If you love bold shapes and retro-inspired stitching, this shooting star wreath is a fun hand embroidery project to try. The Loom & Stitch embroidery kit for this design is available at the bottom of the article, and the instructions below are written so you can complete the pattern confidently without relying on the original tutorial.
Set up the design on your fabric
Place the stick and stitch pattern where you want the design to sit. This project combines lettering with star motifs and small decorative details, so it helps to begin with the largest central elements first. Thread the yarn for the initial and keep your stitches relaxed so the fabric stays smooth.
Stitch the letter with chain stitch
Bring the needle up through the fabric and take it back down through the same hole. Bring it up again one stitch length ahead and catch the yarn under the needle to form the loop. Pull gently to create the first chain. Repeat along the outline of the letter, keeping the loops a consistent size. Anchor the final loop with a small straight stitch. On denim you may choose to knot the yarn at the back, but on softer fabric it is often neater to weave the tail through the reverse of the stitches.
Outline and fill the stars
Use single straight stitches to outline the stars, working one edge at a time so each line looks clean and crisp. To fill the larger stars, switch to long and short stitches. Bring the needle up near the centre of the star and take it down toward one of the points, varying the length of each stitch so the fill looks textured rather than flat. Keep the stitches close together and follow the direction of each point. Use the same approach to fill the tail of the shooting star, adjusting the stitch direction so it supports the shape.
Add the lightning bolt and smaller stars
Work the lightning bolt outline with chain stitch so it has the same raised texture as the central initial. Then add a ring of back stitch where the pattern calls for an extra border, keeping each stitch one length ahead and bringing the needle back to meet the previous stitch. The smaller stars can be completed with short straight stitches that echo the clean graphic look of the design.
Keep the finish neat and even
As you change colours, secure each tail on the reverse by weaving it through existing stitches. Watch the tension on your fill stitches in particular: they should lie flat, but they should not be pulled so tightly that the fabric bunches. This simple habit makes a big difference in any beginner embroidery or personalised embroidery project.
Complete your retro star design
Once every motif is stitched, turn the garment over and trim any loose ends. Then remove the stick and stitch backing according to the care instructions for your fabric. If you would like the full Loom & Stitch embroidery kit for this retro shooting star design, browse the associated kit linked at the bottom of the article.
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