Freestyle florals

Use your favourite stitches to finish this project

Sometimes it’s time to go freestyle! For this project, you can fill the Scandi- style motifs with any type of stitch or colour you like. It’s the perfect way to wind down after a busy day and find mindfulness through embroidery – you’ll finish this feeling so relaxed, and proud you stitched it in just one evening!

HOW TO MAKE THE SCANDI HOOP

Step one Transfer the template onto your fabric. Place the fabric into the hoop. Keeping the design central, adjust the fabric until it’s taut, then tighten the screw to secure the hoop. 1 Step two Choose your first colour and thread the needle with all six strands. Fill each space using satin stitch and the main image as a guide. 2 Step three When finishing off a section of colour or a thread length, thread the loose end under a few stitches at the back to keep it tidy and prevent knots. 3 Step four Continue filling in the design, colour by colour. We’ve used a combination of satin stitch, running stitch and French knots. 4 Step five To finish the design, embroider along the heart- shaped outline using running stitch and pink thread. 5

Step six Fold the excess fabric behind the hoop. Using two strands of thread and running stitch, sew around the fabric, then pull both ends to gather it at the back. Tie off the threads to secure and trim the fabric to neaten. 6