Embroidered Fabric Napkins

Add a fancy touch to your otherwise plain napkins! Simply use the basic stem stitch to create this beautiful embroidered ombre flower! This is the perfect project for someone just learning the basics of embroidery!

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Materials:

Fabric Napkins
4 Colors of Embroidery Thread
Embroidery Needle
Embroidery Hoop
Pencil

Step 1:

Put your fabric napkin into your hoop in the area you want the embroidery to be on. Separate the two pieces of the hoop. The smaller hoop goes on the backside of the napkin and the bigger hoop goes on top. Tighten the knob so the fabric will spring back when you touch it.

Step 2:

Use your pencil to sketch out your design. I made a flower with 8 petals so I could do an ombre with my thread. Start with the first petal, then do the one directly below it. Turn your hoop and do the next two. Turn again and continue until you have all 8 petals drawn how you want them.

Step 3:

Choose which color thread you’d like to start with. I started with the darkest color. Pull out and cut a piece about 2’ long. Separate the threads (6) in half (3) by sliding your finger all the way down the middle until they become separate. Thread your needle with the three strands together. (Note: You may need to lick them to keep them together while you are threading…gross, I know!) Tie a double knot near the end of the thread to secure in place.

Step 4:

Start with your first flower petal. Insert the needle into the bottom of the first petal from underneath the hoop. Turn your work so your thread is in your right hand (Assuming you’re right handed) and you can work on the right in a downward motion.

Step 5:

Complete a simple stem stitch in embroidery on the outline of your flower. (Want to learn more embroidery skills? Click here for Online Embroidery Classes from Craftsy)! Keeping the needle on the top of the work, Insert the needle down and up halfway up the next stitch. Repeat process turning work as needed to follow the shape you want. Once you get the top of the petal, I like to put my needle down through the work and come back up so I can get a nice point. Once you reach the end of the first petal, send your needle down to underneath the hoop and tie a knot. Cut the thread and thread the needle again using the second set of 3 strands you separated in the beginning.

Step 6:

Complete the next petal in the same thread color. When you get to the part where the petals will cross, the right one should be over the left one. Complete the petal just as you did the last one and tie off and knot.