Blog Post

How to Make an Embroidered Beetle

I have tried to design a beetle that you can easily make. The key to this is to buy the real beetle wings and match them well.

All measurements are driven from the length of the wings you have. You can purchase all the goldwork products from golden hinde https://golden-hinde.co.uk/shop

Create the body by using some carpet padding.I actually used some padding that was wrapped around some food that was delivered to my house. You never know where you might find something to use for your embroidery. the padding needs to be the length of the wing. The shape needs to be square on top, with rounded top corners. Narrow the shape towards the bottom and create a round shape as shown.. Use a dressmaking cotton and use straight lines across the piece to hold it in place. Start with a central vertical and horizontal line first.

Make sure the padding is the correct shape, take your time and use a pair of tweezers to adjust the shape if you need to.

Now create the padding for head with three layers of felt. Cut three semi circles as shown.

Take the needle down into the felt and start with the smallest piece first and build up the layers one on top of each other. I have used contrast threads here for purposes of illustration, please use matching thread to your felt.

Add pearl purl antennae and you can couch these down just at the bottom, just tucking them under the felt for the head. I used a number 3 from golden antennae here. Then cut out a piece of leather or kid to stitch over the felt that has been laid for the head.

Stab stitch the leather in place, taking the stitch from the outside of the shape into the leather. Work the legs using a chain stitch for the first part of the legs and then straight stitches for the rest of the legs. aLways take the stitch down into the previous stitch.

Cut out the felt to cover the padding of the body.

Stab stitch the felt in place.

Cover the body with long and short. Working from the top downwards and work from centre out. I used short stitches at the top and about a third down I took long stitches, almost turning to a satin stitch.

Add a couple of rows of crinkle plate across the top of the body.

Use a twist if you have not got any plate.

Add a piece of blue twist across the bottom of the head. Couch a piece of pearl purl around the head. I used number 1 from Golden Hinde.

Add the eyes at the bottom of the antenna. I used some old clear glass studs that I had, but you can use beads or french knots.

I also added a line of blue DMC thread above the blue twist as I felt i needed a little more colour. I used three strands of stranded floss. I also added a one thread of blue stranded floss in the chain stitch on top of each leg. Add the wings, stitching through the predrilled holes.