Apparently I’m easily distracted by shiny things because when I saw some satin embroidery floss at the craft store, I decided I needed to make something with it. I have to admit, the satin floss wasn’t the easiest to work with, but I pushed through. At least it wasn’t metallic. That stuff is the worst! Anyway, I ended up making this pretty mermaid tail embroidery hoop. If you are a beginner, I recommend using just regular old floss, but if you’ve got some experience under your belt, go for the satin! So shiny!
To make this mermaid embroidery hoop, you’ll need:
- mermaid embroidery pattern – instructions to download are at the bottom of this post
- 7 inch embroidery hoop
- white linen fabric
- embroidery floss – DMC S943, S702, S959, S552, and S995
- felt to back the hoop (optional)
- dressmaker’s carbon paper to transfer the design (optional)
I was really excited to stitch the mermaid tail, although I wasn’t quite sure how to make the scales. I ended up doing a loose, fly stitch with no “tail.” It gets a little tricky when you get to the edges and have to do kind of a half fly stitch. For those, I just brought my needle down, close to the bottom of the “U” and did my best to make it work. I was thinking that some color changing floss would look really pretty here too, so that’s an option for you.
I did a few rows of each color. You could get really creative and try to alternate colors between scales.
I played around with lots of different ideas for the words, but finally settled on, “Seashells and Mermaid Tails.” The letters are pretty small, so I just used two strands of floss and a really small back stitch.
Isn’t it fun?! It’s bringing back some great memories of playing mermaids with my sisters when we were little. My girls love it!
For more hand embroidery designs click here. Make sure you also check out these 40+ adorable mermaid crafts!
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Cassis says
Hello!
Recently returned to embroidery and cross stitch after over thirty years. I’ve subscribed to your wonderful site and have to say your ideas are just lovely. I had to smile when you mentioned using the satin thread for your fun mermaid! I ordered a hundred skeins, one of each colour, from eBay for not a lot as I have the idea of trying out some stumpwork after seeing a green beetle on Pinterest. I thought I’d try the thread out on a cross stitch ukulele. I soon realized that I was running out of thread in that particular colour. So I have a maybe 89% completed piece of work ……. hmmmm …. But you’re absolutely right it’s a devil to work with. A pain to undo … (I do that a lot) as I lose my place on using a pattern … Thanks for the heads up on using metallic thread. Think I’ll give it a wide berth.
Thank you for your designs … I’m sure I saw some felt Christmas ornaments here …. that’s my next venture … in between making cards and solving the problem of the unfinished uke!!
Have a great day!
Cassis
Jessica @ Cutesy Crafts says
Hahaha! I’m so glad that I’m not the only one who had difficulty with the satin! Gotta love those unfinished projects. I might have a few of those sitting around myself. 😉 Yes, I have a plethora of Christmas ornaments to choose from. I think I have an addiction to making them. Have fun making some, and thank you for the wonderful comment!
Barbara says
Hi, I signed up to follow your blog because I am trying to learn embroidery & I liked what you’ve done. I hope this doesn’t sound too dumb, but what is color changing thread? Do you think a newbie could do this, or do you recommend something else to start out?
Thanks for any help & Happy Thanksgiving.
Jessica @ Cutesy Crafts says
It’s just embroidery floss that is multicolored. So like these ones here: https://www.dmc.com/us/color-variations-9003463.html. This one was a little difficult with the fly stitch on the mermaid tail. If you try it, I would definitely not use the satin floss. I have a video stitch along with my “Bloom” hoop here: https://cutesycrafts.com/2017/05/bloom-hand-embroidery-pattern.html. I go over the basics and walk you through each stitch in a video. A couple of people told me that was their first embroidery project, and they turned out great!
Barbara says
Thanks Jessica. I appreciate the link. Some of those blues would make pretty water. But I will start with something easier, like the Bloom. Thanks again.
Jessica @ Cutesy Crafts says
Good luck! Let me know if you get stuck on anything, and I can try my best to help remotely. 😉