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How to Frame Embroidery: The Easy Method

If you find yourself falling short at the end of an embroidery project because framing sounds intimidating… I am here to help! Learning how to frame embroidery is not as intimidating as it sounds. A few basic materials and about 20 minutes of your time are all you need to turn that embroidery piece you spent hours stitching into a finished masterpiece.

You Will Need…

Your Finished Embroidery Piece – washed & pressed. The fabric must be big enough to fill the frame with 2 or 3-inches of extra fabric for wrapping around the back. If you’re like me and trim your fabric while it’s in the hoop to keep it out of the way, be sure to leave extra if you plan to frame the finished piece.
A Picture Frame large enough to fit your embroidery. This tutorial does not use the glass front of the frame. For aesthetic reasons, I prefer the stitching without glass in front of it, and for practical reasons, it can harm the thread over time. However, if you choose to have glass on the front, you will need to use a deep, shadowbox type frame and spacers so the embroidery does not touch the glass.
A Foam Board* cut to fit the inside dimensions of your frame. Cut the board about a 1/8-inch smaller than the inside measurements to account for the fabric that will be wrapped around the edges. *If you don’t want to buy a large posterboard size piece of foam board, ask at your local framing shop if they have any small remnants.
Sturdy Cotton Thread
Push Pins

How to Frame Embroidery

Once you have gathered and prepared all your materials, begin the framing process by positioning the foam board in the center of your embroidery piece. Make sure it’s straight! Carefully flip it over so the fabric is on the bottom. Starting with the long sides, fold the extra fabric into the center. If necessary, trim the fabric to leave a roughly 1-4-inch space in between. Pull the fabric tight and secure by pushing the pins into the foam board.

Repeat this procedure on the short sides. Depending on the shape of your frame, you might need to fold the corners on a diagonal and trim the fabric to prevent it from bunching. The finished fabric-wrapped foam board will need to fit snuggly inside the frame so try your best to avoid bulky corners.

Once the fabric is secured onto the board, flip it over and do a final check to make sure it is straight.

The final step is stitching the fabric together on the back using a simple lacing technique. Start by flipping the extra fabric from the short sides out of the way. Insert a needle with a long strand of thread about a 1/4-inch from the edge of the fabric and weave back and forth while pulling the fabric tight. Tie off the thread at the end and start a new piece. Finish the lacing by folding the fabric from the short sides back over into the middle and lacing it together.

Remove the pins and the fit the embroidery board inside the frame.

Replace the frame backing, flip it over, and admire your handiwork!

Wait, There’s More!

Want to learn how to frame embroidery inside the hoop? That trusty wooden hoop you used for stitching can also serve as a fantastic frame. Learn how by visiting my post: How to Finish an Embroidery Hoop.

Stitch Life Frames

Finally, if all of the folding, stretching and lacing sounds like too much work…how about something easier? These solid wooden frames made by Stitch Life Studio are by far the simplist, most visually appealing embroidery framing option I have come across.

Available in a range of styles, shapes, sizes and finishes, these hand crafted frames allow you to simply slip your finished embroidery piece – hoop and all – behind the frame where it is secured in place with elastic bands.

Flip it over, adjust the placement, and viola, you have a perfectly framed piece of embroidery art! You can view all of the frame options by visiting Stitch Life Studio on Esty.

Happy Stitching!

Fly Stitch Embroidery Tutorial

Let’s talk about fly stitch. This tiny little stitch packs a big punch. Fly stitch is used to make fancy scalloped borders, intricate leaves, textured tree trunks, fields of meadow grass, flocks of birds, and so much more. In short, when it comes to nature embroidery (which is what we’re all about here at Wandering Threads), Fly stitch is an essential part of any stitch repertoire.

Single Fly Stitch

Fly stitch can be worked in the shape of a “V”, “Y”, or “U”. It can also be stitched in a row to form vertical or horizontal lines. Let’s start with the basics and learn a single fly stitch in a “V” shape.

Start by bringing the needle up at point A, down at point B, and back up at point C. In this example, points A & B are directly across from each other, and C is between and below those two points.

Before you pull the thread all the way through, loop the working thread under the needle. The end result will be a V-shaped stitch with the thread hanging below.

Complete the V by bringing the thread down through the fabric directly underneath the loop.

Don’t be afraid to play around with your stitches. By varying the length and placement of the top stitches (points A & B) you can create very different looks.

As the name implies, a Y-shaped fly stitch is similar to the V-shape with an added tail at the bottom. Follow the same steps as above and form the tail by extending the thread below the V. The tail can be short or long.

The final single fly stitch variation is the U-shape. Create the U-shaped fly by placing points A and B farther apart. The end result is a shallow stitch that looks like a U.

Vertical & Horizontal Fly Stitch

Connecting fly stitch in a vertical or horizontal line creates fun borders, leaves, ferns, trees, and much more. To connect the stitches horizontally, make a single stitch, move over one stitch length, and come up at point B. Proceed with the normal steps until you reach the end of the desired length. Y, V, and U-shaped fly can all be stitched into connecting horizontal lines.

To create a vertical line of fly stitch, start with a single y-shaped stitch. I’ve drawn two parallel lines to keep the stitches straight.

End the stitch with a short tail and then repeat the steps to create a second stitch below the first. Bring the thread up at point A, down at point B, and back up at point C. Notice that C is the same point where the tail of the previous stitch ended. This is how the vertical stitches connect.

Continue the vertical stitches until you reach the desired length. Just like with single fly stitches, it’s easy to change the look of vertical fly stitch by varying the distance between the stitches. Play around with it and see what kind of results you can get.

Vertical Whipped Fly Stitch

Jazz up your vertical fly stitch by whipping the center row with a contrasting color. To create this look, simply stitch a row of vertical fly stitch and then twist a different color floss down the centerline without going through the fabric.

For more info on whipped stitching, take a look at the Whipped & Woven Stitch Tutorial.

Fly Stitch in Embroidery Patterns

There are countless uses for fly stitch in embroidery patterns. Here at Wandering Threads Embroidery, it is often used to create natural features such as grass, meadows, and birds. In the Joshua Tree National Park Pattern, it turns green and brown floss into desert grass.

Joshua Tree National Park Hand Embroidery Pattern

The Vintage Trailer Summer Mountains Pattern features fly stitch as the base for clusters of meadow flowers.

Vintage Trailer Summer Mountains Hand Embroidery Pattern

The Capitol Reef National Park pattern uses long, narrow fly stitches to create a row of tall grass.

Capitol Reef National Park Hand Embroidery Pattern

And the Denali National Park Pattern turns rows of upside down fly stitch into stately evergreen trees!

No matter how you use it, fly stitch is a versatile and simple stitch that will add interest to all your embroidery projects.

Happy Stitching!

Turn an Embroidery Pattern PDF into a Gift with 3 Creative Ideas

We all know that finished embroidery pieces make great gifts, but how about gifting an embroidery pattern PDF? For many embroidery lovers, a PDF pattern that they can create on their own is the perfect gift! While a digital PDF file hardly makes for an exciting or creative gift, there are some simple ways to dress it up. I’ve got three easy ideas for turning a PDF pattern into a lovely gift that anyone would be delighted to send or receive.

Embroidery Pattern PDF Gift Idea #1: Fun with Folders!

This gift idea is simple, affordable, and highly customizable. Using a cardboard folder, a bit of ribbon and some Japanese Washi tape you can create a personalized gift in minutes.

Materials List:

Printed Embroidery PDF Pattern
Cardboard Folder
Ribbon
Japanese Washi Tape
Gift Tag (handmade or purchased)
Marking Pen

Put it all together by tucking the printed PDF embroidery pattern inside the folder, decorating the outside with Washi tape, affixing a gift tag and tying it all up with a colorful ribbon.

Embroidery Pattern PDF Gift Idea #2: Roll it Up!

Gift idea #2 is another simple and creative way to turn a PDF pattern into a unique gift. Scrapbook paper in nearly every color and pattern imaginable can be found at most craft stores and makes the perfect wrapper for a printed PDF pattern.

Materials List:

Printed Embroidery Pattern PDF
Colorful Scrapbook Paper
Ribbon
Gift Tag (homemade or purchased)
Marking Pen

To create this gift idea, simply roll up the pattern and scrapbook paper with the colorful paper on the outside. If the outer paper is longer than the inside pattern, tuck the overlap inside the rolled tube. Wrap a ribbon or some twine around the rolled gift, affix a tag and you have a super simple and attractive gift!

Embroidery Pattern PDF Gift Idea #3: Make a Kit!

For a really special gift, purchase a few additional items and turn the printed embroidery pattern PDF into a full kit with everything needed to complete the project. This idea is perfect for beginners or those who might not have all the necessary embroidery supplies. Of course, even the most experienced embroidery enthusiasts will appreciate a few new supplies.

Materials Needed:

Printed PDF Pattern
Embroidery Floss (use the colors recommended in the pattern)
Square of Fabric
Embroidery Needles
Embroidery Hoop (get one that matches the size recommended in the pattern)
Flat box large enough to fit all the items
Colorful Ribbon
Gift Tag
Marking Pen

Place all the items in the box, close it up and complete the gift with a fun ribbon and gift tag.

Happy Stitching & Gifting!

This post contains Amazon affiliate links. I receive a small portion of funds when you purchase items through these links. The price you pay is the same, and all the money goes to support this site. Thanks so much for learning and stitching with me!

5 FREE Heart Embroidery Patterns {DIY Tutorial}

Love is in the air! Spread some love around with these five FREE heart embroidery patterns! Featuring five unique heart designs, this simple PDF pattern is sure to evoke feelings of mushy, gushy love. The patterns can be stitched as a stand-alone project — either framed in the hoop or displayed in a wooden frame — or, the individual hearts will make a great addition to a tea towel, scarf, blouse, bag, and so much more.

This set of five fun heart patterns are designed with simplicity in mind. Using only five stitches and two colors of floss, these simple hearts can easily be stitched in large or small sizes.

You Will Need…

Embroidery Hoop to fit the pattern. This pattern was created for a 7 or 8-inch hoop, but you can re-size the pattern as you like.
Fabric big enough to fit the hoop for a stand-alone project, or the item you wish to embroider.
Embroidery Floss in the colors of your choosing. Two contrasting colors will yield the best results. I used DMC 816 & 761 for the hearts and DMC 3799 for the optional strings.
Free Heart Embroidery Pattern: Download and resize however you like. Pattern transfer instructions are included in the PDF.
Sewing Scissors, a Water Soluble Marking Pen and an Embroidery Needle.

Heart Embroidery Patterns FREE PDF

I have created a free downloadable pattern featuring five basic hearts. You can download it HERE, or by clicking the title above. The PDF includes instructions for transferring the pattern to fabric. Once you have your pattern on the fabric come back here for further instructions.

Heart Embroidery Patterns #1

Let’s start with a classic red heart. This simple heart is stitched with a deep red floss (DMC 816) using satin stitch. The end result is a smooth, satin-like heart bursting with color.

For a refresher on satin stitch along with some extra tips, visit the Satin Stitch Embroidery Tutorial page.

Begin by threading your needle with floss. For this size heart, I used four strands of DMC floss. If you are stitching smaller hearts, I would recommend using only two or three strands. Bring the needle up at the edge of the heart and back down on the other side. I find it easiest to start either in the middle of the heart or up near the top where it begins to curve inward.

For the second stitch, bring the needle back up right below the first stitch and down on the other side of the heart. Continue stitching in this fashion until you reach the bottom of the heart. Create a smooth finish by keeping the stitches close together without overlapping.

When you reach the bottom of the heart, flip the hoop over and thread the needle up through the back of the stitching. Bring the needle to the front at the point where the two heart “bumps” join together. Using the same method as the bottom section, stitch across and up one of the bumps. Repeat the process on the other side until you have a smooth, satin finish heart.

Heart Embroidery Patterns #2

I like to call this one Heart Throb 🙂 Although this heart uses three different stitches it really couldn’t be simpler. Start by outlining the heart with stem stitch using one of your two floss colors. I chose four strands of deep red (DMC 816).

Next, give that heart some “throb” by adding small back stitches all the way around.

For a more in-depth tutorial on both Stem and Back stitch, visit my Basic Embroidery Stitches: 4 Line Stitches tutorial.

Finally, fill in the middle of the heart with a smattering of french knots stitched in a contrasting color. I used four strands of pale pink (DMC 761).

A complete guide on french knots can be found on my French Knots Embroidery Tutorial page.

Heart Embroidery Patterns #3

It almost feels wrong to call this an embroidery pattern since it hardly requires any actual stitching. All that is required are two contrasting color threads (I used DMC 816 & 761) and a little bit of weaving. Starting with the vertical lines, make a long stitch along each line.

With the contrasting thread, come up on one side of the topmost horizontal line and weave through the vertical lines without going through the fabric. Bring the thread to the back and then up again at the start of the next line.

You could be done with the heart at this point. I originally intended to only create one set of horizontal and one set of vertical lines. But at the last minute, I decided to fill it in with one more set of lines in each direction. I have kept the pattern as is, with only one set of horizontal and one vertical, but if you want to add more, simply repeat the above process between the original lines.

Heart Embroidery Patterns #4

What’s better than a smattering of french knots? How about a whole bunch of french knots stitched close together to create a fun, textured heart bursting with color. You can either use a single color thread or follow my lead and incorporate two contrasting colors. Start at the bottom of the heart and begin filling it in with french knots. Place the knots close together to create a uniform shape filled with nubby little knots. Keep the edges of the heart crisp by stitching up the edges before filling in the middle.

If you are using two contrasting colors, end the first color near the center or top of the heart. You can leave a straight or jagged edge. I finished the first color with a jagged edge a little more than halfway up. To finish, fill in the rest of the heart with the second color.

Heart Embroidery Patterns #5

While I hate to choose favorites, of all the heart embroidery patterns, this might be my favorite. Of course, the could be because the initials in the center are mine and my husband’s! The text is included on the downloadable PDF, but you can, of course, change it to your liking. Simply write in the correct letters on your fabric using a water soluble pen. You can also omit the text altogether and only stitch the plain heart and arrow. Either way, begin by outlining the heart with split stitch. I used four strands of DMC 761.

The complete instructions for split stitch can be found in the Basic Embroidery Stitches: 4 Line Stitches tutorial.

For the initials, I recommend using fewer strands of thread as it can sometimes be difficult to round the small corners of letters with a thicker thread. I used three strands of DMC 816 stitched in stem stitch.

To finish it off, stitch the arrow with a dark color — I used a very dark grey, DMC 3799. Using three strands and a back stitch I filled in first one side and then the other.

The final finishing touch is to stitch the heartstrings with stem stitch. I wanted a very fine line so I used only two strands of dark grey (DMC 3799) in stem stitch.

This last step is completely optional but if you are stitching the entire pattern as a stand-alone piece, I think the strings make for a nice finishing touch.

Want to finish your embroidery by framing in the hoop? Check out my step-by-step guide: How to Finish an Embroidery Hoop.

Want More Heart Embroidery Patterns?

Need more embroidery hearts in your life? Discover a variety of patterns featuring hearts on my Wandering Threads Embroidery Shop Page. Many of the state patterns include a heart that can be stitched in a variety of ways.

The newest embroidery pattern featuring hearts is the Love Birds Heart Tree. The highlight of this PDF pattern is a whimsical tree covered with hearts. Two love birds swing on the branches below. Visit the Love Birds Heart Tree listing in my shop to purchase this pattern.

Happy Stitching!

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