What’s more on-theme for Springtime than rain? I opted to stick with cute rain and pretty fabrics for this umbrella embroidery, rather than go ultra-realistic with muck, and slush, and mess, which is what Spring feels like in NS most years! 😀
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I LOVE finding ways of using up pretty felt and fabric scraps. I save any cotton fabric that’s larger than 2″ x 2″, just in case the perfect project comes along. And here it is! A super fun way to make pretty umbrellas, using a different print for each segment.
I used 7″ embroidery hoops for this project because that’s what I had on hand. But I think the design would also fit in a 6″ hoop, you just couldn’t fit as many raindrops around the perimeter in that size.
You can also play around with embellishments that surround the umbrella. I tried encircling the umbrella embroidery with a rainbow of felt raindrops, which was cute but in the end I felt was too busy. But you may feel differently! A rainbow of flowers could be cute too. Spend some time playing around and see what you come up with!
Materials
Here’s what you’ll need to make one April showers umbrella embroidery hoop:
Printed pattern – download link is at the bottom of the post. No sign-up required.
7″ Embroidery Hoop
Backing Felt (or other fabric) – approximately 9″ x 9″
Cream Felt – 3″ x 5″
Light Brown Felt – 3.5″ x 1.5″
4 Quilting Cotton Scraps – approximately 2.5″ x 2.5″ each
Small Felt Scraps for raindrops & flowers
Matching Cream & Brown Embroidery Thread
Medium/Dark Blue Embroidery Thread for text
White Tissue Paper – 4″ x 2″
Iron-on Adhesive like Heatn’Bond – 3″ x 6″
Embroidery Scissors
Fabric Shears
Iron
Sewing Needle
Hot Glue Gun – Surebonder is my fave
Note: Benzie Design has the most beautiful selection of quality felt if you’re needing a shop recommendation!
How to Make a Springtime Embroidery
Cut out the pieces according to the instructions on the pattern page.
Step 1: Rough trim the fabric scraps to fit each umbrella segment.
Step 2: Cut matching pieces of Heat n’ Bond and adhere them to the fabric scraps according to the manufacturer’s instructions.
Step 3: Use a pencil to trace each pattern segment onto the paper backing of the Heat n’ Bond. Remember to flip the pattern pieces over before you trace them, so that the shape will be correct on the frontside of the fabric.
Step 4: Cut out each segment with a sharp pair of scissors.
Step 5: Peel off the paper backings of each segment and arrange the pieces onto the umbrella backing. You may need to trim the segments to fit properly, with gaps between each segment and space around for the upcoming stitching. Iron the segments in place.
Step 6: Prep the hoop. Since I used a single layer of felt, I simple framed the felt in the hoop, tightened the screw and trimmed the felt flush with the hoop. I secured the felt in place with a line of hot glue all around the seam.
How you decide to secure the fabric in the hoop and finish the back may depend on the type of fabric you choose.
Step 7: Center the umbrella handle in the hoop and secure it in place with a single strand of matching thread and a small backstitch.
Step 8: Stitch the umbrella top in place with a single strand of cream thread and a backstitch all around the outside as well as between the segments.
Step 9: Embroider the text. Trace the text onto a piece of white tissue paper and pin it in place. Stitch the lettering with 2 strands of medium dark blue thread and a small split stitch. Dot the i’s with French knots.
Step 10: Embellish around the umbrella. I did one hoop with tiny embroidered raindrops all around the umbrella. The raindrops are tiny lazy daisy stitches made with 2 strands of thread. I interspersed two colours of raindrops randomly around the umbrella.
The other hoop I kept very simple with 2 felt raindrops on the ‘April’ side, and 2 felt flowers on the ‘May’ side.
DIY Umbrella Embroidery
Look how sweet these are for Springtime decorating! They’d be a lovely Easter gift idea too!
I Also just finished this ADORABLE silly goose wearing rain boots, and I think she complements this hoop design perfectly!
I’ve had this umbrella embroidery project half-made and sitting on my desk for almost a year, so I’m relieved I finally got it finished and shared with you!
Click here to download the pattern.
What else are we crafting for Spring?!
