Woven Wheel Rose: How to Embroider Easy 3D Roses
Make full, dimensional woven wheel roses step by step: how many spokes, which thread, how to weave without tangles, and how to finish with leaves.
By Ayoub Farid · · 3 min read
The woven wheel rose (also called woven rose stitch or spider web rose) looks impressive but is one of the easiest dimensional stitches. You make a star of straight stitches, then weave thread over and under the spokes until they disappear under a plump, round rose.
What you need
- A circle about 1–2 cm across drawn on your fabric
- 2 strands of floss for the spokes (any colour; they will be hidden)
- 6 strands for weaving, in your rose colour
- A tapestry needle (blunt tip) for weaving, so you don't pierce the spokes
How to make a woven wheel rose, step by step
1. Stitch the spokes
Make 5 straight stitches (an odd number is essential) from the edge of the circle to the centre, evenly spaced like a star. A quick way to place them: draw a "Y" and add two spokes between the lower arms.
2. Come up near the centre
Bring the weaving thread up between two spokes, close to the centre.
3. Weave over and under
Without piercing the fabric, pass the needle over one spoke, under the next, all the way around. Because there are 5 spokes, each round alternates automatically.
4. Keep going outward
Let the thread lie loosely at first, then keep weaving until the spokes are completely covered. Push the rounds toward the centre with the needle so they pack together.
5. Finish
Take the needle down to the back just under the edge of the last round. Secure the thread on the back.
Tips for a full rose
- Weave loosely. Tight weaving makes a flat, small rose. Loose weaving makes it puffy.
- Use all 6 strands (or perle cotton) for weaving.
- Change shades halfway (dark in the centre, light outside) for a realistic look.
- Don't let the thread twist; let the needle dangle now and then.
Common mistakes
| Problem | Cause | Fix |
|---|---|---|
| Weaving doesn't alternate | Even number of spokes | Always use an odd number (5 or 7) |
| Spokes show at the edge | Stopped weaving too early | Keep weaving until spokes are covered |
| Flat rose | Pulled too tight | Weave loosely and pack rounds inward |
| Needle catches spokes | Sharp needle | Use a blunt tapestry needle |
Finishing touches
Add leaves with lazy daisy or fishbone stitch, and scatter French knots as buds. Clusters of three roses in different sizes look great on a hoop, a tote or a denim pocket. For more ideas, see how to embroider a rose and the similar ribbed spider wheel.
Hoopie's library includes an animated woven wheel rose guide that shows the spokes and the over-under weave step by step.
Frequently asked questions
Why do woven wheel roses need an odd number of spokes?
So the over-under pattern alternates on every round. With an even number, the thread would go over the same spokes every time and the weave would not hold.
What thread is best for woven roses?
Six strands of stranded floss or a perle cotton for the weaving. Use two strands for the hidden spokes.
How big should a woven wheel rose be?
Between 1 and 2.5 cm across is easiest. Larger roses need more spokes (7) and more thread.
Can I make roses without a tapestry needle?
Yes. Use the eye end of a regular needle to weave so you don't split the spokes.