WILDFLOWER 1 PROJECT IDEAS for Patterns + PEEL.STICK.STITCH. Packs
plant. stitch. bloom.
While PEEL.STICK.STITCH. packs are all about you and your creativity, this is the place to be if you need a little extra guidance or project inspiration! This page will continue to evolve as Sarah dreams up new applications for these designs!
project idea: Transform a shirt
Pick motifs from the Wildflower 1 PEEL.STICK.STITCH. pack to completely transform an existing clothing item.
suggested materials:
3x PEEL.STICK.STITCH. Wildflower 1 (But really, this would look good with the Wildflower 2 pack too! Or a combo. The possibilities are endless.)
A shirt you want to personalize
Scissors for trimming pattern sheets and thread
Hot water for rinsing away excess stabilizer
5-inch embroidery hoop (optional)
Needle(s) — Size 5 embroidery needles or size 20 chenille needles are great sharp options for backstitch. You might also want a size 20 tapestry needle for whipped backstitch.
suggested colors:
DMC Size 8 Perle Cotton: 310 (black outline)
This project can really be completed using any of your favorite fibers or colors as long as they are colorfast.
suggested stitches:
Backstitch
If you’re feeling fancy, whipped backstitch makes a really nice continuous line.
method:
Cut out different motifs from the Wildflower 1 pack. Spread all 5 flowers out across the shirt. Here I’ve used 3 packs for an all-over flower pattern.
Layout your favorite designs on the shirt, then peel off the backing and press the sticky side of the stabilizer firmly and evenly onto the fabric.
If using a hoop, position the inner circle inside the shirt and press the outer piece down around the pattern and gently stretch the fabric taut. Unlike a hoop art piece, you do not need the surface to be drum tight. In this instance, the hoop is there just to make it a little easier to hold the fabric while you stitch.
Thread your needle and knot one end leaving the other end loose. Begin stitching from the inside of the shirt. Follow the lines of the patterns with small backstitches. Whip the backstitch if you’d like. If you need them, you can find stitch diagrams here.
Rinse the excess stabilizer away using hot water once you have completed all the line work—if your shirt is washing-machine safe, simply throw it in!
Let it dry, load it with your stuff, and add new life into a piece of your wardrobe!
Tips:
Tapestry needles have blunt tips making them ideal for whipped stitches. The dull end is less likely to snag in the stabilizer or split your thread.
To conserve water, you can soak your shirt in a bowl of hot water to dissolve the stabilizer. You might need to use your fingernail to scratch away stubborn bits in corners. You can also toss your top into the washing machine, which will also dissolve the stabilizer.
Since this embroidery will live outside of a hoop, keep your stitches on the shorter side so they don’t get distorted. Periodically check the inside of the shirt to make sure your stitches aren’t too tight and distorting the material.
You can use this project idea as a guide for any combination of peel and stick patterns and motif layouts.
