Welcome to the Floral Alphabet project! Today we’ll be moving to the more exciting stage of this project and we’ll start stitching together the leaves from this beautiful floral letter. Let’s get started!
If you’re new here, 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.
Watch Video Tutorial
Use the pattern as a guide, go ahead and choose the colors you like for the background. Just make sure to choose a background color that provides enough contrast if you’re stitching the daisies in white. Regarding the color you choose for the background, the technique remains the same.
STITCHES USED: Long and Short and Split Stitch
We’ll be stitching the leaves using just 1 strand of thread for each shade and a needle size 9 or size 10. I prefer using the size 9, I find it a bit easier to thread.
If you need help when separating the thread you can check my article on How to Split Embroidery Floss the easy way.
Just a few words on the shades before we start stitching. If you ask me, color is the most important aspect when working on needle painting projects.
All leaves will be stitched using five shades of green, starting from the lightest shade to the darkest. We’ll be using the first three lighter shades when stitching one half of the leaf, and the last three darker shades when stitching the other half.
When done stitching, we’ll be outlining the shape and the middle vein using the darkest or one of the darker shades, it’s really up to you how much contrast you want to achieve.
1. For the first half, fill in the first row using Long and Short Stitch. Start with the lightest shade – DMC 472 (Avocado Green Ultra Light).
2. Continue filling the second row using DMC 471 (Avocado Grn Very Light) and a third row using DMC 469 (Avocado Green).
3. Fill the first row of the other half with Long and Short Stitch using DMC 496 (Avocado Green).
4. Continue filling the second row with Long and Short Stitch using DMC 936 (Avocado Green Very Dark).
5. Continue filling the third row with Long and Short Stitch using the darkest shade, the DMC 934 (Avocado Grn Black).
6. When done filling, outline the leaf and the middle vein with Split Stitch using DMC 934 (Avocado Grn Black). You can also add a few small details with Straight Stitch same as I did.
REMEMBER: When stitching the first row of Long and Short stitches make sure you are not leaving any gaps between your stitches.
When stitching the second row always bring your needle up through the fabric and the previous row of stitches, NOT DOWN! Going down into stitches will create little pepper marks and your work will look rough and uneven.
7. Moving to the next leaf, we’ll use the same principle as before. The first half will be stitched using the first three lighter shades: DMC 472, DMC 471, and DMC 469.
8. Fill in the other half using the darker shades: DMC 469, DMC 936, and DMC 934. Remember to start from the outside towards the center.
9. When done filling the leaf, outline with Split Stitch using DMC 934 (Avocado Grn Black).
10. Apply the same technique for the smaller leaf. Fill in the lighter half using DMC 472, DMC 471, and DMC 469.
11. Fill in the darker side using just DMC 469 and DMC 936. Since this leaf is much smaller than the others, we’ll only use two shades this time.
12. When done filling the small leaf, outline with Split Stitch using DMC 934 (Avocado Grn Black).
For the tiny leaves at the bottom, fill the shape with a few straight stitches using DMC 471 (Avocado Grn Very Light) and the darkest DMC 934 (Avocado Grn Black).
Congratulations! The leaves are done and our letter is coming to life!
In the next steps we’ll be stitching the letter, then the flower sitting on top of all the other elements. Use this pattern we’re stitching together to practice your needle painting technique, or 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.
The complete alphabet is available to download from the Makenstitch Shop, and it includes detailed step-by-step instructions.
More Hand Embroidery Projects
- How to Embroider Letters
- Floral Alphabet: Stitching the Flower
- Floral Alphabet: Stitching the Letter
- How to Paint with Thread: The Complete Guide
Did you try this pattern? Come over to our Facebook Group and show everyone your magic!
SAVE THIS FOR LATER? ADD THE FLORAL ALPHABET TUTORIAL TO YOUR FAVOURITE PINTEREST BOARD
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