If you have been perusing this blog over the years or have my book Embroidery Craft: Stitching through the Seasons (2010), you may remember these little stitched conversation heart sachets. They were featured as a winter project because they make lovely little gift tokens for Valentine's Day.
These tiny potpourri heart pillows are fun to make and a simple stitching project for beginners, so with this in mind, I thought it would be nice to offer them again as an iron-on embroidery transfer.
My free-with-purchase pattern will be available on both the PatternBee Vintage Embroidery website and the PatternBee Embroidery Etsy shop during the month of February 2021.
I couldn't resist adding a few new designs. I LOVE the Kewpies. The plain heart can be stamped several times with your choice of designs to embroider. The two small connected hearts could be embroidered with sweet-heart initials if desired. Just be sure to position the motifs away from the 1/4" seam allowance.
BASIC DIRECTIONS for Beginners:
1. Cut out the test pattern--leaving a margin of paper for pinning. Cut out a small piece of practice cloth. Set iron to Medium-High. Do not use steam. The transfer ink may go through the fabric and is fairly permanent, so cover the ironing surface with an old dish towel or a single layer of heavy paper like a brown grocery bag.
2. Place the test-transfer on the right side of your fabric scrap and place a pin in the margin away from the transfer lines. (If the paper slides the lines may be blurred.) Place the hot iron on the transfer for several seconds, taking care not to scorch. Check progress; leaving the pin in place, gently lift one corner to check that all the lines have transferred. If the image is too light or places have been missed, carefully replace the transfer, matching up the lines, and stamp again.
3. Make sure to stamp the heart sachet pattern on a piece of cloth that is large enough to fit inside your embroidery hoop. For the plain heart, stamp it first, then stamp the desired motif in the middle, keeping out of the seam allowance. Plain linen, cotton muslin or another natural light-weight fabric will do.
4. Work all the embroidery before cutting the heart-shapes out. Separate 6-strand cotton embroidery floss into 3 strands for the embroidery. Basic stitches are used. Use outline or back stitches for lines; lazy daisy for leaves and flower petals; satin stitch for filling in areas.
5. Cut a 6-inch square of plain or print fabric for the backing. Place right-sides together and pin in the center. Stitch where indicated by the broken lines, starting and stopping between the dots. Trim the backing evenly to match the edges of the heart. Clip curves up to the stitch line. Turn right-side out and press from the back, tucking the raw edges of the opening to the inside. Fill with dried potpourri or with cotton balls for a firm heart.
And there you have it. Enjoy!
Lovely and so perfect for Valentines!
Posted by: Christy | February 04, 2021 at 02:29 AM