StitchZoo Free counted patterns
Pattern Maker

Sunflower embroidery patterns

Thirty two sunflower transfers, free and actual size, every sheet with a numbered stitch key. Pick by head shape, arrangement, foliage, linework, stitch or size.

32 free patterns · Drawn and checked by Ivy Skein

How do you embroider a sunflower centre so it looks like seeds?

Give the disc a texture instead of a flat fill. Work a crossed lattice of long threads and couch each crossing down, or pack the circle with French knots, dense in the middle and opening towards the rim. Both read as seeds from arm's length, and both appear here as printed guides.

Never embroidered? Start here

The easiest pattern on this page is Tiny Pocket Sunflower Embroidery Pattern. Learn its stitches step by step further down.

By head shape

Five head constructions rather than one head resized: the classic single ring of thirteen rays, a double row whose shorter back petals show between the front ones, a head tilted three quarters towards you with its disc foreshortened to an oval, a ripe seed head nodding on a bent stem, and the closed bud still wrapped in its bracts.

Sunflower embroidery pattern of one open head seen face on, with thirteen lance shaped rays around a large latticed seed disc Classic Open Sunflower Embroidery Pattern
The head everyone means by sunflower: thirteen sharp rays in a single ring round a disc that takes up half the width of the flower, with an inner floret ring and a crossed lattice standing in for the seed spirals.
3 stitches used, 4 threads, 9.0 x 8.9 cm, 13 cm hoop
Stitch key 1 Chain stitch · SZ21 Sunflower · Ray petals work each outline anticlockwise, starting at the dot on the map, each loop holding the last 2 Back stitch · SZ34 Chocolate · Disc outline work the outline clockwise, starting at the dot on the map 3 Back stitch · SZ35 Toffee · Inner floret ring work the outline clockwise, starting at the dot on the map 4 Couching · SZ38 Mustard · Seed lattice lay the long threads first, then tie them down with tiny crosses
You need 2 strands · embroidery needle size 7 · 13 cm hoop · SZ21 Sunflower 3.1 m · SZ34 Chocolate 50 cm · SZ35 Toffee 40 cm · SZ38 Mustard 70 cm
Work order
  1. Ray petals (1)
  2. Disc outline (2)
  3. Inner floret ring (3)
  4. Seed lattice (4)
Transfer PDF View transfer
Sunflower embroidery transfer with two staggered rows of rays, the shorter back row showing between the front petals Double Row Sunflower Embroidery Pattern
Two rows of rays instead of one: the back row is drawn shorter and offset half a step, so its tips show in the gaps between the front petals exactly the way layered petals overlap on a real head.
4 stitches used, 4 threads, 9.6 x 9.6 cm
Stitch key 1 Stem stitch · SZ38 Mustard · Back row of rays work each outline anticlockwise, starting at the dot on the map, thread always on the same side 2 Chain stitch · SZ21 Sunflower · Front row of rays work each outline anticlockwise, starting at the dot on the map, each loop holding the last 3 Back stitch · SZ34 Chocolate · Disc rim work the outline clockwise, starting at the dot on the map 4 French knot · SZ35 Toffee · Seed knots in the disc work the knots last, on the printed spots
You need 2 strands · embroidery needle size 7 · any hoop or frame that clears the drawing · SZ38 Mustard 1.7 m · SZ21 Sunflower 3.1 m · SZ34 Chocolate 50 cm · SZ35 Toffee 1.1 m
Work order
  1. Back row of rays (1)
  2. Front row of rays (2)
  3. Disc rim (3)
  4. Seed knots in the disc (4)
Transfer PDF View transfer
Embroidery pattern of a sunflower head seen three quarters on, the disc foreshortened to an oval with bracts under the lower rim Tilted Sunflower Head Embroidery Pattern
A head leaning towards you: the disc foreshortens into an oval, the rays shorten at the sides and three green bracts show under the lower rim, which is what a tilt actually exposes.
2 stitches used, 4 threads, 9.0 x 8.2 cm
Stitch key 1 Chain stitch · SZ21 Sunflower · Foreshortened rays work each outline anticlockwise, starting at the dot on the map, each loop holding the last 2 Back stitch · SZ34 Chocolate · Oval disc work the outline clockwise, starting at the dot on the map 3 Back stitch · SZ35 Toffee · Inner disc ring work the outline clockwise, starting at the dot on the map 4 Back stitch · SZ25 Pine · Bracts under the rim work each outline anticlockwise, starting at the dot on the map
You need 2 strands · embroidery needle size 7 · any hoop or frame that clears the drawing · SZ21 Sunflower 2.9 m · SZ34 Chocolate 50 cm · SZ35 Toffee 40 cm · SZ25 Pine 60 cm
Work order
  1. Foreshortened rays (1)
  2. Oval disc (2)
  3. Inner disc ring (3)
  4. Bracts under the rim (4)
Transfer PDF View transfer
Sunflower embroidery transfer of a mature seed head nodding on a bent stem, with a fringe of spent rays and falling seeds Nodding Sunflower Seed Head Embroidery Pattern
September rather than July: the ripe head hangs from a bent stem, the spent rays droop as a fringe round the disc, the bracts show where the stem arrives and four loose seeds fall below it.
3 stitches used, 5 threads, 8.6 x 7.4 cm
Stitch key 1 Stem stitch · SZ23 Olive · Bent stem work the line right to left, thread always on the same side 2 Back stitch · SZ34 Chocolate · Hanging seed disc work the outline clockwise, starting at the dot on the map 3 Back stitch · SZ38 Mustard · Fringe of spent rays work each outline anticlockwise, starting at the dot on the map 4 Back stitch · SZ25 Pine · Bracts at the stem work each outline anticlockwise, starting at the dot on the map 5 French knot · SZ34 Chocolate · Falling seeds work the knots last, on the printed spots 6 Back stitch · SZ24 Leaf Green · Leaf on the stem work the outline anticlockwise, starting at the dot on the map
You need 2 strands · embroidery needle size 7 · any hoop or frame that clears the drawing · SZ23 Olive 70 cm · SZ34 Chocolate 1.7 m · SZ38 Mustard 1.0 m · SZ25 Pine 50 cm · SZ24 Leaf Green 40 cm
Work order
  1. Bent stem (1)
  2. Hanging seed disc (2)
  3. Fringe of spent rays (3)
  4. Bracts at the stem (4)
  5. Leaf on the stem (6)
  6. Falling seeds (5)
Transfer PDF View transfer
Sunflower bud embroidery pattern showing a closed head clasped by five pointed bracts with the first ray tips just showing Sunflower Bud Embroidery Pattern
The head before it opens: an oval body wrapped in five pointed bracts, three first ray tips escaping at the top, and a straight young stem with one small heart leaf. A different construction, not a small bloom.
2 stitches used, 5 threads, 3.0 x 8.6 cm
Stitch key 1 Back stitch · SZ22 Butter · Bud body work the outline clockwise, starting at the dot on the map 2 Back stitch · SZ25 Pine · Clasping bracts work each outline anticlockwise, starting at the dot on the map 3 Back stitch · SZ21 Sunflower · First ray tips work each outline anticlockwise, starting at the dot on the map 4 Stem stitch · SZ23 Olive · Young stem work the line left to right, thread always on the same side 5 Back stitch · SZ24 Leaf Green · Small heart leaf work the outline anticlockwise, starting at the dot on the map
You need 2 strands · embroidery needle size 7 · any hoop or frame that clears the drawing · SZ22 Butter 40 cm · SZ25 Pine 80 cm · SZ21 Sunflower 30 cm · SZ23 Olive 50 cm · SZ24 Leaf Green 40 cm
Work order
  1. Bud body (1)
  2. Clasping bracts (2)
  3. First ray tips (3)
  4. Young stem (4)
  5. Small heart leaf (5)
Transfer PDF View transfer

By arrangement

Where the flower goes decides its shape before the drawing does: one bloom on a tall thick stem for a placket, three stems gathered under a ribbon bow, five heads circling an empty wreath middle left for a name, an L that hugs a napkin corner, and a border whose repeat alternates heads above and below the line so a hem reads as growth.

Single stem sunflower embroidery pattern with one bloom on a tall thick stem and two heart shaped leaves at different heights Single Stem Sunflower Embroidery Pattern
One bloom on a stem tall enough for a placket, a bookmark or a door hanger. The stem is a taper with real thickness because a sunflower stalk drawn as one stroke reads as a lollipop, and two heart leaves break its length.
4 stitches used, 5 threads, 5.5 x 15.8 cm
Stitch key 1 Chain stitch · SZ21 Sunflower · Rays of the single bloom work each outline anticlockwise, starting at the dot on the map, each loop holding the last 2 Back stitch · SZ34 Chocolate · Seed disc work the outline clockwise, starting at the dot on the map 3 Stem stitch · SZ23 Olive · Thick stem work the line left to right, thread always on the same side 4 Back stitch · SZ24 Leaf Green · Heart leaves work each outline anticlockwise, starting at the dot on the map 5 Split stitch · SZ25 Pine · Leaf veins work each line left to right, one at a time
You need 2 strands · embroidery needle size 7 · any hoop or frame that clears the drawing · SZ21 Sunflower 1.9 m · SZ34 Chocolate 40 cm · SZ23 Olive 80 cm · SZ24 Leaf Green 60 cm · SZ25 Pine 40 cm
Work order
  1. Rays of the single bloom (1)
  2. Seed disc (2)
  3. Thick stem (3)
  4. Heart leaves (4)
  5. Leaf veins (5)
Transfer PDF View transfer
Sunflower bouquet embroidery pattern with two open blooms and a bud on crossing stems gathered under a satin ribbon bow Sunflower Bouquet Embroidery Pattern
Three stems gathered in one hand: a big bloom low on the left, a smaller one high on the right and a bud between them, their stems crossing at a pink ribbon bow that is the one satin filled shape on the sheet.
4 stitches used, 6 threads, 10.7 x 14.0 cm
Stitch key 1 Chain stitch · SZ21 Sunflower · Bloom rays work each outline anticlockwise, starting at the dot on the map, each loop holding the last 2 Back stitch · SZ34 Chocolate · Bloom discs work each outline clockwise, starting at the dot on the map 3 Back stitch · SZ25 Pine · Bud and its bracts work each outline clockwise, starting at the dot on the map 4 Stem stitch · SZ23 Olive · Gathered stems work each line left to right, one at a time, thread always on the same side 5 Back stitch · SZ24 Leaf Green · Bouquet leaves work each outline anticlockwise, starting at the dot on the map 6 Satin stitch · SZ11 Bubblegum · Ribbon bow fill each shape with parallel strokes laid top to bottom
You need 2 strands · embroidery needle size 7 · any hoop or frame that clears the drawing · SZ21 Sunflower 3.1 m · SZ34 Chocolate 60 cm · SZ25 Pine 70 cm · SZ23 Olive 1.6 m · SZ24 Leaf Green 50 cm · SZ11 Bubblegum 1.5 m
Work order
  1. Bloom rays (1)
  2. Bloom discs (2)
  3. Bud and its bracts (3)
  4. Gathered stems (4)
  5. Bouquet leaves (5)
  6. Ribbon bow (6)
Transfer PDF View transfer
Sunflower wreath embroidery pattern with five small heads facing outward round a stem ring, heart leaves filling the gaps Sunflower Wreath Embroidery Pattern
Five small heads spaced round a ring with heart leaf pairs between them and gold knots dotted along the stem line. The middle stays empty on purpose: it is the space a name or a date gets stitched into.
4 stitches used, 5 threads, 12.4 x 11.9 cm, 15 cm hoop
Stitch key 1 Chain stitch · SZ21 Sunflower · Rays round the ring work each outline anticlockwise, starting at the dot on the map, each loop holding the last 2 Back stitch · SZ34 Chocolate · Five small discs work each outline clockwise, starting at the dot on the map 3 Back stitch · SZ24 Leaf Green · Leaf pairs between work each outline anticlockwise, starting at the dot on the map 4 Stem stitch · SZ23 Olive · Stem ring work each line top to bottom, one at a time, thread always on the same side 5 French knot · SZ38 Mustard · Gold filler knots work the knots last, on the printed spots
You need 2 strands · embroidery needle size 7 · 15 cm hoop · SZ21 Sunflower 4.7 m · SZ34 Chocolate 80 cm · SZ24 Leaf Green 1.3 m · SZ23 Olive 1.0 m · SZ38 Mustard 70 cm
Work order
  1. Rays round the ring (1)
  2. Five small discs (2)
  3. Leaf pairs between (3)
  4. Stem ring (4)
  5. Gold filler knots (5)
Transfer PDF View transfer
Corner sunflower embroidery pattern shaped as an L for a napkin edge, with one bloom at the elbow and a bud trailing off one arm Sunflower Corner Embroidery Pattern
An L for a napkin, a pillowcase or a tablecloth corner: the stem line turns through ninety degrees with the one open bloom sitting at the elbow, a bud running out along one arm and small leaves down the other.
4 stitches used, 5 threads, 11.0 x 10.2 cm
Stitch key 1 Stem stitch · SZ23 Olive · Stem line through the corner work the line down towards the right, thread always on the same side 2 Chain stitch · SZ21 Sunflower · Rays at the elbow work each outline anticlockwise, starting at the dot on the map, each loop holding the last 3 Back stitch · SZ34 Chocolate · Disc at the elbow work the outline clockwise, starting at the dot on the map 4 Back stitch · SZ25 Pine · Trailing bud work each outline clockwise, starting at the dot on the map 5 Lazy daisy · SZ24 Leaf Green · Small leaves along the arms work each petal loop from its base out to the tip
You need 2 strands · embroidery needle size 7 · any hoop or frame that clears the drawing · SZ23 Olive 70 cm · SZ21 Sunflower 1.4 m · SZ34 Chocolate 40 cm · SZ25 Pine 60 cm · SZ24 Leaf Green 90 cm
Work order
  1. Stem line through the corner (1)
  2. Rays at the elbow (2)
  3. Disc at the elbow (3)
  4. Trailing bud (4)
  5. Small leaves along the arms (5)
Transfer PDF View transfer
Repeating sunflower border embroidery pattern with three heads alternating above and below a waving stem line for a hem Repeating Sunflower Border Embroidery Pattern
A border whose heads alternate: one above the waving stem line, the next below it, so the band reads as growth rather than as a stamp. Trace the one unit shown three times and carry it as far as the hem runs.
5 stitches used, 5 threads, 16.2 x 4.7 cm
Stitch key 1 Stem stitch · SZ23 Olive · Waving stem line work the line left to right, thread always on the same side 2 Chain stitch · SZ21 Sunflower · Alternating rays work each outline anticlockwise, starting at the dot on the map, each loop holding the last 3 Back stitch · SZ34 Chocolate · Alternating discs work each outline clockwise, starting at the dot on the map 4 Lazy daisy · SZ24 Leaf Green · Leaves along the wave work each petal loop from its base out to the tip 5 French knot · SZ38 Mustard · Knots at the joins work the knots last, on the printed spots
You need 2 strands · embroidery needle size 7 · any hoop or frame that clears the drawing · SZ23 Olive 80 cm · SZ21 Sunflower 1.9 m · SZ34 Chocolate 50 cm · SZ24 Leaf Green 70 cm · SZ38 Mustard 40 cm
Work order
  1. Waving stem line (1)
  2. Alternating rays (2)
  3. Alternating discs (3)
  4. Leaves along the wave (4)
  5. Knots at the joins (5)
Transfer PDF View transfer

By leaves and stems

The green half of the plant, which most sunflower patterns leave out: a study of the big toothed heart leaves on their stalks, two cut stems that cross and lean apart, a head backed by a ruff of six leaves, a long S of stem with a leaf on the outside of each bend, and the view from behind, all bracts and stalk and no petals at all.

Embroidery study of three heart shaped sunflower leaves, one with toothed edges and full veins, one smooth and one young Sunflower Leaf Study Embroidery Pattern
No flower anywhere: three heart shaped blades on their stalks, one full sized with toothed edges and complete vein work, one smooth, one young and barely notched. Stitch it as a spray or raid it for leaves.
3 stitches used, 5 threads, 9.6 x 7.3 cm
Stitch key 1 Back stitch · SZ24 Leaf Green · Toothed leaf outline work the outline anticlockwise, starting at the dot on the map 2 Split stitch · SZ25 Pine · Midribs and side veins work each line left to right, one at a time 3 Back stitch · SZ39 Fern · Smooth leaf outline work the outline anticlockwise, starting at the dot on the map 4 Back stitch · SZ26 Mint · Young leaf outline work the outline anticlockwise, starting at the dot on the map 5 Stem stitch · SZ23 Olive · Leaf stalks work each line down towards the left, one at a time, thread always on the same side
You need 2 strands · embroidery needle size 7 · any hoop or frame that clears the drawing · SZ24 Leaf Green 70 cm · SZ25 Pine 80 cm · SZ39 Fern 50 cm · SZ26 Mint 40 cm · SZ23 Olive 30 cm
Work order
  1. Toothed leaf outline (1)
  2. Midribs and side veins (2)
  3. Smooth leaf outline (3)
  4. Young leaf outline (4)
  5. Leaf stalks (5)
Transfer PDF View transfer
Embroidery pattern of two sunflowers on stems that cross at a straight stitched tie, heads leaning apart above the crossing Crossed Sunflower Stems Embroidery Pattern
Two stems that cross once and lean apart, the way cut stems actually sit when you lay them down: a bigger head up on the left, a smaller on the right, leaves sprouting at the crossing and two straight stitches binding it.
4 stitches used, 5 threads, 10.5 x 12.4 cm
Stitch key 1 Chain stitch · SZ21 Sunflower · Rays of both blooms work each outline anticlockwise, starting at the dot on the map, each loop holding the last 2 Back stitch · SZ34 Chocolate · Both seed discs work each outline clockwise, starting at the dot on the map 3 Stem stitch · SZ23 Olive · Stems that cross work each line up towards the right, one at a time, thread always on the same side 4 Back stitch · SZ24 Leaf Green · Leaves at the crossing work each outline anticlockwise, starting at the dot on the map 5 Straight stitch · SZ35 Toffee · Binding tie work each line left to right, one at a time
You need 2 strands · embroidery needle size 7 · any hoop or frame that clears the drawing · SZ21 Sunflower 2.7 m · SZ34 Chocolate 50 cm · SZ23 Olive 1.3 m · SZ24 Leaf Green 50 cm · SZ35 Toffee 30 cm
Work order
  1. Rays of both blooms (1)
  2. Both seed discs (2)
  3. Stems that cross (3)
  4. Leaves at the crossing (4)
  5. Binding tie (5)
Transfer PDF View transfer
Sunflower embroidery pattern with a ring of six heart shaped leaves radiating behind the head like a green ruff Sunflower with Leaf Ruff Embroidery Pattern
The head wears its own foliage: six heart leaves radiate from behind the bloom so their tips show between and beyond the rays, a green ruff that fills a hoop without a single extra stem.
3 stitches used, 4 threads, 10.2 x 8.8 cm, 13 cm hoop
Stitch key 1 Back stitch · SZ24 Leaf Green · Ring of leaves behind the head work each outline anticlockwise, starting at the dot on the map 2 Chain stitch · SZ21 Sunflower · Rays over the leaves work each outline anticlockwise, starting at the dot on the map, each loop holding the last 3 Back stitch · SZ34 Chocolate · Central disc work the outline clockwise, starting at the dot on the map 4 Couching · SZ38 Mustard · Lattice in the disc lay the long threads first, then tie them down with tiny crosses
You need 2 strands · embroidery needle size 7 · 13 cm hoop · SZ24 Leaf Green 1.1 m · SZ21 Sunflower 2.3 m · SZ34 Chocolate 50 cm · SZ38 Mustard 60 cm
Work order
  1. Ring of leaves behind the head (1)
  2. Rays over the leaves (2)
  3. Central disc (3)
  4. Lattice in the disc (4)
Transfer PDF View transfer
Sunflower embroidery transfer with the stem drawn as a long S curve and a leaf on the outside of each bend Curving Stem Sunflower Embroidery Pattern
The stem is the subject: a long S that puts one leaf on the outside of each bend, which is where a real stalk grows them, with the bloom closing the top of the curve. Drawn for the tall narrow space beside a zip or a seam.
4 stitches used, 5 threads, 7.3 x 14.4 cm
Stitch key 1 Chain stitch · SZ21 Sunflower · Rays at the stem tip work each outline anticlockwise, starting at the dot on the map, each loop holding the last 2 Back stitch · SZ34 Chocolate · Disc above the curve work the outline clockwise, starting at the dot on the map 3 Stem stitch · SZ23 Olive · S curved stem work the line down towards the right, thread always on the same side 4 Back stitch · SZ24 Leaf Green · Leaves on the outer bends work each outline anticlockwise, starting at the dot on the map 5 Split stitch · SZ25 Pine · Their veins work each line right to left, one at a time
You need 2 strands · embroidery needle size 7 · any hoop or frame that clears the drawing · SZ21 Sunflower 1.7 m · SZ34 Chocolate 40 cm · SZ23 Olive 90 cm · SZ24 Leaf Green 60 cm · SZ25 Pine 40 cm
Work order
  1. Rays at the stem tip (1)
  2. Disc above the curve (2)
  3. S curved stem (3)
  4. Leaves on the outer bends (4)
  5. Their veins (5)
Transfer PDF View transfer
Embroidery pattern of a sunflower seen from behind, two rings of pointed bracts round the stem base with ray tips showing past them Sunflower Back View Embroidery Pattern
The view nobody draws: the back of the head. Two rings of pointed bracts star out from the round stem base, the ray tips just show past the outer ring, and the thick stalk drops straight down from the middle.
2 stitches used, 4 threads, 7.6 x 10.0 cm
Stitch key 1 Back stitch · SZ25 Pine · Outer ring of bracts work each outline anticlockwise, starting at the dot on the map 2 Back stitch · SZ24 Leaf Green · Inner ring of bracts work each outline anticlockwise, starting at the dot on the map 3 Back stitch · SZ21 Sunflower · Ray tips showing past the bracts work each outline anticlockwise, starting at the dot on the map 4 Back stitch · SZ23 Olive · Round stem base work the outline clockwise, starting at the dot on the map 5 Stem stitch · SZ23 Olive · Stalk seen from behind work the line left to right, thread always on the same side
You need 2 strands · embroidery needle size 7 · any hoop or frame that clears the drawing · SZ25 Pine 1.3 m · SZ24 Leaf Green 1.0 m · SZ21 Sunflower 80 cm · SZ23 Olive 80 cm
Work order
  1. Outer ring of bracts (1)
  2. Inner ring of bracts (2)
  3. Ray tips showing past the bracts (3)
  4. Round stem base (4)
  5. Stalk seen from behind (5)
Transfer PDF View transfer

By how much linework it carries

The same flower at five levels of drawing: an outline version that stays inside the beginner stitches and is held there by the build, a botanical study with a dissected ray and leaf beside the plant, a minimal eight ray version for sheer fabric, a folk version with alternating petals and cherry red knots, and a geometric one with not a curve anywhere.

Beginner sunflower embroidery pattern worked in back stitch, stem stitch and split stitch only, with nothing to fill Beginner Outline Sunflower Embroidery Pattern
Every line is back stitch, stem stitch or split stitch and there is no filling anywhere, which the build enforces rather than promises. One head, one line stem, one leaf: the whole flower in an evening.
3 stitches used, 5 threads, 5.5 x 12.4 cm
Stitch key 1 Back stitch · SZ21 Sunflower · Ray outlines work each outline anticlockwise, starting at the dot on the map 2 Back stitch · SZ34 Chocolate · Disc circle work the outline clockwise, starting at the dot on the map 3 Stem stitch · SZ23 Olive · Stem line work the line top to bottom, thread always on the same side 4 Back stitch · SZ24 Leaf Green · Leaf edge work the outline anticlockwise, starting at the dot on the map 5 Split stitch · SZ25 Pine · Midrib work the line left to right
You need 2 strands · embroidery needle size 7 · any hoop or frame that clears the drawing · SZ21 Sunflower 1.1 m · SZ34 Chocolate 40 cm · SZ23 Olive 40 cm · SZ24 Leaf Green 40 cm · SZ25 Pine 30 cm
Work order
  1. Ray outlines (1)
  2. Disc circle (2)
  3. Stem line (3)
  4. Leaf edge (4)
  5. Midrib (5)
Transfer PDF View transfer
Botanical sunflower embroidery study with a double rayed head, latticed disc, toothed leaf with full veins and a dissected ray and leaf Botanical Sunflower Study Embroidery Pattern
The detailed end of the page: a double rayed head over a latticed disc, a toothed leaf with its side veins drawn in, and, plate fashion, one ray petal and one young leaf dissected out beside the plant.
5 stitches used, 7 threads, 9.2 x 14.8 cm
Stitch key 1 Stem stitch · SZ38 Mustard · Shorter back rays work each outline anticlockwise, starting at the dot on the map, thread always on the same side 2 Chain stitch · SZ21 Sunflower · Front rays, one dissected work each outline anticlockwise, starting at the dot on the map, each loop holding the last 3 Back stitch · SZ34 Chocolate · Disc rim and inner ring work each outline clockwise, starting at the dot on the map 4 Couching · SZ35 Toffee · Seed spiral lattice lay the long threads first, then tie them down with tiny crosses 5 Stem stitch · SZ23 Olive · Main stem work the line left to right, thread always on the same side 6 Back stitch · SZ24 Leaf Green · Toothed leaves, one dissected work each outline anticlockwise, starting at the dot on the map 7 Split stitch · SZ25 Pine · Vein work work each line left to right, one at a time
You need 2 strands · embroidery needle size 7 · any hoop or frame that clears the drawing · SZ38 Mustard 1.5 m · SZ21 Sunflower 3.0 m · SZ34 Chocolate 70 cm · SZ35 Toffee 60 cm · SZ23 Olive 60 cm · SZ24 Leaf Green 60 cm · SZ25 Pine 50 cm
Work order
  1. Shorter back rays (1)
  2. Front rays, one dissected (2)
  3. Disc rim and inner ring (3)
  4. Main stem (5)
  5. Toothed leaves, one dissected (6)
  6. Vein work (7)
  7. Seed spiral lattice (4)
Transfer PDF View transfer
Minimal sunflower embroidery pattern with eight spaced rays around an empty disc, a single line stem and one leaf Minimal Sunflower Embroidery Pattern
Everything that can come off has come off: eight rays with clear fabric between them, a disc left empty, one stroke of stem and one leaf. What is left is the flower, and it holds on sheer fabric.
2 stitches used, 4 threads, 6.2 x 12.0 cm
Stitch key 1 Back stitch · SZ21 Sunflower · Eight spaced rays work each outline anticlockwise, starting at the dot on the map 2 Back stitch · SZ34 Chocolate · Empty disc work the outline clockwise, starting at the dot on the map 3 Stem stitch · SZ23 Olive · Single line stem work the line top to bottom, thread always on the same side 4 Back stitch · SZ24 Leaf Green · One leaf work the outline anticlockwise, starting at the dot on the map
You need 2 strands · embroidery needle size 7 · any hoop or frame that clears the drawing · SZ21 Sunflower 80 cm · SZ34 Chocolate 40 cm · SZ23 Olive 40 cm · SZ24 Leaf Green 40 cm
Work order
  1. Eight spaced rays (1)
  2. Empty disc (2)
  3. Single line stem (3)
  4. One leaf (4)
Transfer PDF View transfer
Folk art sunflower embroidery pattern with alternating pointed and round petals, double disc rings, a red dot ring and mirrored curling stems Folk Art Sunflower Embroidery Pattern
The painted furniture register: pointed rays alternate with round petals, the disc is two plain rings round a circle of cherry red knots, and two stems curl symmetrically below it. Flat, bold and deliberately unnatural.
5 stitches used, 6 threads, 8.3 x 11.2 cm
Stitch key 1 Chain stitch · SZ20 Tangerine · Pointed folk petals work each outline anticlockwise, starting at the dot on the map, each loop holding the last 2 Back stitch · SZ21 Sunflower · Round petals between work each outline clockwise, starting at the dot on the map 3 Back stitch · SZ34 Chocolate · Double disc rings work each outline clockwise, starting at the dot on the map 4 French knot · SZ13 Cherry Red · Red dot ring work the knots last, on the printed spots 5 Stem stitch · SZ25 Pine · Mirrored curling stems work each line top to bottom, one at a time, thread always on the same side 6 Lazy daisy · SZ24 Leaf Green · Folk leaves work each petal loop from its base out to the tip
You need 2 strands · embroidery needle size 7 · any hoop or frame that clears the drawing · SZ20 Tangerine 1.8 m · SZ21 Sunflower 90 cm · SZ34 Chocolate 70 cm · SZ13 Cherry Red 60 cm · SZ25 Pine 50 cm · SZ24 Leaf Green 70 cm
Work order
  1. Pointed folk petals (1)
  2. Round petals between (2)
  3. Double disc rings (3)
  4. Mirrored curling stems (5)
  5. Folk leaves (6)
  6. Red dot ring (4)
Transfer PDF View transfer
Geometric sunflower embroidery pattern built from straight runs only: triangle rays, a twelve sided disc and diamond leaves Geometric Sunflower Embroidery Pattern
Not one curve anywhere: twelve triangle rays round a twelve sided disc, straight seed lines crossing inside it, a two line stem and a diamond leaf on each side. Count the runs instead of following a bend.
2 stitches used, 5 threads, 6.8 x 10.6 cm
Stitch key 1 Back stitch · SZ21 Sunflower · Triangle rays work each line left to right, one at a time 2 Back stitch · SZ34 Chocolate · Twelve sided disc work the outline clockwise, starting at the dot on the map 3 Straight stitch · SZ35 Toffee · Straight seed lines work each line down towards the right, one at a time 4 Back stitch · SZ23 Olive · Two line stem work each line top to bottom, one at a time 5 Back stitch · SZ24 Leaf Green · Diamond leaves work each outline anticlockwise, starting at the dot on the map
You need 2 strands · embroidery needle size 7 · any hoop or frame that clears the drawing · SZ21 Sunflower 1.2 m · SZ34 Chocolate 50 cm · SZ35 Toffee 50 cm · SZ23 Olive 50 cm · SZ24 Leaf Green 50 cm
Work order
  1. Triangle rays (1)
  2. Twelve sided disc (2)
  3. Straight seed lines (3)
  4. Two line stem (4)
  5. Diamond leaves (5)
Transfer PDF View transfer

By the stitch it teaches

Six sheets whose geometry is made for the named stitch rather than renamed after it: closed rays for satin, a disc packed with marked French knot positions, broad petals banded for long and short shading, a giant disc crossed with laid threads for couching, a version chained from rays to leaves, and a seeded disc that grades from dense to open.

Sunflower embroidery pattern with thirteen closed ray shapes sized for satin stitch filling around a couched lattice disc Satin Stitch Sunflower Embroidery Pattern
Rays drawn to be FILLED: each one a closed shape narrow enough to satin from edge to edge without a laid foundation, none touching its neighbour, around a disc crossed with a laid lattice. Fill the rays last.
3 stitches used, 3 threads, 8.8 x 8.7 cm, 10 cm hoop
Stitch key 1 Satin stitch · SZ21 Sunflower · Rays filled edge to edge fill each shape with parallel strokes laid side to side 2 Back stitch · SZ34 Chocolate · Disc rim work the outline clockwise, starting at the dot on the map 3 Couching · SZ35 Toffee · Lattice across the seeds lay the long threads first, then tie them down with tiny crosses
You need 2 strands · embroidery needle size 7 · 10 cm hoop · SZ21 Sunflower 8.0 m · SZ34 Chocolate 50 cm · SZ35 Toffee 70 cm
Work order
  1. Disc rim (2)
  2. Rays filled edge to edge (1)
  3. Lattice across the seeds (3)
Transfer PDF View transfer
Sunflower embroidery pattern whose disc is packed with marked French knot positions inside outlined rays French Knot Sunflower Embroidery Pattern
The disc does what a sunflower disc really is, hundreds of florets: the sheet marks every knot position on a close lattice walk, so the texture comes out even instead of crowding the middle. Rays stay simple outlines.
3 stitches used, 5 threads, 6.2 x 9.8 cm
Stitch key 1 Back stitch · SZ21 Sunflower · Ray outlines round the disc work each outline anticlockwise, starting at the dot on the map 2 Back stitch · SZ34 Chocolate · Disc edge work the outline clockwise, starting at the dot on the map 3 French knot · SZ35 Toffee · Disc packed with French knots work the knots last, on the printed spots 4 Stem stitch · SZ23 Olive · Short thick stem work the line left to right, thread always on the same side 5 Back stitch · SZ24 Leaf Green · One heart leaf work the outline anticlockwise, starting at the dot on the map
You need 2 strands · embroidery needle size 7 · any hoop or frame that clears the drawing · SZ21 Sunflower 1.3 m · SZ34 Chocolate 50 cm · SZ35 Toffee 3.4 m · SZ23 Olive 40 cm · SZ24 Leaf Green 40 cm
Work order
  1. Ray outlines round the disc (1)
  2. Disc edge (2)
  3. Short thick stem (4)
  4. One heart leaf (5)
  5. Disc packed with French knots (3)
Transfer PDF View transfer
Sunflower embroidery transfer with ten broad rays for long and short stitch shading and printed direction guides inside two of them Shaded Sunflower Embroidery Pattern
Ten rays instead of thirteen, each broad enough for two bands of long and short stitch, darkest at the disc and palest at the tip. Two rays carry printed direction guides so the shading runs along the petal, not across it.
4 stitches used, 4 threads, 9.1 x 9.6 cm, 13 cm hoop
Stitch key 1 Long and short stitch · SZ20 Tangerine · Broad rays for shading fill each shape with parallel strokes laid side to side 2 Back stitch · SZ34 Chocolate · Rim of the disc work the outline clockwise, starting at the dot on the map 3 French knot · SZ38 Mustard · Knotted centre work the knots last, on the printed spots 4 Straight stitch · SZ37 Terracotta · Printed direction guides work each line top to bottom, one at a time
You need 2 strands · embroidery needle size 7 · 13 cm hoop · SZ20 Tangerine 10.3 m · SZ34 Chocolate 50 cm · SZ38 Mustard 1.1 m · SZ37 Terracotta 30 cm
Work order
  1. Rim of the disc (2)
  2. Printed direction guides (4)
  3. Broad rays for shading (1)
  4. Knotted centre (3)
Transfer PDF View transfer
Sunflower embroidery pattern dominated by a giant disc crossed with laid threads couched at the crossings, short rays around it Couched Lattice Sunflower Embroidery Pattern
The disc takes over: nearly two thirds of the head, crossed by long laid threads you fasten with a tiny stitch at every crossing, which is couching doing the one thing no other stitch does well. The rays shrink to a border.
3 stitches used, 5 threads, 7.4 x 9.4 cm
Stitch key 1 Back stitch · SZ21 Sunflower · Short rays round a giant disc work each outline anticlockwise, starting at the dot on the map 2 Back stitch · SZ34 Chocolate · Giant disc rim work the outline clockwise, starting at the dot on the map 3 Couching · SZ35 Toffee · Laid lattice, couched at the crossings lay the long threads first, then tie them down with tiny crosses 4 Stem stitch · SZ23 Olive · Stem stub work the line left to right, thread always on the same side 5 Back stitch · SZ24 Leaf Green · Leaf at the stem work the outline anticlockwise, starting at the dot on the map
You need 2 strands · embroidery needle size 7 · any hoop or frame that clears the drawing · SZ21 Sunflower 1.5 m · SZ34 Chocolate 60 cm · SZ35 Toffee 70 cm · SZ23 Olive 40 cm · SZ24 Leaf Green 30 cm
Work order
  1. Short rays round a giant disc (1)
  2. Giant disc rim (2)
  3. Stem stub (4)
  4. Leaf at the stem (5)
  5. Laid lattice, couched at the crossings (3)
Transfer PDF View transfer
Sunflower embroidery pattern with every ray in chain stitch, a whipped spiral filling the disc and lazy daisy leaves Chain Stitch Sunflower Embroidery Pattern
One linked family of stitches: the rays and the stem in chain, the disc filled by a single whipped spiral that starts at the middle and coils to the rim, and the leaves as detached chain loops. Nothing else appears.
4 stitches used, 5 threads, 6.6 x 12.0 cm
Stitch key 1 Chain stitch · SZ21 Sunflower · Rays worked in chain work each outline anticlockwise, starting at the dot on the map, each loop holding the last 2 Whipped back stitch · SZ34 Chocolate · Spiral filling the disc work the line bottom to top, then whip back over it 3 Back stitch · SZ35 Toffee · Rim round the spiral work the outline clockwise, starting at the dot on the map 4 Chain stitch · SZ23 Olive · Stem in chain too work the line top to bottom, each loop holding the last 5 Lazy daisy · SZ24 Leaf Green · Detached chain leaves work each petal loop from its base out to the tip
You need 2 strands · embroidery needle size 7 · any hoop or frame that clears the drawing · SZ21 Sunflower 2.3 m · SZ34 Chocolate 80 cm · SZ35 Toffee 50 cm · SZ23 Olive 40 cm · SZ24 Leaf Green 50 cm
Work order
  1. Rays worked in chain (1)
  2. Spiral filling the disc (2)
  3. Rim round the spiral (3)
  4. Stem in chain too (4)
  5. Detached chain leaves (5)
Transfer PDF View transfer
Sunflower embroidery pattern whose disc is dusted with seed stitches, dense at the middle and opening towards the rim Seed Stitch Sunflower Embroidery Pattern
Seed stitch used for actual seeds: two printed scatters overlap so the middle of the disc is dense and the rim stays open, the honest way a ripe head grades. Rays in stem stitch, two bracts peeking below.
3 stitches used, 4 threads, 9.2 x 9.2 cm
Stitch key 1 Stem stitch · SZ21 Sunflower · Rays in stem stitch work each outline anticlockwise, starting at the dot on the map, thread always on the same side 2 Back stitch · SZ34 Chocolate · Disc boundary work the outline clockwise, starting at the dot on the map 3 Seed stitch · SZ35 Toffee · Seed stitches, dense to open scatter the little stitches at changing angles 4 Back stitch · SZ25 Pine · Two bracts below work each outline anticlockwise, starting at the dot on the map
You need 2 strands · embroidery needle size 7 · any hoop or frame that clears the drawing · SZ21 Sunflower 2.1 m · SZ34 Chocolate 60 cm · SZ35 Toffee 1.9 m · SZ25 Pine 40 cm
Work order
  1. Rays in stem stitch (1)
  2. Disc boundary (2)
  3. Two bracts below (4)
  4. Seed stitches, dense to open (3)
Transfer PDF View transfer

By finished size and destination

Six pieces measured before they were drawn: a thirty two millimetre pocket flower, a true mirrored collar pair, a cuff band that stays inside twenty six millimetres of height, one head for a ten centimetre hoop, a two flower composition for a fifteen, and a tote panel over fourteen centimetres across with no detail finer than five millimetres.

Tiny sunflower embroidery pattern thirty two millimetres wide for a shirt pocket corner, worked in one strand Tiny Pocket Sunflower Embroidery Pattern
Thirty two millimetres: ten rays, a disc, a short stem and two leaves, and nothing smaller than a line one strand can hold. It sits beside a pocket seam and goes from tracing to finished inside an evening.
2 stitches used, 4 threads, 3.2 x 2.9 cm
Stitch key 1 Back stitch · SZ21 Sunflower · Tiny rays work each outline anticlockwise, starting at the dot on the map 2 Back stitch · SZ34 Chocolate · Tiny disc work the outline clockwise, starting at the dot on the map 3 Stem stitch · SZ23 Olive · Short stem work the line top to bottom, thread always on the same side 4 Back stitch · SZ24 Leaf Green · Two tiny leaves work each outline anticlockwise, starting at the dot on the map
You need 1 strand · embroidery needle size 9 · any hoop or frame that clears the drawing · SZ21 Sunflower 50 cm · SZ34 Chocolate 30 cm · SZ23 Olive 30 cm · SZ24 Leaf Green 40 cm
Work order
  1. Tiny rays (1)
  2. Tiny disc (2)
  3. Short stem (3)
  4. Two tiny leaves (4)
Transfer PDF View transfer
Two mirrored sunflower embroidery transfers measured for the left and right points of a shirt collar, stems leaning inward Sunflower Collar Pair Embroidery Pattern
A true mirrored pair printed at collar spacing: each bloom leans inward on a curved stem with one leaf, and every point on the left flower is the exact reflection of the right, so the two collar points match.
3 stitches used, 4 threads, 13.0 x 4.6 cm
Stitch key 1 Chain stitch · SZ21 Sunflower · Rays of the mirrored pair work each outline anticlockwise, starting at the dot on the map, each loop holding the last 2 Back stitch · SZ34 Chocolate · The two discs work each outline clockwise, starting at the dot on the map 3 Stem stitch · SZ23 Olive · Leaning stems work each line down towards the right, one at a time, thread always on the same side 4 Back stitch · SZ24 Leaf Green · Collar point leaves work each outline anticlockwise, starting at the dot on the map
You need 2 strands · embroidery needle size 7 · any hoop or frame that clears the drawing · SZ21 Sunflower 1.8 m · SZ34 Chocolate 40 cm · SZ23 Olive 40 cm · SZ24 Leaf Green 40 cm
Work order
  1. Rays of the mirrored pair (1)
  2. The two discs (2)
  3. Leaning stems (3)
  4. Collar point leaves (4)
Transfer PDF View transfer
Shallow sunflower border embroidery pattern measured to fit between the two seam lines of a sleeve cuff, with a straight rail Narrow Sunflower Cuff Band Embroidery Pattern
The whole band stays inside twenty six millimetres of height, which is the space between the stitching lines of a standard cuff: three small heads on short stems off a straight rail, a leaf between each pair.
2 stitches used, 4 threads, 15.6 x 2.0 cm
Stitch key 1 Stem stitch · SZ23 Olive · Rail along the seam work each line left to right, one at a time, thread always on the same side 2 Back stitch · SZ21 Sunflower · Small rays work each outline anticlockwise, starting at the dot on the map 3 Back stitch · SZ34 Chocolate · Small discs work each outline clockwise, starting at the dot on the map 4 Back stitch · SZ24 Leaf Green · Leaves between the blooms work each outline anticlockwise, starting at the dot on the map
You need 2 strands · embroidery needle size 7 · any hoop or frame that clears the drawing · SZ23 Olive 70 cm · SZ21 Sunflower 90 cm · SZ34 Chocolate 40 cm · SZ24 Leaf Green 40 cm
Work order
  1. Rail along the seam (1)
  2. Small rays (2)
  3. Small discs (3)
  4. Leaves between the blooms (4)
Transfer PDF View transfer
Sunflower hoop art embroidery pattern sized for a ten centimetre hoop, one head with crossed seed lines and two leaves at the foot Ten Centimetre Hoop Sunflower Embroidery Pattern
Measured for a ten centimetre hoop with fabric left for the ring to grip: one head with crossed seed lines stops well inside the hoop circle, and two small leaves anchor the base. The dashed ring prints as a centring guide.
3 stitches used, 4 threads, 6.8 x 8.2 cm, 10 cm hoop
Stitch key 1 Chain stitch · SZ21 Sunflower · Rays inside the ring work each outline anticlockwise, starting at the dot on the map, each loop holding the last 2 Back stitch · SZ34 Chocolate · Disc centred in the hoop work the outline clockwise, starting at the dot on the map 3 Couching · SZ38 Mustard · Crossed seed lines lay the long threads first, then tie them down with tiny crosses 4 Back stitch · SZ24 Leaf Green · Two leaves at the foot work each outline anticlockwise, starting at the dot on the map
You need 2 strands · embroidery needle size 7 · 10 cm hoop · SZ21 Sunflower 2.4 m · SZ34 Chocolate 50 cm · SZ38 Mustard 60 cm · SZ24 Leaf Green 50 cm
Work order
  1. Rays inside the ring (1)
  2. Disc centred in the hoop (2)
  3. Two leaves at the foot (4)
  4. Crossed seed lines (3)
Transfer PDF View transfer
Large sunflower hoop embroidery pattern for a fifteen centimetre hoop with a main bloom, a side bud, two stems and scattered knots Fifteen Centimetre Hoop Sunflower Embroidery Pattern
A full composition for the common fifteen centimetre hoop: the main bloom sits high on the left over its latticed disc, a bud leans in from the right, their stems part company at the base and four gold knots fill the open corner.
5 stitches used, 7 threads, 9.8 x 12.8 cm, 15 cm hoop
Stitch key 1 Chain stitch · SZ21 Sunflower · Main bloom rays work each outline anticlockwise, starting at the dot on the map, each loop holding the last 2 Back stitch · SZ34 Chocolate · Main disc work the outline clockwise, starting at the dot on the map 3 Couching · SZ35 Toffee · Seed lattice inside it lay the long threads first, then tie them down with tiny crosses 4 Back stitch · SZ25 Pine · Side bud work each outline clockwise, starting at the dot on the map 5 Stem stitch · SZ23 Olive · Two parting stems work each line left to right, one at a time, thread always on the same side 6 Back stitch · SZ24 Leaf Green · Three leaves work each outline anticlockwise, starting at the dot on the map 7 French knot · SZ38 Mustard · Scattered knots work the knots last, on the printed spots
You need 2 strands · embroidery needle size 7 · 15 cm hoop · SZ21 Sunflower 3.0 m · SZ34 Chocolate 50 cm · SZ35 Toffee 60 cm · SZ25 Pine 80 cm · SZ23 Olive 80 cm · SZ24 Leaf Green 60 cm · SZ38 Mustard 40 cm
Work order
  1. Main bloom rays (1)
  2. Main disc (2)
  3. Side bud (4)
  4. Two parting stems (5)
  5. Three leaves (6)
  6. Seed lattice inside it (3)
  7. Scattered knots (7)
Transfer PDF View transfer
Large sunflower embroidery transfer fourteen centimetres wide with oversized rays and a coarse lattice for a canvas tote panel Large Sunflower Tote Bag Embroidery Pattern
Drawn for canvas, where thin lines vanish: one oversized head, twelve broad rays, a coarse open lattice in the disc and two bold leaves off a thick stem stub, the whole panel over fourteen centimetres across. No detail smaller than five millimetres.
4 stitches used, 5 threads, 13.8 x 16.2 cm
Stitch key 1 Chain stitch · SZ21 Sunflower · Oversized rays work each outline anticlockwise, starting at the dot on the map, each loop holding the last 2 Back stitch · SZ34 Chocolate · Broad disc rim work the outline clockwise, starting at the dot on the map 3 Couching · SZ35 Toffee · Coarse lattice lay the long threads first, then tie them down with tiny crosses 4 Back stitch · SZ24 Leaf Green · Two bold leaves work each outline anticlockwise, starting at the dot on the map 5 Stem stitch · SZ23 Olive · Thick stem stub work the line left to right, thread always on the same side
You need 2 strands · embroidery needle size 7 · any hoop or frame that clears the drawing · SZ21 Sunflower 4.2 m · SZ34 Chocolate 70 cm · SZ35 Toffee 90 cm · SZ24 Leaf Green 70 cm · SZ23 Olive 40 cm
Work order
  1. Oversized rays (1)
  2. Broad disc rim (2)
  3. Two bold leaves (4)
  4. Thick stem stub (5)
  5. Coarse lattice (3)
Transfer PDF View transfer

How to read one of these transfers

Sunflower embroidery pattern of one open head seen face on, with thirteen lance shaped rays around a large latticed seed disc
Classic Open Sunflower Embroidery Pattern, drawn at 9.0 x 8.9 cm finished
  • The drawing is a transfer, not a chart. Print it at 100 per cent and it comes out at the finished size printed on the card.
  • Every numbered circle points at one line of the drawing. The stitch key gives that number a stitch, a thread code and a colour.
  • A closed shape in the key marked satin stitch is meant to be filled solid. Everything else is worked along the line itself.
  • Trace it with a water soluble pen against a window or a lightbox, or tack tissue paper over the fabric and tear it away afterwards.

Stitches on this page

Twelve stitches grow every sunflower on this page, and the disc textures are where they earn their keep: lattice, knots and seed all stand in for the seed head. Each diagram numbers the needle moves, and under it is the sunflower that puts that stitch to work, so the practice piece is also a finished one.

Back stitch
Come up at 1, one stitch length along the printed line.
1Come up at 1, one stitch length along the printed line.
Go down at 2, back at the start of the line, and scoop up again at 3, one stitch ahead of 1.
2Go down at 2, back at the start of the line, and scoop up again at 3, one stitch ahead of 1.
Pull through and go down again into the hole at 4, the same hole the first stitch came out of.
3Pull through and go down again into the hole at 4, the same hole the first stitch came out of.
The finished row: short stitches butted end to end, each one sharing a hole with the last.
4The finished row: short stitches butted end to end, each one sharing a hole with the last.

The Beginner Outline Sunflower is back stitch nearly throughout, and the Minimal Sunflower keeps to it on sheer cloth.

Straight stitch
Come up at 1 and go down at 2: one straight stitch, complete in itself.
1Come up at 1 and go down at 2: one straight stitch, complete in itself.
Travel under the fabric to the start of the next printed line, at 3, and repeat.
2Travel under the fabric to the start of the next printed line, at 3, and repeat.
Keep the tension even: snug against the cloth, never so tight that it puckers.
3Keep the tension even: snug against the cloth, never so tight that it puckers.

The Geometric Sunflower spokes its disc with straight stitches, not a curve anywhere.

Stem stitch
Come up at 1 on the line and let the working thread hang BELOW it.
1Come up at 1 on the line and let the working thread hang BELOW it.
Go down at 2, a stitch ahead, and come up at 3, half way back, keeping the thread under the needle.
2Go down at 2, a stitch ahead, and come up at 3, half way back, keeping the thread under the needle.
Pull through at 4: each stitch lies half over the one before, all slanting the same way.
3Pull through at 4: each stitch lies half over the one before, all slanting the same way.
Keep the thread on the same side for the whole row and the line twists into a rope.
4Keep the thread on the same side for the whole row and the line twists into a rope.

The Nodding Seed Head bends its thick stalk in stem stitch, and the Crossed Stems page it twice over.

Split stitch
Start with one plain stitch from 1 to 2 along the line.
1Start with one plain stitch from 1 to 2 along the line.
Come up at 3 THROUGH the middle of that stitch, splitting the thread with the needle tip.
2Come up at 3 THROUGH the middle of that stitch, splitting the thread with the needle tip.
Repeat along the line: each stitch is split by the next, leaving a fine braid.
3Repeat along the line: each stitch is split by the next, leaving a fine braid.

The Sunflower Leaf Study veins its big heart leaves in split stitch, one lateral at a time.

Chain stitch
Come up at 1, lay the thread in a loop, and put the needle back down in the SAME hole.
1Come up at 1, lay the thread in a loop, and put the needle back down in the SAME hole.
Come up at 2, inside the loop, and keep the loop UNDER the needle tip before you pull.
2Come up at 2, inside the loop, and keep the loop UNDER the needle tip before you pull.
Pull gently until the loop hugs the thread coming out at 2: that is one link. Go down inside it to start the next.
3Pull gently until the loop hugs the thread coming out at 2: that is one link. Go down inside it to start the next.
Anchor the last loop with a tiny straight stitch over its tip at 3, or the chain unravels.
4Anchor the last loop with a tiny straight stitch over its tip at 3, or the chain unravels.

The Classic Open Sunflower chains all thirteen rays, and the Chain Stitch Sunflower chains rays and leaves alike.

Whipped back stitch
First work a foundation row of back stitch along the printed line.
1First work a foundation row of back stitch along the printed line.
Slide the needle UNDER each back stitch at 1, always in the same direction, without piercing the fabric.
2Slide the needle UNDER each back stitch at 1, always in the same direction, without piercing the fabric.
Pulled snug, the wraps round the row into one smooth raised cord.
3Pulled snug, the wraps round the row into one smooth raised cord.

The Chain Stitch Sunflower whips its disc rim so the circle reads as one raised ring.

Lazy daisy
Come up at 1 at the petal base and go back down in the same hole, leaving a loop.
1Come up at 1 at the petal base and go back down in the same hole, leaving a loop.
Come up at 2 at the petal tip, inside the loop, with the loop under the needle, and pull it snug.
2Come up at 2 at the petal tip, inside the loop, with the loop under the needle, and pull it snug.
Anchor the loop with a tiny stitch over its tip, down at 3: that is one petal.
3Anchor the loop with a tiny stitch over its tip, down at 3: that is one petal.

The Folk Art Sunflower alternates loop petals round its head, and the Sunflower Corner tips its leaves with them.

Satin stitch
Come up at 1 on one edge of the shape and go straight down at 2 on the opposite edge.
1Come up at 1 on one edge of the shape and go straight down at 2 on the opposite edge.
Come back up at 3, right beside 1, and lay the next stitch snug against the first.
2Come back up at 3, right beside 1, and lay the next stitch snug against the first.
Keep every stitch parallel and at the printed angle: the shape fills edge to edge with no cloth showing.
3Keep every stitch parallel and at the printed angle: the shape fills edge to edge with no cloth showing.

The Satin Stitch Sunflower closes every ray so each fills solid gold, edge to edge.

Long and short stitch
Work the first row along the edge: one long stitch, one short, alternating.
1Work the first row along the edge: one long stitch, one short, alternating.
For the next row, bring each stitch up at 1 THROUGH the tip of the stitch above, splitting it.
2For the next row, bring each stitch up at 1 THROUGH the tip of the stitch above, splitting it.
The rows lock into each other, which is what lets one colour shade into the next.
3The rows lock into each other, which is what lets one colour shade into the next.

The Shaded Sunflower bands its broad petals so the yellow deepens toward the disc.

French knot
Come up at 1, where the knot will sit, and hold the thread taut with your free hand.
1Come up at 1, where the knot will sit, and hold the thread taut with your free hand.
Wrap the taut thread twice round the needle tip.
2Wrap the taut thread twice round the needle tip.
Keeping the wraps snug, go down at 2, RIGHT BESIDE 1 and never into the same hole, and slide the wraps to the fabric.
3Keeping the wraps snug, go down at 2, RIGHT BESIDE 1 and never into the same hole, and slide the wraps to the fabric.
Pull through slowly from underneath: the wraps settle into one plump raised knot.
4Pull through slowly from underneath: the wraps settle into one plump raised knot.

The French Knot Sunflower prints every knot position on its disc, dense in the middle, opening to the rim.

Seed stitch
Come up at 1 and down at 2: one tiny stitch, about two millimetres.
1Come up at 1 and down at 2: one tiny stitch, about two millimetres.
Change the angle for every stitch, scattering them like thrown seed.
2Change the angle for every stitch, scattering them like thrown seed.
Sow them close where the pattern is dense and open them out where it fades.
3Sow them close where the pattern is dense and open them out where it fades.

The Seed Stitch Sunflower ripens its disc with seeds sown thick at the centre and thin at the edge.

Couching
Bring the LAID thread up at 1, lay it along the printed line and take it down at 2.
1Bring the LAID thread up at 1, lay it along the printed line and take it down at 2.
Bring the tying thread up at 3, just beside the laid one.
2Bring the tying thread up at 3, just beside the laid one.
Take a tiny stitch over the laid thread and down at 4; repeat at even gaps along it.
3Take a tiny stitch over the laid thread and down at 4; repeat at even gaps along it.
On a lattice, put the ties on the CROSSINGS, where one stitch holds both threads at once.
4On a lattice, put the ties on the CROSSINGS, where one stitch holds both threads at once.

The Couched Lattice Sunflower crosses its disc with laid threads and ties every crossing, which is the classic seed head.

What is on this page

These are surface embroidery transfers, not counted charts. Each one is a line drawing you print at actual size, trace onto fabric and stitch along freehand, with a numbered circle on every part of the drawing and a key that turns each number into a stitch, one of our thread codes and a plain colour name. Nothing on a sheet is unlabelled and no key row points at a line that is not there, which is checked before publication rather than hoped for afterwards.

There are 32 sunflowers here in six groups. Head shape and arrangement are about what you are making, foliage is about the half of the plant most patterns forget, linework is about how much drawing the sheet carries, technique is about what it will teach you, and size is about where it is going. Finished sizes run from 32 millimetres to a panel over fourteen centimetres across.

What makes a drawing read as a sunflower

Three things, and every sheet on this page is built round them. The disc is huge: on a real head the brown centre is roughly half the width of the whole flower, and the moment it shrinks the drawing turns into a daisy no matter what the petals do. The rays are lances, drawn with sharp tips in one or two staggered rows, because rounded tips read as a gerbera and six fat petals read as a child's sun. And the leaves are broad toothed hearts on a genuinely thick stem: a sunflower stalk drawn as a single stroke turns the tallest flower in the garden into a lollipop.

Giving the disc its texture

An empty circle is the weakest part of most sunflower embroidery, so the discs here carry their plan printed on the sheet. Some cross the circle with a lattice of long laid threads, each crossing fastened down with a tiny stitch, which is couching used for exactly the thing couching is best at. Others mark every French knot position on a spaced walk, so the knots come out even instead of crowding the middle, and one design grades seed stitch from dense at the centre to open at the rim, which is how a ripe head actually ripens. Work whichever texture the key names after the rim and before the rays.

Which sunflower to start with

If you have never done surface embroidery, start with the beginner outline sunflower: every line in it is back stitch, stem stitch or split stitch, there is no filling anywhere, and the build refuses to publish a beginner sheet that quietly uses satin or a knot. The tiny pocket flower is 32 millimetres wide and finishes in an evening, and the minimal eight ray version is the next step up. The bouquet, the wreath and the shaded head are afternoon and weekend pieces, in that order.

How to get the drawing onto the fabric

Print at 100 per cent with fit to page switched off, or the sizes printed on the card stop being true. Tape the sheet to a sunny window, tape the cloth over it and trace the lines with a water soluble pen; a tablet showing a white screen does the same job after dark. On thick or dark fabric, trace onto tissue paper instead, tack it to the cloth, stitch through both layers and tear the paper away. Two strands of six strand cotton suit everything here unless the pattern says otherwise, and the pocket and cuff pieces are clearer in one.

Threads, hoops and finished size

Every pattern lists its threads with our own codes and plain colour names, so you can match them against whatever yellows and browns are already in your box rather than buying a specific catalogue number. The finished size on each card is measured off the drawing itself and the sheet is scaled to it, so a head that says nine centimetres really is nine centimetres on paper. Where a design was drawn for a hoop, the sheet prints that hoop as a dashed circle so you can centre the fabric before the first stitch goes in.

Every design here is our own

Not one of these drawings is traced, scanned, bought or lifted from another designer's transfer. They are built out of curves written by hand in code, which is why they can be free, and the plain-language license confirms you can stitch them, print them, teach with them and sell the pieces you make. The rose embroidery patterns page is the other flower on this side of the site and uses the same numbered key, the cat embroidery patterns and butterfly embroidery patterns pages are drawn to the same weight, the cross stitch patterns page is the counted half of this site, and the Pattern Maker will chart a picture of your own onto a grid in a few seconds.

How to use these embroidery transfers

  1. Print the PDF at 100 per cent. The drawing is actual size, so it fits the hoop the pattern names without any scaling.
  2. Trace the lines onto your fabric, then put it in the hoop drum tight. Two strands of stranded cotton is the default here unless the pattern says otherwise.
  3. Work the numbers in order: outlines first, filled shapes next, knots last, so nothing already stitched gets flattened under your hand.

Prefer counting squares? Browse the cross stitch charts

More patterns

Cross stitch

Free cross stitch patterns The full set of counted charts: flowers, creatures, landscapes, large and abstract designs, tiny and one colour charts, beaded charts and border bands. Beginner cross stitch patterns Mini charts, two and four colour charts, bookmark bands and framed card designs, all twenty squares across or less. Cross stitch alphabet Capitals A to Z and the digits, all on one baseline so a stitched name lines up.

Perler beads

Free perler bead patterns Bead charts grouped by bead count and board shape: light, dense, round, hexagon and two board designs. Perler bead ideas Project ideas grouped by what you make: charms, coasters, magnets, animals, bookmarks and decorations. Perler bead keychains Charms drawn with the loop hole already in the grid, grouped by what you clip them to.

Pixel art

Printable pixel art grids Blank squared grids in 29 sizes: square canvases, odd grids with a true centre, and wide and tall rectangles. Pixel art templates Ready drawn sprites on a counted grid: adventure gear, scenery, 16 by 16 icons, seamless tiles and space.

Hand embroidery

Rose embroidery patterns Line art rose transfers with a numbered stitch key: buds, blooms, wreaths, borders, bullion roses and woven wheels. Cat embroidery patterns Line art cat transfers with a numbered stitch key: sitting cats, sleeping cats, silhouettes, paw prints, kawaii faces and cuff bands. Butterfly embroidery patterns Original butterfly line art transfers with numbered stitch keys: swallowtails, flight trails, wreaths, French knot wings and measured hoop designs.