Stitching Pattern: Little Owl

Today I would like to share with you one of my stitching patterns from Funky Birds series. This Little Owl was the first one I drew some time ago and it was used for the sunglasses case. She is really cute and very easy to stitch. If you have some free time and like this pattern, then let's begin.

Material

• pattern Little Owl (at the end of the instruction)
• heavy weight cotton or linen in natural colour of any size (depending on your future use of the embroidery)
• cotton fabric for owl's tummy in any colour
• pencil for transferring the pattern onto fabric
• tracing paper
• pencil
• Vliesofix
• iron
• DMC embroidery floss dark brown (838), red (349)
• small embroidery hoop, scissors, threading needle

Method

Step 1: Print out the pattern provided and trace it onto fabric using one of the tracing methods. I am using a blue water erasable pen and a well-lit window.

Step 2: Using the embroidery hoop, work the design with one strand of thread in dark brown colour. For the body use backstitch, for the eyes french knots and for the ears lazy daisy stitch. Start at the right side under the wing and work your way in a clockwise direction through legs, left wing, left ear, right ear, right wing and then move onto the face. DO NOT stitch the line that goes across the tummy.

Step 3: Remove the hoop. Gently rub off the markings with a wet cloth if using a water erasable pen.

Step 4: Using a dry iron fuse Vliesofix to the wrong side of colourful fabric.

Step 5: Trace the tummy shape from the pattern onto tracing paper with the pencil and cut it out on the line. From the colourful fabric cut out the tummy shape with the template. Mark on the back side top and bottom lines.

Step 6: Peel the paper off from the back of the tummy shape and position it inside the stitching aligning the bottom lines. Note: Fuse with the iron only the middle of the fabric piece. Trim any overlapping and fuse in place.

Step 7: Using the embroidery hoop, stitch around the edges of the tummy with two strands of thread in red colour using running stitch.

Step 8: Add some extra details. I made a small grass patch for the owl. Iron gently on the back side.

I am trying my best to write clear instructions but if for some reason you have any difficulties or questions, I would be more than happy to help. Please don't hesitate to leave a comment or email me.

Happy stitching!