Floral Alphabet: Stitching the Letter

Welcome back to the Floral Alphabet project! Time to get more stitching done and move the floral letter project forward. We already stitched the leaves, today we’ll be stitching the letter. Let’s get started!

The Floral Alphabet project is part of my Stitch a Long Series currently running as a free class via email, during which we are stitching together from start to finish the letter H.

For an introduction to embroidering letters, you can check my other article on how to embroidery letters for beginners.

WATCH THE VIDEO TUTORIAL

Here’s a short video I put together where I explain how to approach the Padded Satin Stitch and share a few tips on how to stitch the raised letter.

STITCHING THE LETTER

STITCHES USED: Padded Satin Stitch and Split Stitch

In order to create a raised effect for the letter, we will be adding padding under the Satin Stitch. This will create a nice three-dimensional effect and it’ll make our letter look like is raised above the fabric.

The padding and the Satin Stitch should always form a 90 degrees angle. So if the padding is stitched horizontally, then the Satin Stitch should be stitched vertically.

We will stitch the padding using four strands of thread and Split Stitch and then stitch the Satin Stitch on top using just one strand of thread.

1. First, outline the letter with Split Stitch, this will define the letter and hug the padding.

Use four strands of DMC Blanc.

2. Fill the different sections of the letter with Split Stitch. For the long vertical section of the letter, stitch the Split Stitch vertically.

3. For the small serifs at the top/bottom and for the horizontal section of the letter, stitch the Split Stitch horizontally.

4. Stitch the Satin Stitch on top of the padding using one strand of DMC Blanc. Remember the 90 degrees rule, the Satin Stitch should be worked at right angles with the padding.

5. A small trick for keeping a straight line when stitching the Satin Stitch, is to first hold your thread in the direction of your next stitch, then stab the fabric.

It can be tricky sometimes to keep a straight line when stitching the Satin Stitch. Here is a short video where I explain and share a few tips for a nice straight Satin Stitch.

Don’t worry if it’s not looking smooth enough in the beginning, as you build up the Satin Stitch it’ll look better and smoother.

6. Build up your Satin Stitch until the padding is completely covered and it looks smooth enough.

7. Follow the pattern and stitch around the petals, even if it’s looking irregular at this point. Do not worry, once the petal will be stitched it’ll look great.

Take your time and build up the Satin Stitch until you’re happy with the result.

In the next steps, we’ll be stitching the flower sitting on top of all the elements we already stitched.

Remember you can download the entire alphabet to create lovely gifts for really any occasion – anniversary, wedding, graduation, birth, birthday, or just a nice decor piece for your home.