How to Embroider a Rose by Hand

What Materials Do I Need to Embroider a Rose by Hand?

To embroider a rose by hand, you’ll need the following materials:

Embroidery floss in shades of red, pink, or your desired color for the rose
Green embroidery floss for the leaves (optional)
100% cotton fabric with a medium weight (around 200 thread count)
Embroidery needle (size 7 or 9)
Tapestry needle (optional)
Scissors
Fabric markers (removable)
Embroidery hoop (4-6 inches)
Thread conditioner (optional to prevent tangling)

How Do I Prepare the Design for Embroidering a Rose?

Draw a circle on your fabric to mark the rose. For a basic woven rose, draw 5 evenly spaced spokes radiating from the center, resembling a star shape.
Using an embroidery needle, create straight stitches along each of the spokes. These stitches should meet at the center of the circle. Ensure the stitches are tight but not too tight, as this can make the subsequent weaving harder.

What is the Step-by-Step Process for Weaving a Rose Embroidery?

Bring your needle up through the fabric between two spokes, near but not through the center. Begin weaving the thread over and under the spokes in an “under, over, under” pattern. Use a tapestry needle if available, as its blunt tip helps prevent snagging the embroidery thread.
Continue weaving around the circle, maintaining a consistent tension to avoid pulling the stitches too tight. Use your non-stitching fingers to guide the floss and prevent it from tangling.
Once you have completely covered the spokes, bring your needle to the underside of the fabric and tie off the thread gently to avoid pulling too tightly. This ensures the stitches do not unravel.

How Can I Add Details to the Rose Embroidery?

For added volume or texture, you can gently fluff up the stitches using the eye of the needle. You can also add leaves around the rose using satin stitches or other leaf stitches.

What are Some Troubleshooting Tips for Embroidering a Rose?

If the thread starts to tangle, use a thread conditioner or gently tease it out with your fingers or a needle.
Ensure consistent tension while weaving to avoid uneven stitches. Adjust the tension by gently pulling or loosening the thread as needed.
Be careful not to pierce the fabric or surrounding stitches while weaving. Use a tapestry needle to minimize this risk.

How Long Does it Take to Embroider a Rose by Hand?

The total time can range from 1 to 3 hours, depending on the size of the rose and the level of detail. Here’s a suggested timeline:

Preparing the Design and Stitching Spokes: 15-30 minutes
Weaving the Rose: 30-60 minutes
Securing Stitches and Adding Details: 10-30 minutes

Reference:
1. Woven wheel roses – Hopebroidery
2. 3 Creative Ways To Embroider Woven Roses – Crewel Ghoul
3. Embroidery Basics – Woven Roses – Flamingo Toes