The depth that is captured in this lifelike peony comes from the use of color and the strategic placement of shading stitches. The leaves are highlighted with touches of red just as nature intended. The model is stitched with Appleton wool but could also be worked with other wool threads or even cotton or silk floss if desired. The ground fabric is ecru crewel linen. Linen twill in either white or ecru is a good alternative.
Outline, French knots, split stitch, and long and short shading are described in the stitch instructions to complete the 8" x 10" design. Without a mat, the peony fits a 12" x 14" frame.