The pattern can be executed in various ways, using different stitching techniques and multiple thread colors, to accommodate beginner or expert embroiderers. Get a head start on the November festivities by tackling this project before it’s turkey time.
A Thanksgiving Reminder to Gather
Thanksgiving is a day when North Americans gather and give thanks for their country and its bounty. This free embroidery pattern exemplifies the sentiment, complete with a basket of flowers and produce. But you don’t have to wait until Thanksgiving to enjoy this design, as its message is appropriate for the entire autumn season. This “Gather and Give Thanks” design makes a beautiful pillow decoration and works well in the center of a quilt. Add it to a plain kitchen towel or frame it either in a hoop or in a standard picture frame. Then, work this classic sentiment into your home’s fall decor or gift it to a friend or family member. This pattern uses simple stitches that should be familiar to beginner embroiderers, which makes it an enjoyable project for anyone. Advanced stitchers can add more detail or work in some fill stitching.
Gather and Give Thanks Embroidery Pattern
Materials
Linen or other embroidery fabric: A neutral background shade, like a tan or burlap color, gives a wonderful autumn feel to this design. You can also use cream or sage green linen if you adjust a few of the thread colors.10-inch embroidery hoop: Use a large hoop to prevent the need to move it around while you work, which can flatten out stitches.Embroidery floss: Purchase embroidery thread in the colors listed in the color and stitch guide below, or choose your own favorite colors, instead.Pattern transfer tool: Transfer paper, heat transfer pens, and other tools allow you to seamlessly transfer the design onto the fabric to get it centered just right.Scissors: Don’t forget your scissors for cutting thread and trimming down the extra fabric, once the design is complete.Embroidery needle: Choose the correct embroidery needle for your fabric. Lighter fabrics, like linen, require a smaller needle, whereas heavier fabrics, like burlap, call for a larger needle.
Pattern Transfer
Download the full-size JPG pattern and print it out. Printed at 100 percent capacity, the design fits comfortably within a 10-inch hoop. If you plan on transferring the pattern to a smaller work area, re-size the image before printing. Use your favorite transfer method to mark the design on your fabric. For thin fabric, use a lightbox to trace the design on your fabric by hand. You can also trace the design in reverse using a heat transfer pen, and then press it onto the fabric with a hot iron. If you are using dark fabric, either light-colored transfer paper, or a water-soluble stabilizer that dissolves after the design is stitched, will work best.
Colors
Choose a palette of embroidery floss that has a warm, harvest feeling and that works well on the fabric you’re using. Burnt orange, yellow, and maroon are good color choices. The recommended thread colors for the “Gather and Give Thanks” design are DMC 703, 725, 922, 815, 3688, 3835, 739, 422, and 840. However, these exact colors may not show up as well on a light background, so adjust accordingly.
Stitch Guide
The following stitching tips are suggestions based on the example, but you can swap out any technique you prefer.
Work the entire design with three strands of embroidery floss. Embroider the sunflowers using fly stitch for the petals, backstitch to outline the center, and French knots for the flower’s center. You can improvise with the placement and number of the French knots, or even fill in the entire center. Use a back stitch for the stems and leaves. Stitch the tiny looped flowers with detached chain stitch, working the stem with either back stitch or stem stitch. Embroider the pumpkins with stem stitch, and use a back stitch for the stem. Work the bushel basket with back stitch. Use chain stitch for the word “gather” and back stitch for “and give thanks.”
