The thistle needlework project has been on my mind for a long long time, probably since I started my hand embroidery journey. Thistle flowers are full of character and contrary to their intricate look, they’re really easy to stitch. Download your free pattern and let’s get the project started!
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PROJECT SIZE: approx. 9.5x9cm (3.7×3.5in)
STITCHES USED: Raised Chain, Fishbone Stitch, Turkey Rug Stitch, Split Stitch, Satin Stitch, and Stem Stitch
The design uses quite a few stitches, which are combined to create gorgeous textures and patterns. If you’re not familiar with these stitches you can eighter follow the video tutorial or keep reading. We’ll go through the entire process step-by-step and we’ll cover all the stitches used.
Tools and materials
Let’s have a look at the materials that you’ll need for the thistle needlework project. If you’re missing some of the threads I used, you can always substitute them with the ones you have access to.
- Thistle Pattern – free download from my Free Pattern Library
- Linen, linen blend, or cotton fabric
- Stranded cotton embroidery thread
- Metallic embroidery thread
- Embroidery needles size 5, size 9, and Chenille size 22
- Scissors
Download the thistle needlework design
Download the thistle 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.
The pattern you have downloaded is full size, so when printed on the A4 paper will have the exact size to fit into a 7inch hoop. You just need to have the Fill Entire Paper option selected.
Note: If you do not own a printer, you can just trace the pattern on A4 paper, then trace it onto your fabric using your preferred tracing method.
Thistle embroidery color palette
Whether you’re stitching this pattern as a gift, or just to decorate your space, Shakespeare’s favorite flower is full of hidden contradictory meanings. Associated with resilience, protection, and pride in Celtic countries, in Victorian England, the thistle flower signified pain and aggression.
The thistle’s purple color represents royalty and it’s used along with its complementary colors, green and yellow (Diamant metallic). If you don’t have access to the D225 Diamant metallic thread, you can substitute it with a yellow-beige shade.
More color palettes you’ll love
- Romantic Landscape Stitch Color Palette
- Sakura Tree Stitch Color Palette
- Mystical Rose Stitch Color Palette
Stitching the stems
We’ll start by stitching the stems using the raised chain stitch. This stitch produces a result that resembles a braid. Thread your needle with 4 strands of DMC 3860 (Cocoa) and make a short ladder of straight stitching. Secure the thread.
Bring the needle up slightly above the first straight stitch. Slip the needle and draw the thread to the left under that first straight stitch.
Bring the needle round and again under the same straight stitch on the right, working downwards.
Draw the thread through, making sure the thread comes over the top of the loop created.
Repeat the same process to create the next raised chain stitches until you complete the length of the ladder. At the end of the last stitch, take the needle down creating a last straight stitch and secure to finish.
Stitching the leaves
Thread your needle with 4 strands of DMC 319. We’ll be stitching the leaves using the fishbone stitch. This stitch is one of the most versatile stitches to create leaves and petals.
Start at the tip of the leaf and make a straight stitch working inwards.
Bring the needle up slightly to the left at the top of this straight stitch and insert the needle down at the bottom slightly under the end of the straight stitch.
Emerge at the top slightly to the right of the first straight stitch, and insert the needle down at the bottom, slightly under the previous stitches.
Follow the pattern and just apply the same technique when you reach the irregular sections of the leaf. Continue filling with fishbone stitch until all leaves are completed.
Stitching the fluffy flowers
Next, we’ll be stitching the flowers and we’ll start with the fluffy purple petals. Use all 6 strands of DMC 3837 and stitch 2 rows of turkey rug stitch. The Turkey Rug stitch is a gorgeous stitch that creates a tuft of thread. Work really well when stitching flowers and fluffy petals.
If you’re not familiar with this stitch I have a step-by-step tutorial for you to follow in the stitches guide section.
Moving forward, we’ll want to fill the rest of the flower and cover those knotty stitches at the botttom of the turkey rug stitch. That’s why we started with the fluffy part, so we can hide them with the satin stitch.
Start by creating a split stitch outline using all 6 strands of DMC 319. This step is crucial if you want your margins to be well defined. Next, thread a needle size 9 with just 2 strands of the same DMC 319, and start building up the satin stitch.
Work the satin stitch at an angle, following the shape’s natural direction. Make sure you’re hugging the split stitch outlines and not leave any gaps between your satin stitches.
Continue building up your satin stitch until all flowers are completed.
I’d love to see your progress! Tag @makenstitch on Instagram and hashtag it #makenstitch so I can see your magic!
Adding the golden details
Lastly, it’s time for the “fun” part! Working with metallic threads is not the easiest thing, but there are a few tricks to make your life easier, and enjoy to the fullest the gorgeousness the metallic threads can add to your work.
For the golden details, I used the D225 Diamant Metallic from DMC. This is a stranded metallic thread cotton, that comes with 6 strands same as the regular stranded cotton threads. The most important thing when working with metallic threads is to use the right needle.
For the central veins of the leaves, thread a Chenille needle size 22 with all 6 strands of the metallic thread of your choice. Stitch the central veins using the stem stitch. When working with 6 strands of metallic thread a Milliner size 3 needle will work great too.
Once you completed all veins, move up to the flowers. Thread a needle size 9 with just one strand of the metallic thread and create diagonal long straight stitches across the shape. This is very similar to trellis couching, just without the couching.
To make sure your straight stitches are parallel, you’ll have to use both hands when embroidering. With one hand hold your thread in the direction needed, making sure it lies parallel with the previous ones, then with the other stab the fabric to create the new straight stitch.
Congratulations! You have successfully completed this tutorial!
I really hope you enjoyed the thistle needlework project and can’t wait to see your gorgeous embroideries. Until next time, happy stitching and let me know in the comments below how you chose to display your completed work.
Remember that you can download the thistle embroidery pattern from the Free Pattern Library. To access it just fill out the form below and I will send you an email with your password.
SIMILAR HAND EMBROIDERY PROJECTS
- How to Embroider Strawberries: Easy Straight Stitches
- How to Embroider Letters
- Cherry Blossom Tutorial Free Embroidery Pattern
- Cottagecore 101: Beginner’s Guide to an Enchanting Lifestyle
Did you try this project? Come over to our Facebook Group and show everyone your magic!
SAVE THIS FOR LATER? ADD THE THISTLE NEEDLEWORK ARTICLE TO YOUR FAVOURITE PINTEREST BOARD
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