Hand embroidery for beginners, step by step
30 tutorials published
Wood, plastic or spring tension? 4, 6 or 8 inches? A plain guide to embroidery hoop sizes and types, what makes a hoop grip well, how to bind the inner ring, and working hoops versus display hoops.
Embroider a small motif on a tea towel that can stand up to real use: prewash the towel, place the design near the hem, choose short sturdy stitches and secure every thread end without knots.
Draw a circle around a glass, stitch it in stem stitch, then add lazy daisy leaves, five small daisies and French knot buds. A forgiving first floral design for a 6-inch hoop.
Stitch a single initial in a 6-inch hoop: choose and size the letter, center it with two guide lines, outline it in backstitch, then add an optional satin stitch fill and two leafy sprigs.
Mark six lines in a 6-inch hoop and stitch one basic stitch per row. This beginner sampler practices running stitch, backstitch, stem stitch, chain stitch, lazy daisy and French knots in one piece.
Learn the French knot step by step: how to wrap, how to hold the thread taut with your other hand, and why the needle must go down beside the hole it came up through, not into it.
Lazy daisy stitch is a single anchored loop that makes an instant petal or leaf. Learn the three numbered points, then build a five-petal flower around a center.
Chain stitch makes a bold line of linked loops. Learn how to form each link, keep the loops even, anchor the last one, work curves and use rows of chain as a filling.
Satin stitch fills small shapes with smooth, parallel stitches. Outline the shape first, start across the widest part, and keep the stitches short and parallel for a clean edge.
Stem stitch makes a slightly raised, twisted line that follows curves beautifully. Learn the three numbered points and the one rule that matters: keep the thread on the same side.
Backstitch gives a solid, unbroken line for outlines and lettering. Follow the three numbered points, then learn how stitch length controls smooth curves and sharp corners.
Running stitch is a simple dashed line and the natural first stitch for a beginner. Learn the four numbered points, how to keep stitches and gaps even, and three easy variations.
