Rosette of Thorns is actually a variety of Buttonhole stitch. If you look at it they are a set of 5 buttonhole stitches bunched together at the base with the five arms arranged in a fan. This cluster creates an interesting decorative line. The crown shaped arcs of this stitch can be decorated by adding beads or a French knot. Rosette of Thorns is used in crazy quilting and for decorative borders.
This stitch can be worked in a line or on a gradual curve, with arms of the stitch fanning outwards or in a severe curve to form a circle. It is named Rosette of Thorns as it creates a decorative pattern of crown shapes linked together.
How to work a Rosette of Thorns Stitch
Rosette of Thorns is a line of grouped buttonhole stitches bunched together at the base with the arms arranged in a fan. A long buttonhole stitch links each “Crown” of stitches.
Work from left to right along an imaginary line. Bring the thread out on the base line inserting the needle at the angle illustrated. Loop the working thread under the needle point before pulling the needle through the fabric to form the first loop.
Repeat this process changing the angle of the needle slightly each time.
If you find it difficult to create a neat arc use a coin as a guide.
Once the first ‘crown ‘is worked make a long buttonhole stitch.
Repeat this pattern of making a cluster of stitches for the crown then a gap, another cluster and so on.
You can create many interesting patterns with this stitch by changing how you space the ‘crowns’ or changing the angles or working two lines back to back.
I hope you enjoy the stitch!
Have you seen my book?
My book The Visual Guide to Crazy Quilting Design: Simple Stitches, Stunning Results
Have you seen my Stitchers Templates?
As someone who loves crazy quilting and embroidery I designed these templates with other stitchers in mind. With my templates you can create hundreds of different patterns to use in your stitching projects. They are easy to use, totally clear so you can position them easily and are compact in your sewing box.
Templates set 1 you will find here
Templates set 2 you will find here
Hello Sharon. I am new to crazy quilting and the embroidery involved. Your website is so interesting and it provides such a huge collection of information. Thank you for the inspiration!
Thanks Estelle – I have built the site to help people so it is wonderful get such lovely feedback
Love the template sets, I have used them all and not just for crazy patch embroidery. The new book is yet another must have. So many ideas and help with stitch formation. Thanks for all you give us !!!!
Sharon I’m still drooling over your book and I’ve been through it so many times. I’m new to crazy quilting and you’ve given so many useful instructions and tips. It answers all my questions. I’ve bought your templates too and I love them. Once my sister saw your book she got herself a copy to. Thanks for all your expert directions and ,of course, eye candy!
Oh Thankyou Eileen I am so pleased the book is useful to you I love knowing I have been able to encourage someone into crazy quilting as I have had many happy hours doing it
Thanks Eileen I am so pleased you are enjoying both book and templates
Greetings Sharon, I’ve now received my copy of Crazy Quilting and its a beautiful book. While I’m not so much into Crazy Quilting, I especially appreciate the very clear stitch construction details and the options for further enhancing the basic stitches. Thankyou
Oh thank you it is nice to know people find it useful as that is what I was aiming for!
Hello Sharon,
Once again I must thank-you for helping me to add to my list of decorative stitches. Your explanations and illustrations are just right. whilst I am so interested in crazy patchwork, I must confess I have not ventured there yet: but prefer to confine my stitchery by working on felts. Your clear instructions help me to adapt many designs using such a variety of stitches and now I am including small seed beads and sequins, no doubt more elaborate beads and other things will find their way into my work over time. Thank-you so much for your generosity. Kindest regards
I am pleased you are enjoying the site – have fun – and dont hold back on the beads I don’t Bling rules!