Astrology studies how the positions of the stars and planets are believed to affect human lives. It has an antique history – Babylonians had their organized system of astrology, and the horoscope signs as we know them were solidified by the Greeks around 280 BC.
For centuries, horoscope signs were the object of art – from Lascaux cave paintings and Egyptian art to Modern art. Horoscopes and astrology inspired hundreds of artists to draw, paint, sculpt, and weave.
Let’s embroider horoscope signs!
Photo credit: Tatjana Iljaseviciute from Practical Embroidery
Let’s try to create hand embroidery art inspired by horoscope signs!
In this hand embroidery tutorial, I will show you three ways to embroider modern Origami horoscope signs. Besides that, I will give you some ideas on how to display them or turn them into personalized handmade gifts.
Some tips before you start:
- Decide which pattern transfer method you will use. You can read the “Four ways to transfer embroidery patterns to fabric” article first.
- If you are new to hand embroidery, learn the basic hand embroidery stitches you will need for this project. “Six Hand Embroidery Stitches for Lettering” and “Six Hand Embroidery Stitches for Filling” articles will be helpful.
- For more visual guidance – watch a video tutorial – “Hand Embroidered Origami Horoscope Signs – hand embroidery tutorial.”
Tools and materials you will need for all three projects:
Photo credit: Creative Fabrica
- Embroidery pattern. I used Origami horoscope graphics from the Creative Fabrica library.
- Fabric: I used Duck cotton fabric (15×15 cm) of an off-white color. You can use any material of your choice.
- Embroidery needle. Choose a medium embroidery needle (e.g., No 7) for two strands of embroidery floss.
- Pattern transferring tools. I used a friction pen for pattern transfer. It will go out with the iron heat when the project is finished.
- Embroidery hoop. Choose a size of the hoop that will fit the design. Mine is 10 cm in diameter.
- Scissors – fabric shears to cut the material and small embroidery scissors or snips to cut the thread.
Gemini sign
Photo credit: Tatjana Iljaseviciute from Practical Embroidery
Embroidery floss for Gemini embroidery:
- Black (DMC #310).
- Additionally, you will need watercolors and a brush. I chose blue watercolor pencils.
Photo credit: Tatjana Iljaseviciute from Practical Embroidery
Step-by-step tutorial
- Download and resize the Origami horoscope graphics from the Creative Fabrica library. I resized mine to approximately 8 cm to fit a 10 cm hoop.
- Print the pattern.
- Transfer the pattern. I used a lightbox method.
- Place the fabric with a Gemini origami horoscope design in the hoop with the image centered, adjust the tension, and tighten the screw.
Photo credit: Tatjana Iljaseviciute from Practical Embroidery
- Add watercolors. You can create any shape you like. I chose to add some color drops with different shades of blue.
- Let the watercolors fully dry.
Photo credit: Tatjana Iljaseviciute from Practical Embroidery
- Embroider the lines of the design. Use two strands of black embroidery floss (DMC #310). Embroider with a Split backstitch.
Leo sign
Photo credit: Tatjana Iljaseviciute from Practical Embroidery
Embroidery floss for Leo embroidery:
- Dark terra cotta (DMC #355),
- Mild orange spice (DMC #721),
- Mild tangerine (DMC #741).
- Additionally, you will also need a blunt needle for whipping stitches.
Photo credit: Tatjana Iljaseviciute from Practical Embroidery
Step-by-step tutorial
- Download and resize the Origami horoscope graphics from the Creative Fabrica library. I resized my design to approximately 8 cm to fit a 10 cm hoop.
- Print the pattern.
- Transfer the pattern. I used a lightbox method.
- Place the fabric with a Leo origami horoscope design in the hoop with the image centered, adjust the tension, and tighten the screw.
Photo credit: Tatjana Iljaseviciute from Practical Embroidery
- Embroider the outlines of the Lion with a Backstitch. Use two strands of Dark terra cotta (DMC #355) embroidery floss.
Photo credit: Tatjana Iljaseviciute from Practical Embroidery
- Embroider the face of the Lion with a Backstitch. Use two strands of Mild orange spice (DMC #721) embroidery floss.
Photo credit: Tatjana Iljaseviciute from Practical Embroidery
- Add whipping stitches to the head and face outlines and make a Whipped backstitch. Use two strands of Mild tangerine (DMC #741) embroidery floss for whipping stitch.
- TIP. To make a whipping stitch, use a blunt needle so you don’t snag the backstitch and keep your fingers safe from hurting.
Libra sign
Photo credit: Tatjana Iljaseviciute from Practical Embroidery
Embroidery floss for Libra embroidery:
- Violet (DMC #553),
- Light blue violet (DMC #341),
- Dark antique violet (DMC #3740).
Photo credit: Tatjana Iljaseviciute from Practical Embroidery
Step-by-step tutorial
- Download and resize the Origami horoscope graphics from the Creative Fabrica library. I resized my design to approximately 8 cm to fit a 10 cm hoop.
- Print the pattern.
- Transfer the pattern. I used a lightbox method.
- Place the fabric with a Libra origami horoscope design in the hoop with the image centered, adjust the tension, and tighten the screw.
Photo credit: Tatjana Iljaseviciute from Practical Embroidery
- Mark the sections by color. I chose to make some areas darker and some – lighter and marked sections for the darker color with a dot.
- Start with darker sections. Embroider with a Satin stitch. Use two strands of Violet (DMC #553) embroidery floss.
Photo credit: Tatjana Iljaseviciute from Practical Embroidery
- When you choose the direction of the stitches, make them as short as possible. I embroidered vertical stitches on the top sections of the design and horizontal – on the longer bottom sections.
Photo credit: Tatjana Iljaseviciute from Practical Embroidery
- Outline all the shapes filled with Satin stitches with a Split backstitch. Use two strands of Dark antique violet (DMC #3740) embroidery floss.
Photo credit: Tatjana Iljaseviciute from Practical Embroidery
- Embroider the ropes holding the plates with a Split backstitch. Use two strands of Dark antique violet (DMC #3740) embroidery floss.
Display your embroidery
This Origami horoscope design is very versatile and gives us a lot of creative possibilities. I walked you through three ways to embroider any horoscope signs. Besides different embroidery styles, you can also choose different ways to use these embroideries and display them.
Hoop art
Photo credit: Tatjana Iljaseviciute from Practical Embroidery
My embroidered Origami horoscopes became a hoop art to display on the wall. You can frame your embroideries in the hoop and hang them on the wall. If you are unfamiliar with different ways to make hoop art – read the article “Four Ways To Finish The Embroidery Hoop” on The Artistry blog and choose your favorite method.
Greeting cards
Besides the hoop art, you can use these embroidery designs to create a greeting card. In the article “Hand Embroidered Mother’s Day Card. DIY Tutorial” I demonstrate how to make embroidery on paper. You can use the same technique to turn any Origami horoscope signs into an embroidered card.
Embroidery on clothes
These Origami horoscope signs would look great embroidered on T-shirts, sweatshirts, or the back pocket of jeans. You can personalize a piece of clothing for your friend or family member. Besides that, you can use these designs for mending purposes. For example, the embroidery could cover a small stain or make it a patch to cover more extensive tears or worn-out fabric.
Home textiles
Another way to display these horoscope designs is to embroider them onto cloth napkins. It’s a great way to personalize tea towels or fabric napkins for your family members and to showcase your beautiful embroidery work.
If you need more guidance and inspiration on personalizing home textiles, read a “Monogrammed Fabric Napkins For Your Home” article on The Artistry.
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