Woven Wheel // Hand Embroidery Stitches
Stitches

Woven Wheel // Hand Embroidery Stitches

Two Woven wheels in different colours
Two woven wheels (one with 5 spokes, one with 3) in different floss colours.

Details

Name:

Woven Wheel
aka: Wagon Wheel, Wheel Stitch, Whipped Circle, Spider's Web

Difficulty:

Easy

Structure:

Circular Composite Isolated Raised Woven

Technique:

Crewelwork Ribbonwork Surface

Uses:

Embellishment


Watch this video on YouTube.


Overview

The Woven Wheel Stitch is created by weaving thread around an odd number of spokes, forming a raised circular design ideal for depicting flowers.

This stitch can be used as an embellishment stitch and typically, it is worked between five straight stitches, though you can use more. Just ensure the number of straight stitches is an odd number. Usually, five or seven straight stitches are preferred. In this example, we have not left any space in the center, but you can do so to achieve a different effect.

Method

You can use a different number of spokes (I personally like using five), but it must always be an odd number.

Step 1
Bring your needle up at the edge of the circle, then take it down a little way around in a clockwise direction, still on the edge of the circle.
Step 2
Bring the needle up at the centre of the circle and tighten the loop against it.
Step 3
Take the needle down, as though finishing a fly stitch. Bring it up a little way clockwise around the circle (aim for the same distance as between the initial stitch’s spacing).
Step 4
Take the needle directly across the centre, and down at the two o’clock position. Draw the thread through and bring it up a little way clockwise around the circle.
Step 5
Take the needle across and down opposite, then make a small holding stitch in the centre of the spokes.
Step 6
Bring the needle up slightly off-centre, between the spokes and close to the holding stitch.
Step 7
Change to a tapestry needle and, working anticlockwise, slip the thread over the adjacent spoke and under the next one.
Step 8
Continue working in this way, weaving the thread over then under alternate spokes. Work outwards from the wheel’s centre.
Step 9
Continue working until the spokes are completely covered, then take the needle through to the back and secure the thread.

History

This stitch is prominent in Elizabethan embroidery, as evidenced by various textiles in the Victoria and Albert Museum in London, where examples are typically stitched with silver or silver-gilt metal thread. It is also found in Hedebo work from Denmark, a whitework technique that uses woven wheels to embellish the centers of eyelets.


Projects

Here are some projects you can complete that include this stitch!

more coming soon…

Reference: RSN Stitchbank

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Hi, I'm Kate 👋

About the author

In a previous life (AKA: pre-kids), I was a web des/dev & photographer who loved to dabble in numerous arts and crafts. Now, I'm a cross-stitch & embroidery pattern designer and full-time mum to Charlie & Alex, with adult-diagnosed ADHD. Closet nerd, self-proclaimed hermit and professional procrastinator. I have a secret crush on modern architecture, brush calligraphy, sweets, pretty nails and pastel colours.

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