Hello stitchers! I hoped everyone enjoyed thread painting the flower from Part Three. There were so many lovely colors to blend together, right? In Part Four we will be working on the center of the flower with three very different (and very textural) stitches.

If you would like to see how to stitch the previous sections of this design, click on one of the links below. You’ll find the PDF pattern, the supply list and the instructions for getting started on this design in Part One. We stitched the leaves in Part Two, and in Part Three we did all of the needle painting on the main flower.

Lolli And Grace Thread Painting Stitch Along – Part One

Lolli And Grace Thread Painting Stitch Along – Part Two

Lolli And Grace Thread Painting Stitch Along – Part Three

Stitching The Center Of The Flower

The stitches we will be using for this part are the fringe stitch (also called “Turkey Work” or the Ghiordes Knot), the chain stitch and French knots.

How To Make The Fringe Stitch (Turkey Work)

The fringe stitch is created by stitching a series of loops that are secured in place with a small locking stitch where the thread enters/exits the fabric. Below is a diagram showing all of the steps for how to create the fringe stitch. This technique is also shown in detail in the video tutorial for Part Four.

You will make two rows of fringe stitch around the outside ring of the flower center. Each row uses 3 strands of DMC Black thread. As you are making your loops, make sure they are about 1/2-inch long in order to be able to trim them in the next step.

When both circles of fringe stitch are completed, trim the loops to about 1/4-inch.

Next make one ring of chain stitching along the bottom edge of the fringe stitches. Use 3 strands of #728 for the chain stitching.

Finally, fill in the remaining space with French knots, using all of the colors used for the leaves – #3761, #3810, #3808, #166, and #470. Use 3 strands of thread for each color, and wrap the needle twice for each knot.

Video Tutorial For Part Four

Here is the video tutorial that will show you in detail how to complete Part Four:

OK, there are only a few more things left to do on this design. Join us in Part Five as we finish up this beautiful flower!