Hawthorn Embroidery Pattern

Beneath the Hawthorn Trees

Just down the road from our home is the beautiful mountain, Slemish. Its rugged terrain and legendary history as the first known Irish home of St. Patrick gives it such deep character. We've spent a lot of time here and you'll often have the hill to yourself, and the wildlife, if you visit on any day (except a certain one in March). 

The iconic steps wind their way between ancient hawthorn trees that feel as old as the hill itself. So when we decided to embroider hawthorn in our Wild Irish Flora Collection, we knew we just had to capture these gracious elders at Slemish. 

Bloom in Your Time

If you've been following the journey, you'll know we've been stitching native Irish wildflowers as they bloom across the season. Each flower has invited us into a different experience of nature. Bluebells immersed our imagination in waves of woodland blue. Hawthorn arrived with a reminder that nature does not hurry.

At times it's felt like the flora have been emerging faster than I can embroider! The Bluebells graciously waited for us. And while we were filming their blue blooms, the white blossom of the "Mayflower" was fading, along with our hopes of capturing it. But yet again nature did something special. It waited. 

As we anxiously approached the hill...there it was in all its glory, dusted with white, weeks behind the neighbouring hawthorns. Ascending the steps surrounded by blossoms that seemed to have frozen in time, it gave me a timely reminder...you are not late, you are blooming in your time. 

In this busy world I needed that comforting reassurance. And you can imagine our delight in capturing the hawthorn, even at the cost of thorny, soggy bottoms!

 

Design Notes

One of the lessons Hawthorn taught me was that not every detail needs to be captured. Standing beneath the blossom-covered branches at Slemish, what stayed with me wasn't the individual flowers but the feeling of being surrounded by them. In designing this pattern, I found myself leaning into impression rather than realism, allowing small stitches and simple forms to suggest the beauty of thousands of blossoms.

 

Stitching the Hawthorn

In the spirit of the beautiful Slemish hawthorn, I pray this pattern blooms in your hands. It's one to savour, stitch slowly and remind yourself that wherever you are on your journey, you will blossom in your time. 

If you'd like to embroider the hawthorn, you'll find the pattern here and some FAQs below. 

Much love and gratitude 

Lisa xx

 

Frequently Asked Questions

Is the Hawthorn embroidery pattern suitable for beginners?

Yes. Hawthorn is designed to feel approachable and enjoyable for both beginners and more experienced stitchers. The pattern uses just four stitches: stem stitch, satin stitch, filled lazy daisy stitch and French knots. Full instructions and stitch guidance are included.

What size hoop is used for the Hawthorn embroidery pattern?

The pattern is designed for a 190mm (8 inch) embroidery hoop, providing plenty of space for the blossom-filled branches while remaining a relaxing project to stitch.

What stitches are used in the Hawthorn pattern?

The pattern uses stem stitch for the branches, satin stitch for the leaves, filled lazy daisy stitch for the blossom petals and French knots for the flower centres and details.

How long does the Hawthorn pattern take to stitch?

Every stitcher works at their own pace, but Hawthorn is intended to be a mindful project to savour over several stitching sessions. The rhythmical blossoms and repeated stitches make it a relaxing design to return to.

Can I use different colours?

Absolutely. While the sample reflects the soft white blossom of the Irish hawthorn, embroidery is wonderfully personal. You may choose different shades of white, cream, pinks or greens to suit your fabric and style.

Is the Hawthorn pattern only suitable for hoop art?

Not at all. While it works beautifully displayed in a hoop, the design was also created with thoughtful placement in mind. It can be stitched onto project bags, drawstring bags, cushions, linens, gift bags and other sewing projects.

Is Hawthorn part of a collection?

Yes. Hawthorn is part of the Wild Irish Flora Collection, a growing series of botanical embroidery patterns inspired by Ireland's native wildflowers and the beauty of slow stitching throughout the seasons.

Do I need to fill every petal exactly as shown?

No. Nature is wonderfully varied, and your stitching can be too. You can create a lighter, airier effect by using fewer stitches, or a fuller appearance by increasing stitch density. The pattern is intended as a guide, allowing room for your own interpretation.