Daisy alternative

1. Start by separating 6 strands of DMC embroidery thread one by one.   Separating and then putting the strands together again will make a huge difference to how smooth the petals look.  Thread your needle with the 6 strands and make a knot at the end.

2. Bring your needle up from the back of the fabric at the outer edge of the mid circle.  Using simple small running stitches make a small stitch for every petal.  I find 6 works best.

3. Bring your needle up from the back on the outside of the circle you just made on the side of a stitch.

4. Insert a long pin (with a pin head) at the edge of where the petal will be and bring it up in the circle.  The pin will anchor your petal stitches in place.

5. Keeping the strands of the thread as smooth as possible, wind it around the pin and then push your needle under the running stitch before winding it around the pin again.  Do this 3 times.

6. Remove the pin and insert your needle into the loop of the petal.  Used a thicker (prefably) blunt needle to comb the strands of the petal smooth.  Drape the tail of the thread from the front to the back of the needle and push the needle through the hoop. 

7.  Try to make use that the front part of the petal is a tiny bit longer as the back part.  Comb it again to ensure the strands are laying flat and smoothly.

8.  Insert the needle back into the fabric and neaten the petal once again. 

9.  Continue until you have made al 6 petals.  You can use French knots for the heart of the flower.