Frog & Dragonfly Embroidered Basket
Make a fabric hexagon basket with embroidered frogs, dragonflies, and a water lily. Each panel is hand-embroidered and the entire basket is assembled with hand stitching. No sewing machine required.
This design was created in collaboration with Nic from Craftapalooza. I designed the embroidered Frog & Dragonfly panel to finish into her Blossie Basket. The panel contains 7 unique hexagons with frogs and dragonflies, with a waterlily for the bottom center of the basket. Each hexagon has a pattern of embroidery stitches and sequins to embellish the frogs and dragonflies. Finished baskets are about 6 1/2 inches wide.
You’ll learn the followin stitches in this class: mattress stitch, french knot, magic chain, back stitch, satin stitch, couching, backstitch chain, pistil, blanket stitch, woven oval stitch, running stitch, lattice couching.
There’s a materials list with everything you’ll need for this project below. In the lessons, you’ll find a picture-in-picture view so you can see both the instructor and a close up view of the studio table so you can see every stitch step-by-step.
What’s included in this class:
6 video lessons
Complete instructions and diagrams for embroidering 7 hexagon panels
Step by step demos from start to finish
Large photos with close up views of the stitches
Lessons are accessible via your web browser on any device
What you’ll need to provide for this project
• You will need to purchase a Frog & Dragonfly pre-printed fabric panel for this class. It is available in my Spoonflower shop. The design fits on one fat quarter of fabric and includes 2 panels if you choose one of the wider fabrics. I recommend the Petal Signature Cotton, Cotton Sateen or Cotton Lawn for this project.
• You’ll also need 1/8 yard of a complementary fabric to complete the basket. Links for suggested fabrics are included in the lessons.
• Basic sewing supplies (needles, scissors, Clover clips or pins, sewing thread)
• The threads needed for this project are designed to be use-what-you-have. You will need 2-3 shades of green, white, and bright colors for the dragonflies. Almost any shade of green will work. You can download a list of suggested colors used in the sample here. I recommend #8 perle cotton or 6-stranded embroidery thread.
• You are also REQUIRED to purchase a copy of the Blossie Basket pattern in order to complete the project. I do not include the pattern templates or finishing instructions as part of this class. You’ll need the pattern for that.
I love beginners.
You do not need embroidery experience for this class. Beginners are welcome! If you’ve done a little embroidery before, great!
The fabric panel has guidelines marked to help with your stitching so you can make precise stitches by just following the guidelines. I’ll give you some suggestions for which colors to use for your stitches but you can be as creative as you want with colors. I demonstrate every stitch step by step. You can pause and re-watch the video as many times as you need to.
Every lesson has a comment block so you can ask questions. I will do my best to respond to your questions as soon as I see them so you can keep stitching.
Hop to it! This class works on your schedule.
In this on-demand version you work at your own pace, completing the lessons on your schedule whenever you want to stitch. There’s a comments section in every lesson to ask questions if you need help.
Want to watch a sample lesson? You can watch the “Materials & Tools” lesson for free by clicking on the “Enroll in this class” button below.
Register now.
Cost: This class is $25.
Level: Intro/Beginner
About Becka, the instructor
Becka Rahn works in a micro-studio in Minneapolis. She creates pieces in fabric and paper, specializing in hand embroidery and surface designs using recycled papers. She has received grant awards from Jerome, McKnight Foundation, and MN State Arts Board for her work. She’s the co-author of The Spoonflower Handbook, a DIY guide to designing your own fabrics and wallpaper. She is passionate about helping artists conquer technology barriers to make their work more accessible.