Embroidery… Does hearing that word conjure up images of your grandmother’s dusty needlework stashed away in the basement or attic?
Well, no more!
Embroidery has grown extremely popular in the past decade, but now with a contemporary spin. With the advent of social media, many embroiderers are achieving rockstar status in the textile world. Instead of confining themselves to traditional rules, patterns and techniques, these embroiderers are more like artists, using thread to “illustrate” or “paint” their subjects. They use composition, bold colors, and build up stitches to create texture and dimension. The resulting pieces are like traditional artworks, ready to be displayed on a wall.
While there are many amazing artist-embroiderers, two of my favorites are Sarah K. Benning and Celeste Johnson. Sarah K. Benning is considered the creator of “contemporary embroidery.” I love her work because it is filled with bright, uplifting colors and gorgeous interior compositions overtaken with lush plants. I would definitely recommend checking out her Instagram and her book “Embroidered Life: The Art of Sarah K. Benning.” The book is like an art gallery of her work and the narrative details her experiences with entrepreneurship and creative inspiration. I only have the Kindle edition at the moment (there’s no more space in my bookshelves! Any creatives and plant peeps out there who have this same problem?) One day, I hope to actually own her physical book.
Another favorite embroidery artist of mine is Celeste Johnson, of LemonMade Shop. Her work is dramatically different but just as gorgeous. She is known for her nature + botanicals + U.S. States embroidery patterns. I love her simple, clean and modern designs. Her Instagram page is a great source of inspiration if you are looking to dive into the world of embroidery.
Now that you’re properly inspired, let’s get to the main topic of this particular blog post! If you want to get into embroidery and would like to try your hand with some free patterns, I would highly recommend DMC’s website. DMC is probably the world’s foremost manufacturer of embroidery floss. DMC embroidery floss is available in most craft and hobby stores, including Michaels and Jo-Ann’s. If you don’t have a craft store in your area, you can easily order embroidery floss from Amazon.
The DMC embroidery (and cross-stitch) archive is jam-packed with amazing, free patterns. There is probably something for everyone. And did I also mention that it’s all free???
In order to download any patterns, you do have to provide an email address and sign up for their newsletter. If you don’t want their newsletter, you are always welcome to unsubscribe, but I personally enjoy seeing their emails filled with colorful textiles and brand new patterns.
If you don’t have time or the inclination to peruse through their entire catalog, I’ve condensed all of the plant-related searches here:
Food and drinks embroidery patterns (a mojito embroidery pattern? Yes, please!!)
There are many other categories of patterns too, including animals, seasonal holidays and positive affirmations. I would highly recommend checking out their entire catalog, not just their botanical patterns!
With all that’s going on with COVID-19 and having to stay home, now is the perfect time to try out a new hobby and do something creative with your time! Embroidery is probably one of the cheapest hobbies you can get started in. All you need is embroidery floss, an embroidery hoop, cloth, scissors and embroidery needles. With all of DMC’s free botanical patterns in the links I’ve provided above, you can get started with very little upfront cost. So grab your embroidery supplies, print off some planty patterns, and get stitchin’! Don’t forget to share any of your projects in the comments!
Always Keep Creating,
Heather (a.k.a. The Botanical Chick)
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