Embroidery is having a serious moment right now, and I’m all about it. If you follow me on Instagram (@kirsten_nunez), this will come as no surprise. Stitching paper is one of my favorite ways to create altered art, especially if it involves super old vintage photos and functional items like notebooks. So when DMC Embroidery launched a 1000 Free Patterns Project to celebrate 250 years, I knew I had to check it out.  Ten new patterns are released each week (!!!), so it’s basically a gold mine for creativity and inspiration. Naturally, I was drawn to the simplicity of a Zodiac Scribble Pattern. The result? A stitched up notebook, of course. Keep reading to see how I made it!

Supplies:

• Paperback notebook
• Tracing paper
• DMC Embroidery Scribble Pattern (reverse)
• Chalk pencil
• Pencil
• Embroidery thread
• Hand needle and embroidery scissors

I used four different colors, one for each element of astrology: Water, Earth, Air, and Fire. This image is an awesome reference.

1. If you haven’t already, print out a mirror copy of the zodiac pattern. Place a sheet of tracing paper on top and outline with the chalk pencil.

2. Lay the tracing paper on the notebook, chalk side down.

3. With the pencil, scribble on each symbol with firm and even pressure.

4. Lift up the paper to reveal the transferred pattern.

5. With the needle, carefully pierce each symbol. Paper isn’t as forgiving as fabric, so this extra step creates a super useful guide. Remember, holes can’t be hid as easily in paper!

6. Thread the needle. I used three strands and tied the ends together.

7. Click on over to Netflix and stitch, stitch, and stitch some more.

8. Trim the loose ends and you’re ready to rock ‘n roll.

Obviously, a stitched notebook is just one idea. You can apply this technique to cards or plain paper for an instant work of art. And don’t limit yourself to the Zodiac Scribble Pattern, of course. Follow DMC Embroidery’s 1000 free patterns project for 10 new patterns each week. Hello, inspiration.

Happy stitching ~

xx K

FTC Disclaimer: DMC Embroidery Thread was provided by DMC Embroidery and Wool and the Gang.  All thoughts and opinions are my own; I only collaborate with and feature companies that I truly support. Thank you, DMC Embroidery and Wool and the Gang!