Lesson 11.1
Aari Sequin Embroidery: Outlining a Fleur-de-Lis
In this lesson, you will embroider the outline of a fleur-de-lis using loose cupped sequins. Working from the front of the fabric, you will follow the motif with 4 mm nacre sequins and use plain stitches to move through selected sections. You will then return with sequins, positioning them alongside or between the existing stitches to continue the decorative outline.
Materials to Prepare
Embroidery frame with your traced floral composition
Lunéville hook
Embroidery thread
Loose 4 mm nacre cupped sequins
Soft pad for holding the sequins
Scissors
Learning Outcomes
By the end of this lesson, you will be able to:
Attach loose cupped sequins using the Aari technique.
Follow the traced outline of a fleur-de-lis.
Switch from sequin embroidery to plain stitches.
Return along a stitched section while adding sequins.
Position sequins alongside or between existing stitches.
Continue the outline through the demonstrated changes of direction.
Your Practice
Keep the front of the fabric facing you and arrange your sequins on a soft pad. Make a starting lock at the point shown in the lesson, then begin outlining the fleur-de-lis with sequins.
At the indicated point, stop adding sequins and continue with plain stitches. Return upwards along this section, adding sequins close to or between the existing stitches.
Continue placing sequins along the next part of the outline as demonstrated, following the shape of the fleur-de-lis carefully.