Introduction: Easy Handembroidered Dandelion
The embroidery class shows there is a big interest in embroidery on this site.
I am figuring out how to make more different types of flowers than just the ones discussed in the online class and I am sure more people would enjoy a new, beginners level challenge.
All stitches I use are part of the embroidery class, so if something is not completely clear, you can check there.
There are a lot of dandelion embroideries out there, all of them are those fluff balls people use to make a wish.
The only embroidery example I found from yellow dandelions was by etsy seller KasiaJ
My flowers turned out a bit bigger and I did the leaves in a different way, but I still like them a lot.
For me this was just a practice piece, so I will only cover the embroidery itself.
You can find everything about how to finish an embroidery piece in the Instructables class, way better documented than I can.
Step 1: Tools and Materials
Tools
- Embroidery hoop
- Embroidery needle
Materials:
- Embroidery thread(bright yellow, ligher yellow, 2 shades of green)
- Fabric
- Water erasable marker (or a pencil)
Step 2: Flower Outline
My local craftstore does not sell bright yellow embroidery thread and I need it in my actual piece, so excuse the color for my example flower.
I made a drawing of the direction of the stitches on KasiaJ's artpiece. Using different colors of washable fabric marker I drew the outer stitches, as well as the inner stitches that will be a lighter shade of yellow.
To get the desired thickness of the leaves we use all 6 strands.
Cover each of the outer stitch lines you just drew with a straight stitch.
Go from the outside to the inside and inside to outside to move between the lines.
IMPORTANT: Untwist your tread, untill there is no twist left, this will make your stitches look so much more like dandelion leaves.
The next step is to put straight stitches in between the first row, it will not look like a dandelion (see pic) but trust me, it will make the next step easier and prevent from any fabric showing. These stitches start halfway down your previous row, one in between every set of outer leaves and then one in between every set of those. All the way to the center.
Step 3: Filling In
I took a different color to illustrate the next step, but you should still use the same yellow.
Start with your tread next to one of the stitches from the outer circle and make it overlap the bottom of the stitch just a little bit. Do the same on the other side and for all other stitches on the outer row.
You will find that sometimes you need an extra straight stitch in between to keep fabric from showing and sometimes when leaves are closer together you only need a stitch on one side.
Follow your instinct.
I find laying the thread on top of the embroidery to see how the next stitch will relate to the previous ones very helpful.
Use slightly overlapping stitches on the next row as well. Then use a combination of some long stitches going all the way to the center and smaller stitches to fill up the gaps.
I did this with the bright yellow one, but only used small stitches on the darker flower, see the difference?
Take your lighter yellow color (also 6 strands) and stitch the lines from the center that we drew at the beginning.
Step 4: Base and Stem
Use a stem stitch for the stem.
I leaned this stitch for the flower sampler of the embroidery class. (check there if you want it explained with video)
Stitch a straight stitch on the line of you stem, about 7mm long.
Then bring your needle back to the front on the side of this stitch halfway down and make a stitch of the same length. Do this untill you reach the flower or the spot where the base starts.
Use flaired straight stitches from the end of the stem to the flower to form the base. It is ok if these overlap, nature is not always the exact same. Just make sure to put in some extra stitches to cover up any visible fabric, from the flower down in between the other stitches.
Step 5: Leaves
For the leaves I use a darker green, in a closed fly stitch.
Dandelion leaves are a bit jagged, so I drew the shape I want to end up with on my fabric with pencil.
Bring your needle up at the end of the leaf, and make a small stitch down the centerline of the leaf, about 1/4 inch.
Then, bring the needle back up to the right side of the middle stitch on the pattern line.
Go down on the left of the center stitch on the pattern line, angle the needle back to the center line and bring it up just below your previous stitch.
Take your needle over the working thread, pull it tight and anchor the stitch to keep the loop of floss from the two side stitches held down.
Repeat this on the line you just drew
If you are a n00b like me, it is easy to first stitch the big pointy stitch in place and then finish the last small stitches, that came before it.
I tried giving one leave a different color vine for fun (this is a test piece, I might as well test multiple things) but it was a lot of hassle.

Runner Up in the
Flowers Challenge
8 Comments
3 years ago on Introduction
This is so naturally beautiful. I love it.
5 years ago
It turned out really nice, it actually makes me feel like I want to try this, even though embroidery isn't really my thing.
Reply 5 years ago
Thanks, it had been 15 years since the last time I tried it, did not enjoy it then, love it now.
It combines well with your craft crafting. I make way too little time for that (and no longer have an altar now I live with my bf)
Reply 5 years ago
Maybe I should give it another try then :)
5 years ago
So pretty! Makes me think of classic embroidery pieces :)
Reply 5 years ago
Thank you, I am considering making other clearly recognizable flowers. Like a botanical book but in embroidery.
But there is only so much time in a day.
5 years ago
Thank you so much for referencing my class! I love your dandelion - I'm going to add it to the list of projects at the end of the class. :D
Reply 5 years ago
That's so cool thank you. I am working on a big piece (for the rainbow challenge) now, I never knew I would like embroidery this much, I just wanted to learn something new.