I have always loved sunflowers, I think that is why I love Vincent Van Gogh so much. To me sunflowers help make that transition from summer to autumn. We have many feeders in our yard, and we have found over time, the medium ground sunflowers are enjoyed by all our birds, from the smallest finch to the largest blue jay. One year Tim and I decided to grow a plot of sunflowers. We thought we might be able to grow enough to help feed the birds over the winter. Trouble is, the little darlings found the sunflower seeds while they were still growing on their stalks. By the time they were truly ready to harvest they were almost picked clean. Of course, it was our intent to feed the birds, but I would have enjoyed having some cut flowers in the house before we dried out the seeds 🙂

 

As usual, I designed the sunflower to fit on a 6″ x 6″ block but it can be reduced or enlarged to meet your needs. Enjoy!  

 

The pattern for the Cheery Sunflower Applique Block can be found HERE.

The tutorial on How to Enlarge and Reduce patterns can be found HERE.

The tutorial on How to Cut Out Felt can be found HERE.

 

The Stitching Glossary can be found HERE.

 

You can find all of our Applique Blocks HERE. 

 

DIRECTIONS – Refer to pattern and photo for applique placements and cutting instructions.

  • Make a copy of the pattern.
  • Cut out felt using material list above and pattern. Transfer any embroidery markings.
  • Using a blanket stitch along the leaf edge, sew leaf to block using 6 strands of floss.
  • Using a running stitch, sew bottom and side of leaf to block using 2 strands of floss.
  • Using a blanket stitch, sew stem to block using 6 strands of floss.
  • Using a blanket stitch, sew petals to block, overlapping as you go, using 6 strands of floss.
  • Using a running stitch, sew center to block using 2 strands of floss.
  • Using a stem stitch, embroider center swirl and leaf detail using 6 strands of floss.