Hand Embroidery for Everyone!
Welcome to the craft of needlework and especially hand embroidery!
This site provides the tools, tips, and techniques you need to learn hand embroidery. Whether you're starting out or building your skills, I'm here to help.
Getting Started: Essential Tools and Basics
Start with the basics: threads, hoops, needles, and fabrics. Check the equipment guide for details.
The stitch index shows clear instructions, photos, and troubleshooting tips to help you learn the fundamentals.
Click "Shop" at the top of any page to browse and purchase patterns by technique.
Learning and Growing: Tutorials, Videos, and Projects
Practice with tutorials, instructional videos, and patterns to build your embroidery skills. You'll be amazed at how quickly you improve and gain confidence!
Soon, you'll be ready to tackle complex techniques, advanced stitches, and more challenging projects. Try different needlework styles to find what works best for you.
Where is the design?
There are two main embroidery methods to explore: using a pre-printed outline and following a counted thread pattern.
Which method you choose depends on your personal preference and the specific requirements of your project.
Both stitching techniques have their own advantages and will help you create beautiful, precise embroidery. Don't hesitate to try both to discover which one you enjoy the most.
Pre-Printed Outlines
With a pre-printed embroidery pattern, stitch over the lines or fill spaces between them.
These actual-size outlines make it easy to see how the design fits, ensuring proper proportions. Pre-printed patterns often include stitch recommendations, eliminating guesswork.
But what if you're feeling creative?
Use your favourite stitches to bring the design to life!
You can trace and transfer the outlines I provide on the site to your fabric, if you're not confident drawing.
Needlework techniques that use this method include:
Counted Thread Charts
Counted thread patterns involve following a chart. with stitch symbols. The chart includes symbols for each colour in the design, and the centre starting point is marked clearly.
Counting fabric threads helps you produce even stitches while maintaining consistent tension.
If you want a design to end up smaller, use fabric with more threads per inch. Don't worry if numbers aren't your "thing". You can use my free cross stitch calculator to work out which size fabric to pick.
Techniques that use this method include:
You'll also find out more about these below.
Explore embroidery techniques
Let me share these techniques with you.
The bold contrast of black thread on a light background creates intricate and mesmerising geometric patterns. It might look complex at first glance, but don't worry—I'll break it down for you step by step.
You'll learn how to craft stunning fill patterns, create intricate outlines, and even experiment with shading and texture. Doesn't that sound exciting?
Plus, you can access unique downloadable patterns to get your creative juices flowing.
I'm here to guide you every stitch of the way, so let's explore the beauty of Blackwork together!
One of the best things about cross stitch is that you don't need any drawing skills.
The pattern is your guide—just follow the symbols and colours, and watch your design take shape, stitch by stitch.
Ready to get started? Explore my downloadable cross stitch patterns and begin creating today.
Discover the beauty of Hardanger embroidery!
This technique allows you to create intricate designs using satin stitches, cutwork, and needle weaving. The result is a stunning piece that shows your creativity and skill.
Ready to give it a try?
Check out my free Hardanger course to get started.
I also offer a selection of downloadable hardanger patterns—perfect for your next project.
Looking for a craft that's both durable and beautiful?
Needlepoint offers you the best of both worlds.
Choose a painted canvas or experiment with tantalising textures—the choice is yours.
Our Textures To Dye For collection features a range of downloadable charts to spark your creativity.
So why not immerse yourself in the joy of needlepoint today?
Feeling intimidated by intricate patterns?
Redwork embroidery, using a single colour, is perfect for beginners.
Its simplicity lets you focus on mastering basic stitches without worrying about colour combinations or complex designs.
Redwork offers an approachable way to begin stitching and develop your embroidery skills with every project. Why not start with the little red hen pictured here, for free.
Enjoy the freedom of crazy quilting, where perfection isn't the goal, and quirks are celebrated. Let go of rigidity and release your creativity.
The true magic of crazy quilting lies in its variety. Each seam and patch tells a story, reflecting your unique personality and style.
These creations are genuine works of art. So jump in, be unconventional, and craft something beautifully original!
Start by building your basic block ready to decorate it.
Raise your embroidery skills with stumpwork, a remarkable technique that adds dimension to your designs using wire, padding, and specialised stitches.
Imagine creating beautiful flowers, intricate insects, charming animals, and tiny figures that show off your creativity.
Ready to give it a try? Stitch this Easter bunny in a basket—it's the perfect project to celebrate spring.
I'm here to guide you every step of the way!
Experience the elegance of pulled thread embroidery, where delicate, lacy white-on-white patterns are created by drawing fabric threads tightly together rather than focusing on the stitches themselves.
This technique results in intricate designs that offer the subtle beauty of texture and light.
Interested in trying it out?
Download my free sampler filled with pulled work and other whitework techniques to inspire your creativity.
Looking for a mindful and relaxing approach to embroidery?
Slow stitching invites you to savour each moment, focusing on the joy of creation rather than the final outcome.
With slow stitching, there are no complex patterns or strict rules—let your imagination guide you. It's a wonderful way to unwind, reflect, and express yourself through fabric and thread.
Ready to begin your slow stitching journey? Gather your favourite fabric scraps, select threads that inspire you, and start stitching at your own pace.
P.S. Something missing?
Your feedback means so much to me, so please feel free to reach out if you have any thoughts or suggestions. I'm dedicated to providing the best possible experience for you.
Embroidery is a personal journey, and I hope this content truly resonates with you. My goal is to make you feel at home among a fellow enthusiast who shares your passion for this beautiful art.
Let's enjoy this creative journey together—I'll bring the coffee (and strawberries)!
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