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Overview
PROJECT SIZE: 11 x 16cm STITCHES USED: Split Stitch, Long and Short, Satin Stitch While in the beginning, I wasn’t sure if the pattern would look good on a light grey background, in the end, I think I like the grey background version a bit better. Regarding the color you choose for the background, the technique remains the same.
Tools and Materials
Let’s have a look at the materials that will accompany us throughout this tutorial. These are just the tools and materials I like to use, please feel free to use your own preferred brands, and don’t let a missing item stop you from creating. This is a project that will require either very good lighting or a magnifying lamp. While I mentioned it as optional in the tools and materials list, I highly recommend you use one for this particular project.
Butterfly Garden Embroidery Pattern – the pattern is free for personal use and available to download from my Free Pattern Library Cotton, linen or linen blend fabric Embroidery hoop 7in/18cm – I’m usually using the Elbesee brand Led Light Pad – lightbox for tracing the pattern onto light fabrics HB Pencil or FriXion Erasable Pen – for tracing the pattern (for light fabrics) Embroidery needle – size 7 DMC threads – Anchor conversion chart provided below Needlework Scissors – for cutting the thread Iron – to remove any fabric creases * Optional HP ENVY Photo Printer – for printing your pattern * Optional Magnifying lamp – the magnifying lamp will make stitching much easier * Optional Sticky Roller – for cleaning the fabric when done * Optional
Check out my article on best magnifying lamps for hand embroidery to learn the different types of lamps and find out which one is the best for your needs.
Download the Free Pattern
Download the Butterfly Garden pattern from my Free Pattern Library. To get access to the Free Pattern Library fill out the form below and I will send you an email with your password. You can read more about my Free Pattern Library here. Once you have downloaded the pattern, print the Cut and Trace file on A4 paper. The pattern you have downloaded is full size, so when printed on the A4 paper will have the exact size to fit into a 6inch hoop. You just need to have the Fill Entire Paper option selected.
Transferring the Pattern
My go-to method to manually transfer patterns onto light fabrics is using a Lightbox under the fabric and the pattern design. To transfer the Butterfly Garden embroidery pattern manually using a lightbox, you can use this simple method:
Print your pattern. If you don’t own a printer, you can trace the pattern onto a piece of tracing paper or regular A4 paper. Plugin and turn on the Light Pad Place the printed pattern (or traced pattern if you don’t own a printer) on top of the lightbox, then place your fabric on top of the pattern. Secure with masking tape if needed. Trace over the pattern’s lines with an erasable or washable tracing pen.
TIP: If you do not own a printer, trace the embroidery design onto tracing paper or baking paper with a black pen. Tape the tracing to a window, tape the fabric on top then transfer the pattern onto your fabric.
Color Palette and Thread List
As you can see from the image below, this pattern uses quite a few thread colors. To be honest, I think that is what makes it stand out. Don’t get intimidated, you can use threads you already have access to, just be mindful of the color choices. A few things I considered when creating my color palette were the color theory and choosing colors that complement each other. Take my vintage stitch color palette as a guide or use whatever brand and colors you have access to. For the entire work, I used DMC stranded cotton. If your brand of choice is Anchor, please use the conversion chart below. The Butterfly Garden embroidery pattern was stitched with 1 strand of thread. In order to separate your thread, pull out and cut about 30-40cm length of thread from the skein, more or less the distance between your fingers and your elbow. Separate one strand and thread your needle. Use a sharp needle size 7.
Stitching the Pattern
For stitching each butterfly we’ll be using the same method. We’ll first outline the shapes using Split Stitch, then fill them with Long and short or Satin Stitch. Let’s have a look at each butterfly and the order of work. Time to stitch the blue butterfly. How are you enjoying this pattern so far? Just a few more butterflies and we’re done! 5. Fill the bottom half of the wings with Long and short stitch using DMC 3825 (Pumpkin Pale). With the last butterfly stitched, that’s our butterfly garden done! I’d love to see your progress! Tag @makenstitch on Instagram and hashtag it #makenstitch so I can see your magic!
Finishing the Back of the Embroidery
For displaying my work I decided to use a wooden display hoop and use the drawstring method for the back of my embroidery. Congratulations! You have successfully completed this tutorial! I really hope you enjoyed stitching this beautiful pattern and please let me know in the comments below if you have any questions or suggestions. I would love to see your progress and how you decided to use your bag. Don’t forget to tag @makenstitch on Instagram and hashtag it #makenstitch so I can see your work! You can download the Butterfly Garden embroidery pattern from my Free Pattern Library. To get access to the Free Pattern Library fill out the form below and I will send you an email with your password. The downloaded pattern can only be used for personal projects. You can read more about my Free Pattern Library here. Happy stitching, lovelies!
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