Dear Hearts by Di van Niekerk

Few designers capture the romance of silk ribbon embroidery quite like Di van Niekerk, and for The Handpicked Collection 5, Di has created a pair of enchanting and endearing designs collectively known as Dear Hearts.

Each project brings a world of colour and texture to life on pre-printed linen panels, transformed into three dimensions with silk ribbons and delicate embroidery stitches.

The first project, Love Heart, is framed by billowing clouds, rolling hills and a distant forest, where a profusion of pink and red flowers surround two woven, padded hearts at the centre.

The second project, Wildflower Heart, sets its scene beneath soft clouds drifting above a vibrant field of blossoms, a joyful celebration of nature’s untamed beauty.

Whether you create both and display them as a romantic pairing of framed pieces or finish them as keepsake cushions, these designs embody all the charm and tactile richness that Di is famous for.Whether you create both and display them as a romantic pairing of framed pieces or finish them as keepsake cushions, these designs embody all the charm and tactile richness that Di is famous for.

A wide repertoire of stitches - including ribbon stitch, woven filling, French knots, pistil stitch, and twisted ribbon stitch just to name a few - combine with her signature silk ribbon to create depth, softness and a touch of whimsy.

Like many of Di’s most beloved works, Dear Hearts demonstrates how a printed fabric panel becomes the foundation for something much more: a stitched landscape where ribbon and thread work in perfect harmony to form flowers, hearts, and clouds that seem almost alive.

The result is embroidery that is as much painting with silk as it is needlework, an effect both timeless and enchanting.

If you are inspired to create your own romantic hearts, Ready-to-Stitch kits for both Love Heart and Wildflower Heart are available individually and include everything you need from the pre-printed fabric panels to the threads, ribbons and printed instructions.

Alternatively, you can purchase the pre-printed panels for each design separately as well.

All the links you need can be found on the Dear Hearts Project Page where you can scroll down and see all the options for instructions, kits and even wares, which include any specific hoops or needles recommended for this project as well as the pre-printed fabric panels.

Just a reminder: all Handpicked kits come with printed instructions, so there’s no need to purchase them separately.

Oh, and if you enjoy Di’s work don’t forgot to check out her website HERE and follow her on Instagram HERE.