6 Online Courses for Embroidering Floral and Plant Designs

Learn basic embroidery techniques and stitches to depict natural themes with our experts

There is no limit to creativity, and you can use needles and thread to capture the beauty of nature with its colors, shapes, and textures. In addition to creating unique pieces, engaging with embroidery allows you to relax and disconnect from the stresses of everyday life.

There are various embroidery techniques and styles. If you are learning this art, you will enjoy exploring all the possibilities available. The following courses introduce you to several artists who can guide you step by step and show you their creative processes while inspiring you with extensive reference material.

Before learning about the six courses for embroidering plants and flowers, you can review a few interesting facts about this craft to master the technique like a pro.

What is embroidery, and what are the main techniques?

Simply described, embroidery is an artisanal technique for decorating textile pieces using a needle and thread.

However, there’s a lot more to it, as this technique has a long and important history. It is an amazing fact that this art has been present in practically all world cultures over the centuries. Moreover, although the methods can vary, some of the stitches are almost universal, and the use of the needle is almost always the same.

Did you know that embroidery comes from couture? Before the industrialization of textiles people created their garments by hand, using needle and thread. At some point, a desire to decorate the garments came about to accentuate social status, or, as is common nowadays, as a form of expressing one’s personality.

In many examples dating back to the V century BC, we can observe impressive technical advancement. Most probably, various schools aimed at perfecting the technique came into existence, as happens with many artisanal trades. For example, in Medieval Europe these schools were created to satisfy aristoracts wishing to demonstrate their social position.

If you want to embark on a journey to discover its history, this post lists all the details, from Tutankamon to the 21st century. Getting to know its origin also helps you appreciate your own handiwork and motivates you in preserving this tradition.

Most popular embroidery styles

Generally, you can start embroidering freely using the most basic stitching techniques. If, however, you want ot exploremore elaborate methods, the following are some of the most popular:

- Cross stitch: usually created over Aida weave, it it is made up of cross shaped stitches that shape the design. Modern examples recreate pixel art, given the square finish of each stitch.

- Relief embroidery: using more complex decorative stitches that can add volume to your embroidery.

- Needle Painting: this technique allows for highly realistic results. Think of your needles like paintbrushes and the thread as your paint: you will use painting techniques to compose your images.

- Painting and embroidery: you can mix fabric paint with watercolor or acrylic paint to create spectacular hand-painted pieces on the fabric.

- Miniature embroidery: this trend allows for embroidering pieces as small as a millimeter.

6 courses to learn how to embroider plants and flowers

You will find a few different options below to specialize in this craft with the guidance of experts. To discover more about each course, click on the red title.

Introduction to Botanical Embroidery, a course by CoriCrafts

Layla Ortiz, the founder of CoriCrafts studio, is a specialist in botanical embroidery and works towards translating her love for plants and disconnect from the stress of everyday life.

In her course, you will learn how to embroider different types of plants, combine colors, and create additional elements to craft a unique piece with your hands. Through simple techniques, you will give life to complex compositions filled with textures and perspectives. Layla will teach you the satin stitch, a versatile technique that helps create different textures, which will work as a base for your entire composition.

Fashion Design: Painting and Embroidering Garments, a course by Ana María Restrepo

Combining crafts and haute couture, colors, embroidery, and textures to tell stories is one of the defining characteristics of Ana María Restrepo’s work. The designer and textile artist created the Amarpo brand and has collaborated with Levi’s, Andres Pajon, Onda de Mar, and other brands.

In this course, you will be able to transform fabrics and clothes into pieces of art. Ana María will teach you, step by step, embroidery techniques and painting on fabric principles so that you can make a piece with an attractive and meaningful design. Starting from your mood board, you will then transform your embroidery into loose appliques, which you can arrange on the fabric in different ways. Then, it’s time to add the paint, making the elements interact in a collage that has balance and coherence.

Introduction to Contemporary Cross Stitch, a course by Ignacia Jullian

Fewer rules, more colors. This is the idea that fuels the creations of Ignacia Jullián, a visual artist and self-taught embroiderer who has worked with brands like Levi's. Join Ignacia and discover the versatility of cross stitch with a contemporary touch.

With no previous knowledge necessary, you will discover the basic principles of traditional cross-stitching. Then, Ignacia will suggest ways to achieve a more creative and fluid style, introducing you to the freestyle cross-stitch technique. In her course, you will learn how to transform any image into embroidery, painting bright colors with needle and yarn.

Creative Embroidery: The Stitch Revolution, a course by Trini Guzmán

Trini Guzmán, an artist better-known as Hola León in the embroidery world, began to embroider in 2015. What started as an artistic exploration became a passion that empowered her creatively. She is now fully dedicated to this art, and she shared her approach to embroidery and creativity in a book called "The embroidery revolution."

In this course you will learn to use your creativity to create unique embroidery designs for altering garments, or any other fabric. She will show you materials and possibilities to enrich your embroidery work using texture, relief, and contrast. Then, you will learn to elaborate a design and where to place it to reflect your creative esxpression.

Flower Composition with Acrylic Paint and Embroidery, a course by Josefina Jiménez

Why stay with a single artistic discipline when you can combine them and generate a living composition created with mixed techniques? Jo Jiménez is a visual artist whose style is characterized by mixing materials on different supports. She makes illustrations with watercolor and acrylic and embroiders floral motifs, blurring the boundaries between both disciplines.

In her course, you’ll be introduced to concepts of composition to help you in all your creations. Then, Jo will guide you along the process of creating a floral illustration. You will be able to create volumes for all your details through the stitching. The last step will consist of hanging your piece on the wall and admire your result.

Stumpwork Embroidery: Create 3D Ornaments, a course by shan

Artista Shan Xu is inspired by the animals, plants, myths, and legends of Ancient China. When she sews, she finds inner peace while her designs come to life thanks to stumpwork embroidery.

In her course, she will teach you how to create pretty three-dimensional flowers using traditional Chinese techniques and mixing them to compose fantastical designs. You will also transform your artwork into an accessory. Shan will go through the materials and teach you both the French knot and the different kinds of stitches in double-sided embroidery. Lastly, you will turn your flower into a brooch.

Embroidery as a handicraft allows you to achieve both traditional and experimental results and can even change your life in the process. You will learn all the basics to start out in this world with any of these embroidery courses. Go for it and tell us about your progress!

English version by @acesarato

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