette or even other materials.
Thanks to Kelly for designing and writing this tutorial! You can see more of her work on Instagram @bykellyjo and on her website. Stay tuned for more tutorials from the Benzie Design Maker Team!
