Sarah K. Benning’s botanical embroidery

These plant illustrations are sew cool

American artist Sarah K. Benning has combined her love of embroidery with her passion for plants to create a stunning collection of botanical needlework illustrations. It’s official: embroidery just got cool.

About the artist…

Benning attended the School of the Art Institute of Chicage and graduated in 2013 with a BFA in Fiber and Material Studies. But it wasn’t until after graduation that she discovered her love of embroidery. What began as a relaxing hobby while working as a full-time nanny soon developed into a burgeoning career for the talented needleworker.

About her work…

With no formal training in the craft, Benning is completely self-taught, and approaches each piece as an illustration rather than a textile – often abandoning traditional stitches and techniques in favour of “bold shapes, playful patterns, and contemporary subject matter”. Her emphasis on drawing, composition, and colour choice keeps her work fresh and vibrant.

Passion for plants

Inspired by her own collection of plants and love of nature, Sarah’s highly detailed, hand embroidered works depict clusters of potted plants in stylish interior settings. Desert plants like cacti, snake plants, cheese plants and yucca, are teamed with patterned textile rugs to evoke a distinctly Central and South American vibe.

Follow Sarah's beautiful embroideries on Facebook and Instagram