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Maker Team member Heidi of @sisustitchery is taking her tutorials to another dimension! Her new Fluttering Moth is literally coming out of its hoop to envoke the magic of the changing seasons. Inspired by the shifting light and weather, this tutorial combines soft textures, autumnal colors and simple stitches to create a cozy Fall project.
Have you “felt” the change in the air? Autumn is here. The air grows crisp, the nights stretch a little longer, and the smallest details, such as a fluttering moth and a rising moon, catch our attention in new ways. This project is a reminder that even as everything changes, there is comfort in the steady rhythm of stitching.
Skill Level: Intermediate
Time: 2 - 3 hours
Additional Supplies:
Fluttering Moth Template (click to download)
Directions:
1. Download Fluttering Moth Template and transfer to felt using the freezer paper method. Alternatively, print Template onto cardstock. Trace pattern pieces on felt and cut out.
Moth 1 - Oats (Body) and Guava (Accents)
Moth 2 - Guava (Body) and Oats (Accents)
Moth 3 - Blue Spruce (Body) and Jadeite (Accents)
2. Separate wooden hoop and place 6" felt square in hoop. Slide outer hoop back in place and tighten screw.
Moth 1 - Guava
Moth 2 - Persimmon
Moth 3 - Ecru
3. Place Bottom Wings on felt background. Hold in place with pins or a small amount of glue. Backstitch around perimeter using two strands of coordinating floss:
Oats - DMC 948
Guava - DMC 3824
Blue Spruce and Jadeite - DMC 502
4. Place Accents on Top and Bottom Wings and secure with a backstitch or other stitch of choice. Do not attach Top Wings to background yet.
5. Use a straight stitch to tack Antennae in place.
6. Backstitch both Body pieces in the proper position.
7. Embellish moth with beads and sequins - as many as you like!
8. Shape and trim wire to fit inside perimeter of Top Wings. Leave 1 1/2" of wire at ends for attaching. Glue wire onto the wing and allow glue to dry.
9. Once the glue is dry, assemble 3-D Wings by placing front and back of Top Wing together. Blanket stitch around perimeter.
10. Put Top Wings in place. Push wire ends though to back of hoop. Secure wire by twisting ends together. Tighten until Wings feel secure.
11. To finish hoop, trim excess felt to 1/4" around perimeter. Apply a line of glue around edge of exposed back of hoop, then press felt into glue.
12. Using back of hoop, trace a circle onto scrap felt and cut out. Place felt circle in middle of hoop back and glue in place.
Your moth is finished and looks like it is ready to flutter away!
Thanks to Heidi for designing and writing this tutorial! You can see more of her work on Instagram @sisustitchery and on her website. Stay tuned for more tutorials from the Benzie Design Maker Team!
