I was shown how to work Kiko Flower by a lady from Japan. Her English was not good but she called it flower stitch because worked in a ring it can form a flower. True to skills handed on in the oral tradition I call it Kiko’s flower stitch because I have not seen it documented elsewhere. If you know Kikos Flower by another name, leave a comment as I would love to know.
Added Later: Mystery solved! I received an email from Queenie of Queenies Needlework pointing me to the books of Japanese author Sadako Totsuka who looks to be the inventor of this stitch. In Totsuka Embroidery book 8, the stitch is numbered 56, rather than named.
You need to know buttonhole wheel stitch and how to make a bullion knot to work this stitch. You can work 4, 5 and 6 petals of the flower easily. Instead of French knots for the middle you can also add beads.
How to work Kiko’s Flower Stitch
The step by step samples are in perle #5 cotton
Start with a detached chain stitch.
Keeping on a curve (as illustrated) insert the needle at the base of the chain stitch and bringing the point out on the outer edge wrap the thread under the needle to make a quarter of a buttonhole wheel stitches in a small fan shape.
On the outer edge insert the needle into stitches as illustrated.
Make a bullion knot to catch the stitches down.
This unit is what Kiko called a stitch and she worked them in units of 4, 5 or 6.
As you can see it makes a nice shape for a textured flower just ad some French knots or beads to the middle.
You can also create cascades with this stitch to create petals on a wisteria vine
Love this stitch Sharon…..thank you so much for showing me…..I will use it in my Crazies often…
Hi, Sharon
I agree that this is a beautiful flower stitch. But being the dolt I am, I can’t get from a to b. Looks like I’m hung up at the base of the chain stitch. I just don’t know what you mean. I’ve fiddled with if but didn’t quite make. Please help!
Barbara follow the link in the post to the buttonwheel tutorial – as it says you need to know buttonhole wheel for this stitch – hope this helps
Hi Sharon,
this stitch sampler is detailed here-
https://jizee6687.wordpress.com/category/tast-2014/38-132-kikos-flower-stitch/
Thank you,
Chitra
Here are my trials of this lovely stitch. Thanks Sharon.
http://www.hobbysewing.blogspot.in/2014/10/tast-132-kikos-flower-stitch.html
I thought I had posted this but I guess I hadn’t.
http://210920746822434353.weebly.com/my-stitchery-journal/october-02nd-2014
Bullion knots are NOT my fave but I managed a few petals before getting thoroughly frustrated.
This is such a pretty stitch, however I wonder if I’ll ever get it as neat looking as yours, Sharon.
http://queeniepatch.blogspot.jp/2014/10/tast-132-kikos-flower.html
HI Sharon,
I have seen a few people using this stitch for their flowers and Loved it. I’m so glad you have detailed instructions for us. YOU ARE THE BOMB (even though my grandkids say that no one says that anymore – for you it fits) 🙂
Hugs Kristie
Thanks Kristie I assume being the BOMB is good!
My samples are less than perfect too.
http://linsartyblobs.blogspot.co.uk/2014/10/sharon-at-take-stitch-tuesday-calls.html
A really lovely dimensional stitch!
Will come in handy for lots of projects.
Barbara M
This is a pretty stitch when done by you! Mine is less than perfect but I still enjoyed learning how to do it. http://princessbubblescreates.blogspot.ca/2014/09/take-stitch-tuesday_30.html
Angela – the stitch is very similar to frilled buttonhole but you work a bullion across the buttonholes instead of frilling them-
I look forward to making these! I know exactly which project I will add them to, it is just a matter of figuring out if it will be a seam or a motif… Decisions, decisions!
This week I completed Stitches 130 and 131 – the double lock and beaded lock stitches. I really enjoy these stitches. Once I get into a groove, they are quite relaxing. 🙂 I may have added a blurb about your generosity, too. Thank you for making another donation to CQI for one of their drawings!
http://monkeyandmutt.blogspot.com/2014/09/tast-09302014-and-giveaway-notice.html
Renee looks like you are going really well
A BEAUTIFUL stitch, with a well chosen name. I sent you some information in a mail. Please read and see if it is of any use.
HI Queenie I got your email ( I am about to answer it) thanks for the info
O yes, this is such a lovely stitch. It’s a pity I didn’t use it anymore after stitching my TAST 2010 sampler. You can read about it in my original post:
http://fat-quarter.blogspot.nl/2010/12/kikos-flower.html
Hi, I’ve newly discovered TAST so I’m currently waaaaaay back at herringbone stitch. However, I’m observing the new stitches with interest.
Sharon, I’m wondering, how many stitches are there going to be in this round of TAST? I was considering making a single mega-sampler with all the stitches and it would be nice to know for lay out purposes. Here’s hoping for a nice number like 144 😉
Hi Morgan I am not sure how many stitches will be in TAST to be honest there would easily be a lot more stitches than 144 it is case of figuring if I want to continue next year – or take a break for a while and continue. I had thought to take a break next year but then I might decide to add more after a break I really am not sure. I realise that answer must be very frustrating – perhaps do a sampler that you can add to if needed. Sorry I cant be more definite
Absolutely gorgeous! Will definitely be adding this one to my repertoire. Thank you so much Sharron for being willing to share all these wonderful stitches with us 🙂
yes I think they are pretty too
Oh, this is so pretty…I love it. Can’t wait to try one of these.