What's New on Carol's Needlework Blog Today!

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Feb 23, 2026

Embroidery from Home: How to Turn Your Stitching into a Real Business

sewing jobs - furry puppies

Want to turn your embroidery skills into money? From test stitching to designing and selling your own patterns, here are 4 ways to build a home business

Continue reading "Embroidery from Home: How to Turn Your Stitching into a Real Business"

Feb 22, 2026

Gobelin Stitch: Slanted, Encroaching & Interlocking Variations

straight gobelin stitch worked with pearl 5 cotton

Learn 7 Gobelin stitch variations for needlepoint: slanted, encroaching (interlocking), Hungarian, Parisian and more. Step-by-step instructions + tips.

Continue reading "Gobelin Stitch: Slanted, Encroaching & Interlocking Variations"

Feb 22, 2026

Bullion Knot Stitch Tutorial: How to Make Roses & Flowers

bullion knots 04

Learn bullion knot stitch with step-by-step photos. Make embroidered bullion roses, strawberries, flowers. Includes tips for perfect wraps every time

Continue reading "Bullion Knot Stitch Tutorial: How to Make Roses & Flowers"

Feb 22, 2026

Elegant Blackwork Figure Patterns: Ladies Through the Ages (PDF)

pearl-plumsilver.jpg

Download blackwork embroidery lady patterns from 1920s, 1930s & Regency eras. 7 instant PDF charts with shading guides — from £3.50. Beautiful vintage figures!

Continue reading "Elegant Blackwork Figure Patterns: Ladies Through the Ages (PDF)"

Feb 22, 2026

How to Hemstitch by Hand: Step-by-Step Embroidery Tutorial

Learn hemstitch embroidery with this easy tutorial. Master fabric scoring, hem folding, and Danish hemstitch technique with clear diagrams.

Continue reading "How to Hemstitch by Hand: Step-by-Step Embroidery Tutorial"

Feb 22, 2026

Free Hardanger Christmas Card Pattern — Cable Stitch Tutorial

free hardanger patterns

Stitch a beautiful Hardanger Christmas card with this free pattern. Learn cable stitch, satin stitch rose motifs, and how to mount your finished piece.

Continue reading "Free Hardanger Christmas Card Pattern — Cable Stitch Tutorial"

Feb 22, 2026

Hardanger Stitches: Spider's Web & Four-Sided Stitch

finished hardanger coaster in peach

Learn Hardanger stitches with this free tutorial. Step-by-step instructions for spider's web, four-sided stitch border, and decorative Kloster blocks.

Continue reading "Hardanger Stitches: Spider's Web & Four-Sided Stitch"

Feb 22, 2026

Free Hardanger Bookmark Pattern: Buttonhole Edging Tutorial

buttonhole edging

Download this free Hardanger bookmark pattern with step-by-step instructions. Learn buttonhole stitch edging, square eyelets, and neat finishing.

Continue reading "Free Hardanger Bookmark Pattern: Buttonhole Edging Tutorial"

Feb 22, 2026

Hardanger Embroidery for Beginners: Free Step-by-Step Guide

hardanger lesson 2

New to Hardanger? Learn wrapped bars, dove's eyes, and fancy Kloster blocks with clear step-by-step instructions and a free downloadable chart.

Continue reading "Hardanger Embroidery for Beginners: Free Step-by-Step Guide"

Feb 22, 2026

Learn Hardanger Needlework: Kloster Blocks & Your First Project

hardanger-lesson-1-complete.jpg

Start Hardanger needlework with this free beginner lesson. Learn to stitch Kloster blocks, cut threads safely, and needleweave on 22-count fabric.

Continue reading "Learn Hardanger Needlework: Kloster Blocks & Your First Project"

Feb 22, 2026

Hardanger Patterns for Beginners — Instant PDF Downloads

hardanger patterns 01 - mat

Five charted Hardanger designs with step-by-step instructions. Perfect for confident beginners. Buy singles from £2.50 or save with the Starter Bundle.

Continue reading "Hardanger Patterns for Beginners — Instant PDF Downloads"

Feb 21, 2026

Rayon Embroidery Thread - From Tangles to Triumphs

rayon embroidery threads

Love-hate relationship with rayon embroidery thread? Go from frustration to flawless stitching - discover the secrets and techniques that work

Continue reading "Rayon Embroidery Thread - From Tangles to Triumphs"

Feb 21, 2026

Needlepoint Fibers - How Thread Choice Transforms Texture

Needlepoint fibers compared — see how rayon, cotton, metallic and over-dyed threads completely transform the same design. Real workshop examples with photos.

Continue reading "Needlepoint Fibers - How Thread Choice Transforms Texture"

Feb 21, 2026

Needlepoint Patterns: Discover Beautiful Designs for Your Next Project

hope needlepoint pattern

Needlepoint patterns that use textured needlepoint stitches and over-dyed threads make up the Textures to Dye for range

Continue reading "Needlepoint Patterns: Discover Beautiful Designs for Your Next Project"

Feb 19, 2026

Free Cross Stitch Patterns to Make in Under an Hour

homemade valentines cards

Free cross stitch patterns that are quick and easy. Learn how to cross stitch with these simple designs from Carol Leather

Continue reading "Free Cross Stitch Patterns to Make in Under an Hour"

Feb 19, 2026

What is slow stitching? A personal response to the question

memories of a scottish holiday in slow stitch

Carol gives her answer to the question: what is slow stitching and explains how you can get started and the benefits of doing so.

Continue reading "What is slow stitching? A personal response to the question"

Feb 19, 2026

How to Thread Paint for Beginners: A Step-by-Step Guide to Get Started

thread painting complete

Learn thread painting with this beginner's guide. Leaen the secrets to smooth shading and create a beautiful embroidered flower with our step-by-step tutorial.

Continue reading "How to Thread Paint for Beginners: A Step-by-Step Guide to Get Started"

Feb 17, 2026

How to thread a needle and tips for when it just won't work!

wire loop needle threader

Struggling to thread a needle? I share the method I rely on, plus fixes for fraying thread, tiny eyes, and metallics And a guide to needle threaders.

Continue reading "How to thread a needle and tips for when it just won't work!"

Feb 15, 2026

Hardanger Embroidery: Free Step-by-Step Lessons + Patterns

hardanger patterns 01 - mat

Learn Hardanger embroidery with 6 free beginner lessons. Each includes a pattern and project — coasters, cards, bookmarks and more. Start stitching today!

Continue reading "Hardanger Embroidery: Free Step-by-Step Lessons + Patterns"

Feb 15, 2026

Rhodes Stitch: Heart, Square & Diamond Variations + Diagrams

rhodes stitches

Learn Rhodes stitch variations including heart, diamond, square and half stitch. Step-by-step diagrams for needlepoint and embroidery. Photos of each shape!

Continue reading "Rhodes Stitch: Heart, Square & Diamond Variations + Diagrams"

Feb 15, 2026

Rice stitch - an easy needlepoint stitch to learn

rice stitch 02

Try Rice Stitch - one of the simple needlepoint stitches that you can use to give many different effects

Continue reading "Rice stitch - an easy needlepoint stitch to learn"

Feb 15, 2026

Choosing embroidery fabric for counted thread embroidery techniques

A Guide to choosing fabric for counted thread embroidery. Including cross stitch fabric, evenweave fabrics and linen embroidery fabric

Continue reading "Choosing embroidery fabric for counted thread embroidery techniques"

Feb 15, 2026

Magnification for Embroidery: How to Choose the Right Lamp

magnification

Your practical guide to magnification for embroidery. Understand dioptres, lens sizes, CRI and colour temperature to choose the right lamp for your needlework

Continue reading "Magnification for Embroidery: How to Choose the Right Lamp"

Feb 14, 2026

How to Make a Crazy Quilt Block (Stitch & Flip method)

strawberry-crazy-quilt-block

Make a crazy quilt block from scraps with the stitch-and-flip method. Step-by-step photos show adding patches, pressing, trimming and finishing the corners.

Continue reading "How to Make a Crazy Quilt Block (Stitch & Flip method)"

Feb 13, 2026

How to Use & Tighten Embroidery Hoops (Step-by-Step Photos)

embroidery hoops

How tight should an embroidery hoop be? Learn to get drum-tight tension without puckers. Step-by-step photos show hooping, tightening, and fixing loose fabric

Continue reading "How to Use & Tighten Embroidery Hoops (Step-by-Step Photos)"

Feb 13, 2026

A Beginner’s Guide to the Coral Knot Stitch for Textured Embroidery

coral knot stitch top view

Learn how to embroider the coral knot stitch with this easy, step-by-step guide. Perfect for beginners who want to add beautiful, bumpy texture to their work!

Continue reading "A Beginner’s Guide to the Coral Knot Stitch for Textured Embroidery"

Feb 13, 2026

Hand Embroidery for Beginners: Start Here - Simple Step-by-Step Path

flowers ad

Start hand embroidery the easy way. Follow a simple beginner path—what to buy, best fabric, how to transfer designs, hoop setup, and what to stitch next.

Continue reading "Hand Embroidery for Beginners: Start Here - Simple Step-by-Step Path"

Feb 13, 2026

How to Do Herringbone Stitch: Embroidery Step-by-Step

herringbone stitch sample

Step-by-step herringbone stitch tutorial for hand embroidery. Clear photos show how to keep stitches neat and avoid tangles. Includes variations.

Continue reading "How to Do Herringbone Stitch: Embroidery Step-by-Step"

Feb 11, 2026

Cutwork Embroidery by Hand: Beginner Tutorial + Free Pattern

cutwork embroidery

Learn hand cutwork embroidery with this beginner tulip pattern. Step-by-step buttonhole stitch tutorial — yes, cutting the fabric is completely safe!

Continue reading "Cutwork Embroidery by Hand: Beginner Tutorial + Free Pattern"

Feb 10, 2026

How to Embroider Leaves: 6 Stitches with Step-by-Step Photos

fly stitch flowers

Learn 6 beautiful leaf embroidery stitches with step-by-step photos. From satin stitch to fishbone — easy techniques for filling leaves with confidence.

Continue reading "How to Embroider Leaves: 6 Stitches with Step-by-Step Photos"

Feb 10, 2026

Bargello Needlepoint for Beginners: Stitches, Patterns + Colour

pink and blue wool used for a bargello baloon

Learn Bargello needlepoint with this beginner guide. Step-by-step stitching, colour theory tips, and 3 design types explained. Includes a free bell pattern!

Continue reading "Bargello Needlepoint for Beginners: Stitches, Patterns + Colour"

Feb 09, 2026

Free Cross Stitch Calculator – Find Your Fabric Size Instantly (free)

Free interactive cross stitch calculator – enter your design dimensions and fabric count, get instant results in cm or inches. No maths needed. Try it now!

Continue reading "Free Cross Stitch Calculator – Find Your Fabric Size Instantly (free)"

Feb 08, 2026

Double Running Stitch Tutorial: Easy Guide for Beginners

backstitch diagram

Discover the secrets of the double running stitch for perfect blackwork embroidery. Learn step-by-step techniques for reversible designs with expert guidance

Continue reading "Double Running Stitch Tutorial: Easy Guide for Beginners"

Feb 03, 2026

Embroidery Stitch Sampler: A Creative Way to Practice and Explore

mini embroidery sampler

Discover how an embroidery stitch sampler can help you practice stitches, experiment with techniques, and grow your confidence—no perfection required!

Continue reading "Embroidery Stitch Sampler: A Creative Way to Practice and Explore"

Jan 29, 2026

Japanese Blackwork Patterns: 2 Elegant Geisha & Kimono Designs

2 stunning Japanese blackwork patterns (£5 each): Elegant geisha and kimono lady designs with metallic thread & seed beads. Instant PDF downloads!

Continue reading "Japanese Blackwork Patterns: 2 Elegant Geisha & Kimono Designs"

Jan 29, 2026

Blackwork Sampler Patterns: 7 Designs for Cushions & More (PDF)

garden sampler 350

7 blackwork sampler patterns (£1.75-£5): Garden, Maze, Tudor Rose, Chessboard & more. Make cushions, pillows, or wall art. Instant PDF downloads!

Continue reading "Blackwork Sampler Patterns: 7 Designs for Cushions & More (PDF)"

Jan 29, 2026

Blackwork Animal Patterns: Elephant, Rhino, Dragon & More (PDF)

the-sentinal.jpg

5 blackwork animal patterns (£3.60-£5): Elephant, Rhino, Goose, Rooster & Dragon. Lifelike shading with instant PDF download. Intermediate to advanced levels.

Continue reading "Blackwork Animal Patterns: Elephant, Rhino, Dragon & More (PDF)"

Jan 29, 2026

Blackwork Flower Patterns: 5 Floral Designs — Rose, Iris & More

blackwork fuchsia C2

5 blackwork flower patterns (£3.75 each): Rose, Fuchsia, Water Lily, Irises & Bellpull. Instant PDF downloads with clear charts. Beginner to advanced levels!

Continue reading "Blackwork Flower Patterns: 5 Floral Designs — Rose, Iris & More"

Jan 29, 2026

3 Beginner Blackwork Patterns: Follow the Coloured Path (PDF)

little owl cover 250

3 beginner blackwork patterns (£2.25 each) with colour-coded stitch paths — so you never lose your place. Owl, rocking horse & rabbit. Instant PDF download!

Continue reading "3 Beginner Blackwork Patterns: Follow the Coloured Path (PDF)"

Jan 29, 2026

Blackwork Shading Tutorial: 2 Techniques + Free Pear Pattern

blackwork pears lesson

Master blackwork shading with this free pear tutorial! Learn 2 techniques for adding depth and dimension to your embroidery — step-by-step with photos.

Continue reading "Blackwork Shading Tutorial: 2 Techniques + Free Pear Pattern"

Jan 29, 2026

Blackwork Embroidery: Free Lessons, Patterns & Complete Guide

blackwork pears lesson

Explore blackwork embroidery with 5 free lessons, downloadable patterns for all levels, and a complete guide. From Tudor & Spanish origins to modern designs.

Continue reading "Blackwork Embroidery: Free Lessons, Patterns & Complete Guide"

Jan 29, 2026

Blackwork Fill Patterns: 3 Easy Examples + How to Choose

arrows and diamonds blackwork pattern

Blackwork fillers look tricky but aren't! Learn 3 easy patterns step-by-step, handle compensating stitches at edges, and pick the right one for your design.

Continue reading "Blackwork Fill Patterns: 3 Easy Examples + How to Choose"

Jan 29, 2026

Colonial Knot: Easy Tutorial + French Knot Comparison

colonial-knots-and-french-knots

Learn the colonial knot stitch step-by-step. Discover why stitchers prefer it over French knots – easier and won't slip through fabric!

Continue reading "Colonial Knot: Easy Tutorial + French Knot Comparison"

Jan 29, 2026

How to Turn a Corner with Blanket Stitch: A Step-by-Step Guide

buttonhole edging

Our guide on how to turn a corner with blanket stitch gives you the confidence to create polished, professional-looking edges you’ll be proud of every time.

Continue reading "How to Turn a Corner with Blanket Stitch: A Step-by-Step Guide"

Jan 29, 2026

How to Change Thread in Blanket Stitch: A Simple Guide

Adding a new thread when doing blanket stitch

Running out of thread in your blanket stitch project? Learn a simple, neat method for joining a new thread seamlessly with this quick step-by-step tutorial.

Continue reading "How to Change Thread in Blanket Stitch: A Simple Guide"

Jan 29, 2026

3 Fun and Easy Blanket Stitch Variations to Learn

blanket stitch wheel

Ready to add some creative flair to your embroidery? Learn 3 fun blanket stitch variations! This simple guide shows you how to create the whipped stitch & more

Continue reading "3 Fun and Easy Blanket Stitch Variations to Learn"

Jan 29, 2026

Discover the Blanket Stitch: Detailed Instructions and Tips

cutwork embroidery

Master the blanket stitch with our easy-to-follow guide. Perfect for beginners and experts alike. Learn to create neat edges and decorative embroidery today

Continue reading "Discover the Blanket Stitch: Detailed Instructions and Tips"

Jan 24, 2026

French Knot Stitch Tutorial: 4 Easy Steps to Perfect Knots

french knot butterfly

Tired of messy French knots? Easy embroidery & needlepoint tutorial: the 4-step rhythm and 3 secrets for perfect, tidy stitches that won't pull through

Continue reading "French Knot Stitch Tutorial: 4 Easy Steps to Perfect Knots"

Jan 16, 2026

The Ultimate Embroidery and Cross Stitch Planner For You

embroidery project planner

Stay focused with the Embroidery and Cross Stitch Planner - Keep your ideas and notes at your fingertips - A must-have for embroiderers keen to get organised

Continue reading "The Ultimate Embroidery and Cross Stitch Planner For You"


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