Re-creating a flower with a raised centre
as in the Cosmos Tutorial
The Silk Ribbon I am using is a hand dyed
Dinky Dyes 4 mm. Wattle.
One flower took less than 1 metre.
There are many varieties of Sunflowers with a varying
number of petals, but for this exercise I am creating
24 Petals.
So logically you need to average 6 petals in each quarter, slightly crossing over into the next.
1: On Main Fabric - Mark out a circle for the
Sunflower with a diameter of 3.5 cm - 1 1/4 inches
and an inner circle of 1.5 cm -1/2 inch
Button: As per the Cosmos Tutorial make the
centre of the Sunflower, by working it
separately on a piece of calico or cotton.
(Placed firmly in a Hoop ) marking the area
the same size 1.5 cms. ( 1/2 inch).
2: Using Embroidery Thread, fill the calico button
with French Knots.
Inner area: Firm French Knots, - 2 wraps
2 strands Green, 1 Strand Mustard Yellow.
Outer area: Loose Knots - 3 wraps
2 strands Brown 1 strand Mustard Yellow.
Cut around as shown.
3: With double Sewing Thread make small
tacking stitches approx. 5 mm. from the
Knots gather the calico neatly underneath,
tie off securely, so it does not loosen.
Leaving cotton and threads attached.
Put aside.
4: Main Fabric. Proceed with Ribbon Stitches
starting at the inner marked circle, and ending
with the needle just outside the outer circle.
Not every petal has to be perfect, make
some folded or twisted, for a more
realistic flower head.
5: With all the Petals completed it may not
look effective, but it will once you have added
the premade button. Place it in the centre
stitching down firmly with the sewing thread.
Add tacking stitches with the matching embroidery
threads around the outside, so that the calico does
not show through.
6: Leaves added in 13 mm. Bottle Green Silk Ribbon
appearing from between the flower petals.
For instructions on Folded Ribbon Stitch you may refer to
the tutorial on the Iris
Side Ribbon Stitch Tulip Tutorial
Another option for Sunflower is to create the Ribbon
Stitches as shown and add Seed Beads for the Centre.
Silk Ribbon Embroidery is always enhanced with
the addition of Stitches in thread.
Adding stems, leaves, background detail,
French Knots centres to name a few.
