Batiks always make me think of summer vacations at the beach. If you’re like me, you probably have lots of batik scraps from past projects. Here’s a great way to transform them into beautifully embellished flowers.
For this project you will need some regular Solvy, a heavy variegated cotton thread (I used Valdani #35 “Autumn”), colorful beads, an embroidery hoop, circular templates, and assorted batik fabrics.
Supplies
First, mark large and small circles on your batiks. I used a mechanical pencil, which makes a very thin cutting line. For templates, I used metal eyelet charms that I found in the scrap booking department of my local craft store. These charms are quite thin, making them very useful around the studio. My large circle measured 1 3/4″ and my small circle measured 1 1/4″.
Circle Templates
Cut the circles out and press to flatten if necessary.
Cut Batik Circles
Hoop you Solvy and lightly spray the back of the individual large circles. Position them in the hoop.
Hooped Solvy
Set up your sewing machine for free motion work. Use a coordinating color and similar weight of thread in the bobbin. Drop the feed dogs and attach a closed free motion foot. Free motion stitch each of the circles, using meandering and circular motions. Allow the thread work to extend beyond the edges of your circles. Fill each circle with stitching, creating a bubbled texture.
Free Motion Stitched Large Circles
Repeat this process for the small circles.
Free Motion Stitched Small Circles
Your completed stitching should look something like this. Notice that the thread work extends well beyond each circle.
Free Motion Thread Work
We’ll finish these little batik blooms in part two.
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N. Rene West
Time Treasured
toni said,
August 1, 2007 at 7:35 am
Oh, this was wonderful ….. the blog, the post…just wonderfl…..I’m making you one of my favorites….t
Pamela Jones said,
September 1, 2007 at 9:17 am
Thankyou so much for your talent so generously shared, your superb instructions and for your blog – the BEST
Ann Christine Dennison said,
November 11, 2007 at 12:17 pm
Wow, these are little gems, thanks for the instructions.
I love the finished picture!