Peaches & cream

Decorate a headband with lazy daisy flowers

HOW TO WORK LAZY DAISY STITCH

Step one Come up through the fabric and go back down in the same location, leaving a loop on the surface of the fabric. 1

Step two Bring the needle up through the fabric a short distance from where the thread is coming through the fabric. Catch the loop of thread with your needle and then pull the thread to tighten the loop. 2

Step three Go back down through the fabric on the other side of the loop, tacking it in place. 3

HOW TO MAKE THE HEADBAND

Step one Sew the gingham fabric to the linen along the 18cm edge and press the seam open. Working with a larger piece makes it easier to place it in an embroidery hoop. Embroider the lazy daisy pattern on the linen so the pattern is close to the seam. Use three strands of stranded cotton throughout, alternating between white and a colour that matches your fabric. 4

Step two Trim the embroidered fabric and linen piece down to 6.5x42cm, then cut a matching piece from the same fabric. Place the elastic between the two headband pieces with right sides ( RS) facing, and at the embroidered end. Pin and sew the layers, starting at the non- embroidered end. Backstitch at the beginning, over the elastic, and at the end. 5

Step three Trim the corners to reduce bulk and turn the headband RS out. Press the seams open, and press the opening seam allowance under. Insert the end of the elastic into the opening by about 1cm. Topstitch across the end, backstitching the elastic to secure. 6