Light up Life Cactus Hoop Why can’t a cactus be for Christmas?! Or any time of the year at all of course - this would make a lovely Valentine stitchery too, perhaps with red or pink fairy lights rather than the vibrant multi-coloured ones in this version. This hoop uses just a few stitches - back stitch, French knots and satin stitch - all the cactus “spines” are French knots so it’s a good way to practise this stitch. The cactus and pot are appliqued and then the embroidery is worked over the top. Shown mounted in 7” hoop.
Materials
Method
● 10” square natural coloured linen or other suitable fabric for embroidery
● Trace the cactus shape onto the paper side of your bondaweb (use the template). Allow a little extra at the bottom of the stem so that it can be overlapped by the pot. Cut out roughly and fuse to your green felt. Cut out carefully, peel off the paper backing and position on your backing fabric approximately 3” down from the top edge and in the centre vertically.
● 4” square green felt ● 2” x 3” dusky pink (or preferred colour) fabric or felt ● Stranded cotton floss in light and dark green, black and colours of your choice for the fairy lights.
● Trace pot, cut and position on your fabric so it overlaps the bottom of your cactus stem. When you’re happy with the positioning fuse into place with a hot iron protecting your work with a cloth if necessary.
● 7” embroidery hoop ● Bondaweb
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