Do you know the feeling? When you are looking for a fresh hand embroidery design pattern and you cannot find it? The frustration and lack of energy? The feeling of hopelessness?
That’s why I like to use Instagram and I follow several artists there. I often look for inspiration for my embroidery work. I found the latest post of Nini’s drawing and I really liked it. That is why I decided to write to her and collaboration with Nini started just like that. Totally unexpectedly.
Step 1: Nina published her amazing picture
I was browsing on Instagram and saw the latest post of Nini on Instagram.

If you would like to know more about her work, you can check out @nina_spolar_nini’s Instagram profile and blog.
You can check out more of her work on her profile and under the hashtag #designbyninaspolar. You will be surprised what you will see there.
Step 2: We decided to collaborate
I have sent her a DM and she replied 🙂 I am very grateful to her that she was excited about collaborating with me. She has sent me her drawing and I started to develop my ideas on which colors and stitches I plan to use.
This will also be an upcycle project. I have been planning to make a tote bag from old pair of jeans. I think it will be an amazing addition to also add art embroidery design to it.
Step 3: I transferred the pattern
My usual pattern transfer techniques have failed, so I had to try a new one. I used a pencil to draw the pattern on very thin transfer paper. I used small pins to attach the transfer paper and I have started to embroider on it.
Step 4: I started to embroider
I have seen places where I want to use French knots. I have also selected an area to use a Padded silk Stitch. Some stitches I choose as I go.
You can check out my work under hashtag #myembroiderypassionscollabwithnini and I am adding my progress daily.

If you prefer to watch the embroidery process, can also check out short videos of my embroidery progress on my TikTok account 🙂
Step 5: Hand Embroidery Design Pattern – revealed part 1
I have finished the first part of my work and I have decided to take off the paper to see how it looks.
I can share with you my Favorite stitches that I have used here:
Please, let me know in the comments if you would like to see more detailed posts for the stitching techniques.

Step 6: Hand Embroidery Design Tote Bag finished
When I was halfway through with my embroidery, I have seen an amazing embroidery class from Ana Maria Restrepo and I got inspired by it. I have added painted elements to my embroidery, so the texture is even more standing out.
I have been really excited to see my embroidery finished.
I have been thinking for some time, how and where to wear it. In the end, I have decided to make a pretty tote bag – I never have enough of them 🙂

The end of the creative journey – create your own Hand Embroidery Design Pattern
How do you like the finished tote bag I have made? When I have started the project Hand Embroidery Design Pattern and Collaboration with amazing artist Nini, I didn’t know what I will create in the end. It was an amazing creative journey, full of twists and turns. I really like the different colors I could use together, they make my abstract garden embroidery really stand out.
I also like that old pair of jeans got new life and function. Sustainability and upcycling are some of the keys to a better and more clean future.
You can also check out the post on How to Sew a Hand Embroidery Flower Design Purse | Free Tutorial. I found a beautiful Lotus image on Pinterest and I have made my own embroidery interpretation. My finished result is the small purse that I carry everywhere I go 🙂
Until next time I wish you all happy creating,
Vesna