What is a Sticky Sampler?

This is a process I came up with after lots of trials and errors that evolved from the Stitchdoodles Advent Calender.

In order that those of you joining in with the Advent Calender fully understand the process – I thought it would be fun to do a mini version as a practice session and hey presto! here we are.

I love to stitch leaves and with them falling all around me at the moment due to the copious amount of trees in our garden, I thought these would be the perfect choice for a mini sampler.

Say hello to the…

Leaves Mini Sticky Sampler

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What’s the Point of the Sticky Bit?!

The Sticky Bit comes from using the wonderful Sticky Fabri Water Soluble Stabiliser. This is great for stitching on thick fabrics and for tricky designs you just want to print out but for me, this was perfect for a ‘Mystery’ Element.

The idea behind this tutorial was so that I can show you how the Advent Calender will work in December. Otherwise you could just trace the complete design on to the fabric and bypass the Sticky Fabri bit! (feel free to do this if you are not intending to join in with the Advent Calender and don’t want to learn the process!)

This is such a simple pattern to do but so rewarding as the end result is a beautiful leaf sampler that is about 4 inches square – perfect for a coaster, pin cushion or simple wall art.

Would you like to stitch this leaf sampler?

You will need the following…

• 10 inch piece of Cotton Fabric
• 10 inch piece of stabiliser fabric (calico)
• Frixion Pen
• Sulky Sticky Fabri Solvy Stabiliser – 1/2 sheet
• Needle, Embroidery Scissors
• Applique Pins
• Stranded Embroidery Thread
• 6 inch Hoop

You will also need the Pattern Template…

You can access the template for FREE (!) from the Stitchdoodles Pattern Resource Library – you can get access to this through the link at the bottom of this post. There is lot’s more fabulous and FREE stitcheries in there as well.

How to Stitch the Leaves Mini Sampler

Step 1

Download the template, print and then trace on to your fabric with a ruler and frixion pen. You can see how to do this in more detail here.

Using the template guide – write on the correct numbers for each block in erasable Frixion Pen. Hoop up the design with your stabiliser fabric behind the main one – make sure it is nice and tight ready for stitching.

Step 2

Download the leaf template motif’s and trace on to your sheet of Sticky Fabri Solvy (trace on to the textured side – not the paper backing)…

Step 3

Cut out the Leaves with at least a 1/4inch border around the edge…

Step 4

Take leaf 1 (they are numbered on the template page), and then peel off the backing from the Sticki Fabri and stick the motif inside the box numbered 1 on the main template (make sure it sits inside the edges – not resting on any). Pin in place if desired.

Step 5

Stitch the Motif however you want or follow the stitch guide below.

Step 6

When complete – lift up the edges of the Sticky Fabri and with sharp embroidery scissors – carefully cut off the excess…

Repeat with Leaf number 2…

Continue adding the correct numbered leaf to the same numbered block and stitch away until all the blocks have their leaf stitched inside.

Stitch Guide

I haven’t given the thread colour numbers because you can use any greens or even browns or oranges if preferred.

Use 2 strands throughout apart from the centre wreath which is stitched with 1 strand.

Stitching the Block Edges

Use running stitch and 2 strands to stitch the block edges.

Removing the Sticky Fabri Solvy

• Keep your stitching tight in the frame
• Hold under a tap of luke warm running water
• The solvy will start to dissolve – make sure the water is luke warm
• Move the pattern around so that each area is dissolved and use a soft small brush to gently help remove any stubborn bits
• Once all the sulky has dissolved press dry between 2 towels gently
• Leave to dry
• Once dry remove from the hoop
• Iron to remove any Frixion Pen marks that may remain.

All done!

I really hope you have enjoyed stitching this mini leaf sampler and would love to see your finished creation. If you are joining in with the Advent Calendar then this should have you understanding the process and excited for when it begins on the 1st December!

Show us your fabulous stitching – tag me on Instagram with #stitchdoodlesembroidery, post some pics in the Happy Stitching FB Group or send me your photos to nicola@stitchdoodles.com and I will include them here with your permission.

Want to download the Free Template for the Leaf Sampler Pattern