Casa Batllo in Barcelona 🇪🇸

Story of the Casa Batllo, Barcelona design

The Casa Batllo in Barcelona pattern is one of our all time favorites. The soft shapes and details of Gaudi's architectural masterpiece make it a fun challenge for needle workers and French knot lovers.

The French knot technique is usually used to add texture and smaller floral. However, for the Casa Batllo design we used the stitch slightly differently, namely for the tiles that makes up the marvelous facade. Each French knot represents a unique tile, which is why they're so small.

Thus, to enhance the finesse of the knots, they are made with only a single stranded thread. Even though it looks advanced, it's the same technique as with a regular larger French knot! To use miniature knots for the wall is a typical example of how a basic technique can be used in an unexpected way. It's these kinds of tricks that we absolutely love with the embroidery medium.

Even though the focus is on the French knot mural, there are also a a great deal of smooth rounded shapes to consider. To stitch rounded shapes can be quite tricky in the beginning. However, the secret to successfully embroider smooth lines is to shorten the stitch length. Hence, don't be scared of the advanced impression of the final result, but rather embrace the challenge!

Embroidery stitches used in this pattern:

• Back stitch

• Satin stitch

• Split stitch

• French knot

You can learn how to embroider the above techniques in this article or via our free video stitch library Going Knots .

Materials you need to complete this embroidery design:

• 🖼️ Cotton canvas (or any non-stretch and non-transparent cotton fabric such as Duck canvas 7oz)

• 🖼️ Embroidery hoop of 15cm (6")

• 🎨Embroidery needle (We love to use 1-5 Bohin France or DMC needles)

• 🧵 Embroidery floss (DMC colour codes are indicated on your pattern pdf)

• ✂️ Scissor

• 📝 Carbon paper for transfer (Alternatively solvy paper, iron-on pen or any other transfer method of your preference)

• 🖊️ Pointy ball point pen

• 📏 Optional: Small ruler

Here is an article with more information about the various materials that we use.

BONUSES

→ Included in your pattern pdf is a video tutorial on how to transfer our architectural hand embroidery designs with carbon paper.

→ Upon purchase you will also receive an invitation to our supportive Private Facebook community that is available only for stitchers of our designs and courses.

Learn more with online courses

Are you keen to dive deeper into the Architectural hand embroidery style?

Then you’d want to have a look at our in depth Architectural hand embroidery and threadpainting courses on Charles and Elin Academy!

In addition to courses on Architectural designs we also offer other inspiring courses to support you on your exploration of modern hand embroidery.