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When they finally appeared, many people thought they were unnecessary, impractical and even scandalous
Use this snowflake embroidery mandala stitched in pure white to relax and enjoy a moment of mindful making. Snowflakes are one of the many wonders of the world, and each one is unique, so it is understandable why we can’t get enough of them.
The true symbol of winter comes to life in this delicate embroidery design created by the talented Amina K, who uses a variety of stitches along with snow-white thread to create a truly magical piece of artwork. What makes this embroidery stand out so much is the light blue fabric used, which accentuates the white thread, turning it into a magical, frosty scene.
The completed embroidery would look beautiful simply finished in the hoop and hanging up in your home as part of the Christmas decor. If you want to get a little more creative, we think it would also look lovely stitched onto a tote bag for Christmas shopping. If you can bear to part with it once you are finished, you could gift it to a loved one as a special festive keepsake.
This gorgeous snowflake design is suitable for beginners and is great practice as it uses a wide variety of stitch types. If you are new to embroidery, be sure to check out our helpful guide to embroidery stitches for beginners. If indeed you are new to embroidery or simply need a little refresh, take a look at our embroidery for beginners guide, which contains everything you need to get started on our free embroidery patterns.
This design was originally published in issue 6 of Love Embroidery and is designed by Amina K.
Embroidery stitches key for the snowflake embroidery pattern
- Seed Stitch – how to do a seed stitch
- Stem stitch – Stem stitch embroidery
- French Knots – See our How to do French knots guide
- Backstitch – how to backstitch
- Lazy daisy stitch – how to do a lazy daisy stitch
- Long and short stitch – Work alternate long and short stitches for the first row – the short stitches should be half the length of the long stitches. Bring the needle up at 1, down at 2, up at 3, down at 4, and so on. Subsequent rows are worked with the stitches all the same length, equal to the long stitches in the first row.
For more help with stitches, head over to our useful embroidery stitches library.
Snowflake embroidery fact box:
- Cotton fabric: 40x40cm, light blue
- Stranded cotton: 1 skein of white
- Embroidery hoop: 20cm diameter
- Basic embroidery kit
Free snowflake embroidery template
You’ll also need the free snowflake embroidery template.
You will need:
- Cotton fabric
- Stranded cotton
- Embroidery hoop
- Basic embroidery kit
Step 1
Transfer the design from the template onto the centre of the fabric using your preferred method. This design includes two repeating main elements of spikes and petals. All of the embroidery is worked in white stranded cotton using one strand, except for the French Knots, which are worked using two.
Use Stem Stitch to outline the petals and work all the lines of the spikes. Work the branches on the spikes using Stem Stitch and Lazy Daisy Stitch.
Step 2
Work the drop-like shape at the top of the spikes in Long and Short Stitch. Before starting, outline it with Backstitch, as this will help to keep it neat. For the first row of Long and Short Stitches, work lots of guiding stitches, as these will help to keep your stitches facing the right direction.
Next, fill the gaps between the guiding stitches to complete the first row, then fill the whole shape in the same way.
Step 3
Fill the outline of the petals using Long and Short Stitch. Keep the stitches to just 3-4mm in length to cover the curved shape of the petal outline.
Step 4
Work the small flowers inside the petals, using Stem Stitch for the stems and Lazy Daisy Stitch for the leaves. Work around a cluster of French Knots using two twists. Work around the edge of the circle first and then fill the inside of the circle.
Step 5
Work French Knots on the sides and at the top of the petals using two twists. Work the six-pointed star at the centre of the design in Straight Stitch using one strand of thread. Then, work the French Knot in the middle using two strands.
Step 6
Work the rays and dots coming from the tops of the petals in Straight Stitch and French Knots. Fill the top sections of the inside of each petal with Seed Stitch so it looks like snow is falling on them.
Stitch a sparkling snowflake
Bring the beauty of winter to your creations with this free snowflake embroidery pattern, perfect for adding a delicate, festive touch to the season.
More festive embroidery
If you love the snowflake embroidery as much as we do, you’ll delight in these other festive projects we have available. Try the merry and bright embroidery design, which will certainly add some cheer to your home.
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