You will need
Linen blend fabric (55% linen, 45% cotton) in a neutral colour, 20-in. (50-cm) square
Neutral-coloured felt, 20-in. (50-cm) square
Embroidery flosses (threads):
Two skeins, all six strands used, in the following shades:
- Anchor 211 (Bright Green)
- Anchor 877 (Dark Celadon Green)
One skein, all six strands used, in the following shades:
- Anchor 2 (White)
- Anchor 13 (Very Dark Coral Red)
- Anchor 209 (Light Emerald Green)
- Anchor 310 (Light Brown)
- Anchor 403 (Black)
Selection of sequins
Red velvet ribbon, 39 in. (100 cm), 1 in. (2.5 cm) wide
20-in. (50-cm) length of cord
Fabric scissors, pinking shears, and embroidery scissors
Embroidery hoops, 9 in. (23 cm) and 5 in. (12.5 cm)
Embroidery needle
Thread conditioner (optional) High-tack glue
Sewing needle and cotton thread
FINISHED MEASUREMENTS: 9 in. (23 cm) in diameter
EMBROIDERY STITCHES USED: Backstitch, Long and short stitch worked at random and Satin stitch
1. Trim the raw edges of the linen fabric with pinking shears to it from prevent fraying. Find the centre of the fabric and secure the smaller hoop in place. Turn the fabric over; this will leave the inner part of the smaller embroidery hoop visible on the surface.
2. Position the larger hoop around the smaller hoop. Take time to ensure that the hoop is cantered; you can double check by measuring the distance between the hoops at intervals around the circle. Carefully fasten the second hoop in place to create a taut stitching surface.
3. Transfer the wreath motif onto the linen between the two hoops. Following the stitch guide, work the design in the corresponding colours and stitches. Secure some sequins in place using the sewing needle and cotton thread.
4. Gather the outer fabric, following this technique.
5. Make small snips in the fabric inside the smaller hoop, cutting from the centre to just inside the edge of the hoop; this will form a series of long, thin, triangular pieces of fabric.
6. Using a sewing needle and cotton thread, stitch through the points of the cut fabric triangles and then draw them back toward the outer ring and secure them on the gathered fabric. This will expose the hole at the centre of the wreath. Take care not to stitch right through to the embroidered section!
7. Tie the ribbon into a large bow with equal-length tails and, using the sewing needle and cotton thread, stitch it to the upper part of the wreath. If you wish, you can secure the ribbon tails to the sides of the wreath.
8. Centre the completed wreath on top of the backing felt, draw around the outer ring, and cut out. Apply high-tack glue around the outer hoop and also around the inside of the smaller central hoop, then place the circle of felt on top. The felt backing will temporarily cover the hole at the centre.
9. Once the glue has dried, make a small snip in the centre of the felt inside the smaller inner hoop and neatly trim away the felt to reveal the hole at the centre. Thread the length of cord through the upper screw and knot it to make a hanging loop.
This project is from Modern Embroidery by Laura Strutt. To get more fab blog posts like this one - direct to your inbox - be sure to sign up to our mailing list here.