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Freestanding Applique Heart Wreath: A Step-by-Step Embroidery Tutorial for Stunning Handmade Decor
Are you ready to add a heartfelt touch to your home decor or create a personalized gift for Valentine’s Day? This Freestanding Applique Heart Wreath is the perfect project! With step-by-step instructions, you’ll create a beautiful, dimensional wreath that showcases your embroidery skills. Let’s dive in!
Supplies
- Embroidery machine (compatible with your hoop size)
- Embroidery thread (in your chosen colors)
- Stabilizer (we recommend water-soluble stabilizer for freestanding projects)
- Fabric scraps (cotton works great)
- Scissors or rotary cutter
- Hot glue gun or sewing needle for assembly
- Foam core or wire wreath base (optional for added stability)
DBJJ designs used in this project:
Step 1: Prepare Your Materials
- Download the Design: Begin by downloading the applique heart designs from Designs by JuJu.
- Gather Your Supplies: Ensure you have all your materials ready. Choose fabrics and threads that complement your color scheme.
- Hoop the Stabilizer: Use a water-soluble stabilizer to create sturdy, freestanding pieces. Hoop two layers of stabilizer tightly to prevent shifting during stitching.
Step 2: Embroider the Hearts
- Load the Design: Transfer the design files to your embroidery machine and load the specific heart pieces you want to stitch.
- Stitch the Applique: Begin with the placement stitch to mark where the fabric will go. Place your fabric over the stitching line, then run the tack-down stitch to secure it. Trim the excess fabric close to the stitching line. To add a back to the applique design, place a felt or cotton fabric on the back side of the hoop and run the tack-down again before you run the final satin stitch. Don’t forget to trim the back fabric.
- Decorative Stitches: Allow your machine to complete the decorative satin or motif stitches, which will finish the edges beautifully.
- Repeat: Stitch out multiple hearts in various sizes and colors to create a dynamic and visually interesting wreath. For our two wreaths, we made four in the 5” x 7” size, ten in the 4” x 4” size, and also made small single-color hearts that came from our machine design catalog (using a Brother Stellaire2).
Step 3: Assemble the Wreath
- Rinse the Stabilizer: Once all your hearts are stitched, trim away excess stabilizer and, using a cotton swab dipped in warm water, remove the remaining stabilizer from around the edge. Allow the pieces to dry completely.
- Arrange the Design: Lay out your embroidered hearts in a circular pattern to form the wreath shape. Play around with placement until you are satisfied with the layout.
Step 4: Secure the Wreath
- Glue or Sew the Pieces: Use a hot glue gun to attach the hearts to each other, or hand-stitch them together for a more traditional approach.
- Attach to a Base: If you are using a foam wreath form or wire base, secure the hearts to it for added stability.
- Add Embellishments: Consider adding bows, beads, or other embellishments for an extra-special touch.
Step 5: Display Your Creation
Your Freestanding Applique Heart Wreath is now complete! Hang it on a door, display it on a wall, or gift it to a loved one. The possibilities are endless with this versatile and charming design.
Tips for Success:
- Experiment with Fabrics: Use a mix of patterned and solid fabrics for a unique look.
- Color Coordination: Match your thread and fabric colors for a cohesive design or go bold with contrasting colors.
- Stabilizer Selection: Ensure you’re using the correct stabilizer for freestanding projects to maintain durability.
Share your projects with us in the Designs by JuJu Embroidery Blessings Facebook group, or anywhere on social media using the hashtags #designsbyjuju and #DBJJHeartWreath. Happy stitching! We can’t wait to see your creations!
