Mix creativity, fine motor skills, and STEAM (Science, Technology, Engineering, Arts, and Mathematics) with this hands-on embroidery activity. For Mother’s Day, design and stitch an embroidered flower using simple techniques that bring fabric to life. Explore patterns, textures, and design while creating a heartfelt, handmade gift.
Materials Needed:
- Embroidery floss (various colors)
- Embroidery hoop
- Embroidery needle
- Fabric
- Pencil or fabric marker
- Scissors
Step 1: Set Up Your Hoop
Choose your fabric and stretch it tightly in the embroidery hoop. Make sure the fabric is secure by tightening the screw at the top of the hoop. It will make stitching easier.
Step 2: Draw Your Design
Using a pencil or fabric marker, lightly sketch the outline of a flower onto your fabric. It will serve as a guide for your stitching.
Step 3: Thread Your Needle and Start Stitching
Cut a piece of embroidery floss (about 18 inches long) and thread it through your embroidery needle. Tie a small knot at the end to secure it. Start by making little stitches to outline the flower petals. If you want more color, fill the petals with even more stitches.
How to make a stitch: Start from the back of the fabric and push the needle up to the front. Pull the thread through until the knot at the end stops it. Decide where you want your stitch to end. Push the needle back down through the fabric and pull it through to the back.
Step 4: Add Details
Use different colors of floss to add details like the stem, leaves, and center of the flower and experiment with different stitches to add texture and dimension.
Step 5: Finish and Gift It
Once your flower is complete, trim any excess thread. Gift it to Mom with love.
Thinkery, a nonprofit and Austin’s children’s museum, brings joy to learning through play-based, STEAM exploration for children so they cultivate a lifelong love of learning and thrive. Learn more at www.thinkeryaustin.org.
