Sunflowers and Bees Embroidery Design, Machine Embroidery Pattern, Instant Download

The centre of each sunflower here pushes over 24,000 stitches at the largest size, and thats almost entirely down to the tatami fill I used to get that deep brown seed texture right. The density sits at 919, which is on the heavier end for a floral, but the petal satin runs directionally outward so it doesnt feel stiff when its stitched out. Two big golden yellow sunflower heads dominate the composition, stacked on a single stem, with two bumblebees mid-flight around them, black and yellow stripes, grey wings, legs hanging down like they just landed. Small white daisies and coral pink cluster buds scatter around the stem to fill it out.

Ive been stitching sunflower designs for years and this one holds up better than alot of them on heavier fabrics. On denim tote bags, the 3.5 inch width sits perfectly flat, the underlay keeps everything tidy even on canvas grain. For the tall format, the 7.5 inch height makes it ideal for a linen apron front panel where you have the space to let the whole stem stretch out. Use a cutaway stabiliser on jersey or any knit fabric, the bee legs and the fine coral flower stems will pull without it.

A crafter ordered this last summer and messaged me saying the bumblebees looked almost three-dimensional once the satin stitches caught the light on her natural cotton tote bag. Hoop it centered on your fabric, not shifted up, because the composition balances itself vertically and you want equal breathing room top and bottom. Skip the topping on smooth cotton or linen, it isnt needed and just adds cleanup time.

The white daisy petals use a tight satin fill that reads really crisp even on dark backgrounds, navy canvas or charcoal twill both work well. Pair this with a cream background if you want the golden yellow to pop fully. Its got this warm cottage-garden feel without being kitsch, the bees give it enough movement that it doesnt read as a flat botanical print.

Add a medium-weight cutaway under stretchy tees and go with 3.5 inches on the chest pocket area. The bobbin tension matters more than usual here because of the jump stitches between the bee body and the wing segments, so do a test hoop on a fabric scrap first and check the back before you commit to a finished piece.

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