A Leaf Sampler

What you will learn

• Six ways to stitch a leaf
• Comparing texture and coverage

Materials and tools

• 6 in (15 cm) embroidery hoop
• Light cotton or linen, 9 in (23 cm) square
• Embroidery needle size 5 to 7
• Floss in three greens
• Water-soluble pen
• Embroidery scissors

Template

1. Trace a 4 in (10 cm) vertical branch with three pairs of leaves, each leaf about 1.25 in (3 cm) long.
2. Branch: stem stitch in the darkest green, 3 strands, from bottom to top.
3. Leaf 1: outline in backstitch and add a backstitch centre vein.
4. Leaf 2: outline in running stitch, then a second row of running stitch inside the first.
5. Leaf 3: fill with slanted satin stitch using 2 strands.
6. Leaf 4: fill with stacked fly stitches from tip to base so the tails form the vein.
7. Leaf 5: fill with rows of split stitch that follow the outline inward.
8. Leaf 6: outline in backstitch and fill with seed stitch.
9. Finish the ends, rinse out the pen and dry flat.

Tips for a neat result

• Use a different green for neighbouring leaves so each stitch reads clearly.
• Write the stitch names beside the leaves in pen on a paper copy and keep it with the sampler.

Common mistakes and fixes

Check your result

• Each leaf clearly shows its stitch.
• The fabric is smooth around the denser fills.

Finishing and care

• Rinse out any pen marks in cool water before the piece meets an iron. Heat can set some inks.
• Wash by hand in cool water with a little mild soap. Do not wring. Roll in a towel to remove water.
• Press face down on a folded towel so the stitches are not flattened, with the iron set for the fabric.