Spread joy! Embroidered Rainbow DIY for your door
We've been sending out a bunch of our Rainbow Threads recently, as homes across the world decorate their windows and doors with the multi-coloured symbol of hope.
We made our own little rainbow embroidery hoop - perfect for hanging on your front door or in the window to spread some joy. Here's how...
You will need:
- Some plain fabric, an old sheet or tshirt would work (ideally in light colours).
- Needle & Threads! I used the Rainbow Threads but you can use any coloured embroidery thread you have.
- Either a printer or an iPad/ smart phone to trace the design. (Or you can draw freehand!)
- Thin felt tip pen (not permanent)
- Embroidery hoop. I used a hoop about 16cm diameter. You can pick one up from Etsy and support a small business.
Firstly you can download the Rainbow Template that you will need to trace onto your fabric. Put your embroidery hoop onto the fabric where you'd like to stitch your design, and trace the template.
I found it easiest to trace the outline of the image by using an iPad screen behind the fabric- this works really well as it creates a light-box and makes the design nice and clear. You could also maybe try this method with a phone or computer screen and just note you'll need a light coloured fabric. Alternatively you can print the template (make sure the size is what you want) and then trace the lines.
Once you've marked out your design (mine was a little wobbly but does the trick!) you can start to stitch the rainbow. I just drew the 7 lines of the outline.
I used Rainbow Threads and started from the inside of the rainbow (with the violet thread first!). I did not divide the thread because I wanted a thicker line for this, and so I used chain stitch.
Continue with each colour of the rainbow in chain stitch.
After tying off each colour I left the ends hanging out the front, so that they could become the tassels at the end of the rainbow.
Don't worry if the lines are little wobbly - it adds to the charm!
Once finished add some more threads as tassels on the first half (tie them in from the back). Then trim them all to length as if you're cutting hair.
Now turn your hoop over and trim the fabric leaving about an inch around the hoop.
Use a normal needle and thread and do a quick running stitch along the leftover fabric. When you pull tight the fabric will gather and be neatly tucked out of the way - secure tightly and tie off.
Tie some leftover thread to the embroidery hoop and it is ready to hang! Hang on your front door or the window (facing out) in the front room if you want to spread a smile :)
