How to Embroider a Vintage Wallpaper-Inspired Summer Pattern

I wanted to make something that felt like summer but also had that old-fashioned wallpaper look. So I grabbed a pencil, sketched out a pattern on paper, and picked my fabric — a thick, light beige linen. That's the starting point for everything.

• Thick linen fabric (light beige works well)
• Carbon paper for transferring the design
• Embroidery hoop (round)
• Darning needles with a large eye
• Embroidery floss in your chosen colors
• Felt (for backing, optional)
• Canvas frame for hanging
• Spray bottle for water
• Towel
• Sewing thread and pins
• Double-sided tape

1. Sketch and Transfer Your Design

Draw your pattern on paper with a pencil. Keep it simple — think vintage wallpaper motifs like leaves, flowers, or repeating shapes. Place carbon paper between your sketch and the fabric, then trace over the lines. The design transfers right onto the linen.

2. Set Up Your Hoop Properly

Getting the fabric tension right in a round hoop matters more than you'd think. The grain lines of the fabric need to be at a 90-degree angle to each other. This keeps the tension even all around. If it's off, your embroidery will pull weird.

3. Pick the Right Needle

The needle has to match your fabric. For thick linen, darning needles with a large eye work best. They glide through without damaging the threads and make it easy to thread multiple strands of floss.

4. Embroider Element by Element

Don't try to do everything at once. Start with one element — leaves, for example — and finish it before moving on. This pattern is simple enough for beginners and works great for summer projects you take outside since you don't need a ton of materials.

5. Iron and Finish

Once you're done embroidering, slightly dampen the fabric with a spray bottle. Put a folded towel under the work (especially if you have raised elements) and iron on the back side. This flattens everything without crushing the embroidery.

6. Frame It

I framed mine on canvas and hung it on the wall. Here's how:

• Use felt as a soft backing. If your fabric is light, make sure the felt matches so it doesn't shift.
• Use pins with sewing thread folded in half. Pull the top and bottom of the fabric tight, then do the sides.
• Cut off excess thread, trim the corners, glue them, and fold them in. Repeat on the other side.
• If you're giving it as a gift, cover the back with a piece of felt. Otherwise, just leave it.

7. Hang It

I attached the canvas to the wall with double-sided tape. Simple and clean.

• This pattern would look amazing on the bodice of a dress or the top of a summer sundress.
• You can also use it on children's clothing, pillows, or small accessories.
• If you're new to embroidery, this is a good first project — minimal materials, clear steps.