Lazy Daisy Instructions
The lazy daisy, which is a basic embroidery stitch that creates a teardrop shape, commonly forms flowers in embroidery. Stitch size and thread type contribute to the overall look of the lazy daisy stitch. Based upon the chain stitch, the lazy daisy is also called the detached chain stitch. According to "Needlework Through History: An Encyclopedia," chain stitches are deeply rooted in history, "[...] especially in Western Asia, the Middle East, and the Indian Subcontinent." Creating a lazy daisy stitch produces visually appealing results and carries on the long history of embroidery.
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Instructions
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Thread a needle with embroidery thread. Knot the end of the thread.
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Push the needle from the back side of the fabric to the front. Pull the knot in the thread flush against the back of the fabric.
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Grasp a small loop of thread measuring approximately 1/4-inch to 1/2-inch.
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Still grasping the loop of thread, push the needle back through the fabric very close to where you started. Make sure you don't put the needle through the original hole or the thread will come undone from the fabric.
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Push the needle from the back side of the fabric to the front again, inside the loop of thread you are holding onto the fabric. Push the needle through 1/4-inch to 1/2-inch away from original stitch starting point to correspond to how much thread you held onto. The idea is to stretch the loop out slightly, preserving a teardrop shape. Pull the floss firmly but not tightly.
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Pass the needle over the loop of thread and push the needle down through the fabric. This small stitch holds the loop of thread in place, creating a teardrop shape. You have completed one lazy daisy stitch. Knot the thread on the back side of the fabric and trim the thread with scissors.
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If you wish to continue to make a flower shape, do not knot and cut the thread. Instead, push the needle back up through the fabric at the same spot you did the first time. This time, you will repeat the lazy daisy steps, except that you will angle this next stitch slightly to the left or right of the stitch you completed. In other words, imagine that you are filling in a circle with lazy daisy stitches, working around to complete petals of the flower.
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Tips & Warnings
Try using narrow ribbon to make a lazy daisy stitch for a 3D look.
Once you have completed a flower with lazy daisy stitches, experiment with sewing or gluing seed beads into the middle of the flower for a sparkly accent.
Do not pull the floss or thread too tightly, or the fabric will pucker and the lazy daisy stitch will become very small and unrecognizable.
Practice may be necessary before you achieve a lazy daisy that looks right. Experiment with different thread tensions and how much thread you hold for the loop.
References
Resources
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