Lesson 2.3
Butterfly Embroidery: Layered Sequin Wing Filling
In this lesson, you will continue the butterfly wings from the previous tutorial. You will build inward with curved rows, then switch to single sequins to fill the remaining spaces. This advanced variation of fish scale embroidery uses securing stitches and plain return paths to maintain direction and keep the filling within the wing outlines.
Learning Outcomes
By the end of this lesson, you will be able to:
Continue curved sequin rows within a wing.
Transition from paired sequins to single-sequin filling.
Use the drawn line as a firm boundary.
Place plain return stitches beneath subsequent sequin rows.
Adapt row lengths to fill irregular spaces.
Repeat the filling sequence on the second wing and secure the thread ends.
Materials to Prepare
Embroidery frame with your butterfly in progress
Embroidery hook and thread
Loose sequins, 4 mm, in your chosen colours
Soft pads for holding your sequins
Scissors
Your Practice
Continue where the previous lesson ended. Add a securing stitch, step further inside the wing and work the next curved row, alternating sequin colours as demonstrated.
Switch to single sequins for the inner filling. Travel down to the drawn border with plain stitches, then work upwards with sequins close to the stitched path. Repeat, adjusting the rows to fit the remaining spaces and adding securing stitches where needed.
Repeat the demonstrated sequence on the second wing, building the curved rows before moving into single-sequin filling. You may vary the colours while keeping the sequin size at 4 mm.
Keep all sequins within the wing borders. Once both wings are filled, draw the loose thread ends to the reverse side and secure them.