Hand Embroidery for Beginners

Ready to pick up a needle and thread?

I'm Carol, and I've been sharing my passion for hand embroidery with beginners since 1992. Over the years, I've taught at major UK needlework shows, local craft shops, private groups and one-to-one sessions. Now it's your turn to learn from the comfort of your own home.

My approach to teaching embroidery is straightforward and encouraging. Whether you're completely new to needlework or returning after a break, I'll guide you through the essentials.

After 30 years of teaching, I've refined techniques perfect for novices—and I’m excited to share them with you.

Feeling nervous? Don't be—embroidery is easier than it looks!

Supplies You’ll Need to Begin

Starting embroidery requires just a few basics. Collect together: 

• Fabric (see options below)
• An embroidery hoop (15-20cm is ideal for beginners)
• Embroidery needles (sizes 3-9) and optionally a needle threader
• Embroidery floss in your chosen colours
• Sharp scissors
• Water soluble marking pen

Choosing the Right Fabric

Your choice of material can make a big difference. Here are some beginner-friendly options:

1. Medium-weight cotton: A sturdy and easy-to-use option for beginners
2. Muslin: Lightweight and inexpensive—perfect for practice
3. Aida Cloth: Ideal for techniques that involve counting the threads in your fabric, like cross-stitch.
4. Canvas: Great for durable projects and supports a variety of stitches.
5. Linen: Classic with a lovely texture, but a bit tricky to handle—save this for later.
6. Silk: Elegant but slippery—master the basics first!
7. Textured fabrics: Fabrics like towelling or velvet add variety but are best for when you’re more experienced.

Transferring a design

Now that you've chosen your fabric, let's explore how to transfer your design. Choose a method based on your fabric type:

1. Light Box or Window Method

Perfect for light-coloured fabrics.

You'll need: Design, fabric, light source, marking pen, and masking tape

• Secure your design to the light source.
• Place your fabric on top and trace carefully with your pen

2. Transfer Paper Method

Great for darker fabrics

You'll need: Transfer paper, design, and a ballpoint pen

• Place transfer paper (coloured side down) on your fabric, layer the design on top, and trace with firm pressure.

3. Water-Soluble Stabilizer

Ideal for thin or stretchy fabrics.

You'll need: Stabilizer, printer, and water.

• Print or trace your design onto the stabilizer, place it on your fabric, and stitch through both layers. Rinse with water to remove the stabilizer.

4. Iron-On Transfer Pens or Pencils

Reusable and convenient.

You'll need: Iron-on transfer pen, tracing paper, and an iron.

• Trace your design onto paper, then transfer it onto fabric using a hot iron.

Quick Tips for Success

Choose the method that best suits your fabric, and keep the following in mind:

• Work on a flat, stable surface
• Take your time—rushing leads to mistakes
• Keep your design secure while tracing
• Use light pressure to avoid making permanent marks on your fabric

Choosing Your Colours and Threads

Picking the right colours brings your project to life. Here’s how to get started:

Start simple: Two or three shades are enough for beautiful results.

Contrast matters: For bold designs, choose colours that stand out against your fabric.

Test first: Place small swatches of thread on your fabric to see how they look together.

What stitches to use

Focus on simple stitches to build your confidence:

• Backstitch: Great for outlining designs.
• Stem stitch: Perfect for curves and letters.
• Split stitch: Ideal for filling areas with parallel rows.
• Chain stitch: Adds texture and looks beautiful on curved shapes.

With a bit of practice you will be able to create beautiful pieces like the padded satin stitch initial I stitched for my mum, shown below. It's not perfect, but she loved it!

Embroidering Curved Letters

An easy starter project is to stitch an initial. These could decorate a bag, your jeans, or would make a wonderful personalised birthday card for a friend. 

Curved letters like 'S' or 'O' can be tricky. Follow these steps to make them easier.

1. Prepare Your Materials: Use tightly woven fabric secured in a hoop.
2. Practice on Paper: Draw your letters to understand their flow.
3. Pick Your Stitch: Try stem, chain, or split stitch for natural curves.
4. Keep Stitches Short: Shorter stitches help maintain precision.
5. Maintain Even Tension: Prevent puckering by keeping your thread taut but not too tight.
6. Take Your Time: Slow, deliberate stitching leads to smooth results.

Avoiding Common Beginner Mistakes

1. Uneven Stitch Length: Use fabric with patterns or draw guidelines to maintain consistency.
2. Rushing: Slow down to avoid mistakes. Embroidery is about enjoying the process
3. Skipping Practice: Try new stitches on scrap fabric before starting your main project.

Ready to Get Started?

Embroidering is fun, creative, and satisfying.

Remember: You'll make mistakes—they're part of the proocess., and every stitch brings improvement. With the tips shared here, you’re ready to create beautiful pieces. Gather your materials, try out new stitches, and let your imagination run wild.

Happy embroidering!

Taking it further