If you’re interested in learning embroidery but don’t know where to begin, you’re in the perfect place! My blog posts and video tutorials have helped people around the world start their embroidery journey. Hand embroidery is my top crafting passion, and I’ve gathered my knowledge into six beginner-friendly lessons. With just a few supplies and some simple stitches, you’ll be creating beautiful embroidery pieces in no time.
How Easy is Embroidery?
Learning to embroider isn’t difficult at all. You don’t need a lot of supplies to get started, and with a few foundational stitches, you’ll be able to create lovely, eye-catching designs. Embroidery is accessible and enjoyable, even for complete beginners.
What’s the Easiest Embroidery Stitch?
The running stitch is the easiest stitch for beginners to start with, as it’s simple and versatile. The backstitch is also very beginner-friendly and a great stitch to add once you’re comfortable with the running stitch.
The 6 Basic Embroidery Stitches
There are a few core stitches that form the foundation of most embroidery work. The six essential stitches for beginners are:
- Running Stitch
- Backstitch
- Split Stitch
- Stem Stitch
- Satin Stitch
- French Knot
These stitches are all simple to learn, and they’re used in countless designs, from flowers and patterns to letters and abstract shapes.
How to Embroider: Step-by-Step Lessons
Lesson 1: Essential Supplies for Beginners
Before you can start embroidering, you’ll need to gather a few basic supplies. Don’t worry—it doesn’t take much! The essentials are fabric, thread, needles, a hoop, and tracing supplies. I’ve covered everything you’ll need to start embroidery in this lesson, including some optional extras if you’d like to add a bit of creativity to your toolkit. These items are simple to find and will set you up perfectly for your first project.
Lesson 2: Choosing the Best Fabric
While you can embroider on nearly any fabric, some are definitely easier to work with than others. This lesson is dedicated to exploring different types of fabrics and explaining which ones are best suited for beginner projects. Although almost any material that a needle can pass through will work, certain fabrics make the learning process much smoother. In this lesson, I’ll guide you through the various kinds of fabric and help you understand why some are ideal for beginners.
Lesson 3: Top Tips for Embroidery Success
As you begin learning how to embroider, there are a few helpful tips that will make the process smoother and more enjoyable. From threading a needle to separating embroidery floss, to knowing how to start and stop your thread, this lesson covers the basics you’ll need to be successful in your projects. These tips will give you a solid foundation, making your first embroidery experience relaxed and rewarding.
Lesson 4: Selecting Beginner Patterns
The best way to learn embroidery is by diving right into a project, so in this lesson, we’ll cover how to choose your first pattern. This lesson is designed to help you find a beginner-friendly pattern that suits your taste. If you’re looking for something simple, my Free Embroidery Sampler Pattern is a perfect place to start. For those with a bit more confidence or previous experience, I offer a wide selection of free embroidery patterns to choose from.
Lesson 5: Transferring Your Pattern
Once you’ve chosen a pattern, the next step is to transfer it onto your fabric. There are several ways to do this, and in this lesson, I’ll walk you through each method, explaining the pros and cons and highlighting which fabrics work best with each technique. With these instructions, you’ll be able to transfer your pattern cleanly and accurately, giving you a great start to your project.
Lesson 6: Using an Embroidery Hoop
Choosing the right embroidery hoop is important. Start by selecting a hoop that’s slightly smaller than your fabric. Unscrew the top of the hoop just enough to separate the two rings. Place your fabric over the inner ring, then press the outer ring down about halfway before tightening the screw. Once the hoop is on, pull the fabric taut from each side until it’s tight like a drum, then finish tightening the screw. This lesson will guide you through each step of this process.
Lesson 7: Mastering Basic Stitches
All embroidery designs are made up of individual stitches. In this lesson, you’ll find video tutorials that teach each of the basic stitches, one by one. These easy-to-follow videos will guide you through the techniques you need to start embroidering flowers, letters, and anything else you can imagine. Learning these foundational stitches will open up a whole world of creative possibilities.
Lesson 8: Finishing Your Embroidery
Once you’ve completed your design, it’s time to finish your piece. There are a few options for displaying and protecting your work:
- Frame it in the hoop – Leaving your embroidery in the hoop can create a lovely framed effect, and adding a stitched piece of felt to the back will make it look polished and professional.
- Mount it on a canvas – If you prefer a frameless look, mounting it on a canvas is a great option. This can create a gallery-style display for your work.
- Iron on a backing – For embroidered clothing or accessories, you can add an iron-on backing to protect the back of your work and prevent any irritation on your skin. I have a detailed post that covers the best types of backing to use for different projects.
Lesson 9: Washing Your Embroidery
To ensure your embroidery lasts as long as possible, it’s best to wash it by hand with cold water and mild detergent, then let it air dry. Embroidery can be delicate, and hand-washing is the gentlest option. Be cautious with colored threads, as some dyes may run. If you notice colors bleeding, rinse thoroughly without letting the fabric dry in between rinses. For extra protection, consider using a color catcher in the wash.
Lesson 10: Pressing Your Embroidery
Ironing your embroidery can help remove wrinkles, but you’ll want to avoid flattening your design. Place your work face down on a thick towel to cushion the stitches, then cover it with a thin towel to protect the fabric. Gently press the iron down without moving it around, then lift and reposition as needed. This technique will prevent your design from getting smashed down while keeping it looking crisp and clean.
If you’ve never embroidered by hand before, I encourage you to dive in and give it a try! The beauty of hand embroidery lies in its imperfections; small variations add character and charm to each piece. Don’t worry about making mistakes, as you can always undo stitches and try again. Most importantly, have fun and enjoy this relaxing, productive hobby. Happy stitching!