Embroidered roses: how to do the woven wheel stitch

If you’ve ever wondered how to stitch beautiful embroidered roses, they’re not as tricky as you might think! One really simple stitch that can add a lot of beauty and dimension to your embroidery is called the woven wheel stitch. The woven wheel stitch is also called the woven rose stitch, or woven spider web stitch, or even a woven spider wheel. This tutorial also comes with a free embroidery pattern (pictured below). The stems are done in backstitch and French knots, and the roses are the woven wheel stitch. You can access this pattern by becoming a member of the Peacock Lounge (it’s free to join), there are a selection of free cross stitch and embroidery patterns for members. 🙂

 

Gimme the free patterns

 

 

 

Woven wheel tips:

• More strands of floss (I’m using 6 strands in the demonstration) will result in a fuller rose
• Using variegated floss can create a beautiful dimensional effect
• Using the back end of your needle will help prevent piercing the fabric or the spokes of the wheel
• Take care when working around other stitches to not snag them
• If you’re making a bigger rose, add more spokes (use an uneven number) to create a rounder rose
• Don’t try to be perfect when winding around your spokes — the floss not sitting perfectly will add dimension and interest to each rose
• The length of floss used in the demonstrations was approximately 18-24″ long
• It might be easier to do your woven wheel roses first, then work the rose stems and nearby details

 

DMC colours used in this pattern: 304, 502, and 3832

 

Links to related posts:

• Transferring an embroidery design to your fabric
• How to do backstitch
• How to do French knots (don’t worry, they’re easier than you think)
• Zweigart Kingston linen (used in tutorial)