Wildflowers
The Spirit of the Fields Takes Shape
After the large flowers that immediately catch the eye, it’s time to add the elements that give the arrangement its unique character.
In a wildflower bouquet, the flowers are never alone: they are accompanied by grasses, wheat ears, and small, unassuming flowers that create movement and harmony throughout the arrangement. So this week, we’ll be embroidering clovers and wheat ears, two simple yet essential motifs that enhance the summery atmosphere of this project.
Clover
Crafted in soft shades of pink, raspberry, and mauve, the clovers add delicate splashes of color among the large flowers. Their plump shapes create a natural connection between the bouquet’s various elements. Embroidered using the lazy daisy stitch, they allow for subtle play with color gradients and add a touch of texture while preserving the lightness characteristic of wildflowers.
DMC 989
House of Embroidery Clematis 63B
House of Embroidery Granny 61A
House of Embroidery Wine Glow 45AB
All the clovers are made the same way, using the lazy daisy stitch. Start at the top of the design with the smallest petals, using 1 strand of thread. Continue covering the surface toward the bottom of the flower, using 2 strands of thread for the larger petals. The stitches should overlap slightly. The stems are formed of 2 rows of stem stitches using 2 strands, and the sepals are also embroidered in lazy daisy stitch using 2 strands. This first flower is made with color 61A.
This clover is made using color 45AB…
… and these last two in colors 63B and 45AB.
Wheat ears
A symbol of harvests and sun-drenched summer days, the ears of wheat immediately lend the composition its rustic character. The various shades of golden beige, cream, and ochre suggest the way light glints off the ripe grains. Their vertical form also adds rhythm to the design and naturally draws the eye upward toward the top of the pattern.
DMC 3776, 977
House of Embroidery Gold 26C
House of Embroidery Baskets 31A
Embroider a few wheat grains using the satin stitch with 1 strand of thread in color 977.
Embroider large lazy daisy stitches using two strands of thread and color 26A in some other areas. Add a bullion stitch using two strands of thread and color 31A in each stitch.
