Don’t be put off if you know nothing about embroidery – I promise this cheat’s version is not as tricky as it looks.

You will need:

  • Embroidery hoop
  • Embroidery thread (I opted for a fairly thick one so it would conceal our pencil lines)
  • Needle
  • Pencil
  • Fabric (I used a natural canvas)
  • Coordinating patterned fabrics and extra hoops (optional)

1. Trim your fabric to slightly larger than the embroidery hoop then iron the fabric. Lay the hoop over the fabric to give you an idea of size, then lightly sketch out your desired message in cursive. Don’t worry if you have to adjust the lines, you can always erase the unwanted lines.

2. Separate your inner and outer hoops. Centre your fabric over inner hoop and lay the outer hoop on top.

3. Gently pull the fabric as taut as possible without distorting it.

4. Tie a knot at one end of your thread and thread the other end through your needle. Starting from the underside, push your needle through at the beginning of your first letter. About 4mm along the pencil line push the needle back through. Come up again halfway between those two points. Continue along the remaining letters going ‘two steps forward and one step back’. At the end, tie off your thread and trim excess.

I left the fabric overhanging for a really casual homely look but you can fold back or trim for a neater finish if you prefer.

I paired the finished piece with a couple of smaller hoops using contrasting patterned fabric to create a sweet little cluster. At only a few dollars in materials it is a lovely decoration to add above your cake table or entrance table at your laid back homespun wedding.

Styling: White Room Events | Venue: Tin Cat Cafe | Photography: Alicia Parsons

Ms Gingham says: Now with winter setting in this is the perfect project to occupy yourself by the fire!

I am Alicia Parsons, the Atypical Type A. I live in Adelaide, South Australia in a modest townhouse with my new hubby Ryan (aka The Man). I am the owner and graphic designer behind Akimbo, which specialises in quirky invitations, announcements and greetings.

Alicia contributes regular DIY projects to Polka Dot Made. You can view her posts here.