Picot stitch rose petal
The woven picot stitch is an essential technique in three-dimensional embroidery that I absolutely adore. It allows us to create stunning 3D flower embroideries by bringing the realistic curves of petals to life through carefully crafted stitched petals and leaves.
The versatility of this technique opens up endless possibilities for creating a wide range of beautiful floral designs.
The woven picot stitch is a technique where the needle thread is woven through a set of three warp threads. In this method, the needle is passed back and forth between these three warp threads, creating a woven effect.
In this tutorial, I will show you how to create larger picot petals. To do this, we will work with a greater number of warp threads. Let's explore the process of weaving a 7-legged picot and learn how to do it.
First, we need to arrange the warp threads. Take your needle and thread and bring it up from the underside of the fabric to the top. Then, choose a point on the fabric where you want the tip of the petal to be and insert a pin at that spot. This pin will determine the length of the petal.
Now, hold onto the thread on the needle and pass it behind the head of the pin.
On the fabric, locate a point that is symmetric to the initial point where the needle and thread emerged from underneath to the top. Bring the needle and thread back down underneath the fabric at this point.
On the fabric, we have successfully created a large loop resembling a reversed "V" shape. This loop is secured by a pin in the middle section. The distance between the two legs of this reversed "V" shape will determine the width of the base of our petal.
Now, let's create a narrower section within the inside of our reversed V-shaped loop.
Take the needle and thread and bring it up from underneath the fabric to the top at a point approximately 2 mm away from the right leg of the loop. Pull the thread all the way through until it is taut.
Pass the thread on the needle behind the head of the pin. Bring your needle and thread to the back of the fabric from a point approximately 2 mm near the left leg of the loop, aligned with the left leg of the loop.
Now, as shown in the illustrated diagram below, we have created three nested reversed V-shaped loops. Lastly, come up to the top of the fabric with your needle and thread at the exact center of the legs of the reversed V shape, aligned with the base.
Pass the thread on the needle behind the head of the pin
Now that you have created your warp threads, you can begin weaving.
*For weaving, it is recommended to use a thick and blunt-tipped tapestry needle. If a blunt-tipped needle is not available, a sharp-tipped needle can be used.
However, make sure to use the non-pointed end of the needle to avoid accidentally going between the layers of warp threads while weaving.
By flipping the needle and using its backside, you can achieve a smooth weaving process without piercing through the layers of warp threads.
For the first row, weave from right to left. Slide the needle and thread under the first three strings, then pass them over the fourth string only, and finally slide them under the fifth, sixth, and seventh strings, making sure to go beneath all of them except the fourth string.
Pull the thread through, but not too tightly.
For the second row, change direction. Turn the needle and continue weaving by sliding it from left to right. Pass the needle through the first, third, fifth, and seventh strings, going over them. At the same time, the needle will also pass under the second, fourth, and sixth strings.
In the third row, weave from right to left, passing under the thread previously on top and over the thread previously underneath. Continue this weaving pattern, alternating the direction with each row.
To ensure proper alignment of your woven rows, before passing the needle through the warp threads, gently push the woven rows upward to tighten them.
Once you reach the base and there is no more space left to weave, insert the needle into the fabric and create a knot on the backside. Finally, carefully remove the pin.
In the final frame, we can see our picot standing tall, free from the pin. With its graceful curve, it forms a beautiful petal, don't you think?
As you can see, when the picot stitch is created with a greater number of warp threads, we can achieve wider and more evenly woven petals.
These can be used as decorative embellishments on garments like sweaters or shawls that undergo frequent washing, as they are quite durable. We could have also created this petal with the same width and using only three warp threads, which would result in a looser structure for the petal.
To create larger or smaller petals in picot weaving, you can adjust the distance at the base of the picot and the number of warp threads. Now, let's create a smaller picot using five warp threads. You can follow the steps in the image below to guide you through the process.
Let's push the boundaries of the picot stitch technique further and create a rosebud using picot weaving. This will be a unique project. Let's get started!
Begin by weaving a long and narrow petal using the picot stitch technique with three warp threads. In my work, I made the petal approximately 1.5 cm in length.
We have a long picot petal attached to the fabric at the base.
Curl it gently from the tip using your fingers to create a protrusion in the middle, which provides a foundation to wrap the remaining part of the picot around.
When the tip of the picot aligns with the center of the lower part, secure it to the fabric by stitching it in place using a needle and thread.
Make multiple stitches at the base to ensure the rolled shape remains intact and secure.
Now, to achieve the appearance of a rosebud, embroider three small picot stitch leaves as shown in the image below. These leaves will surround the lower part of the rolled picot, adding to the overall bud-like effect
As we wrap up our set with the creation of a green picot featuring five spokes of warp threads, I hope you found these techniques helpful and inspiring.
May they bring a new dimension to your future 3D embroidery projects.
It has been a pleasure sharing this tutorial with you, and I look forward to our next encounter where we can continue exploring the world of creativity together. Until then, happy stitching and best wishes!
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