★ How to Embroider for Beginners | Learn Embroidery Stitches | Craft Tutorials & Projects ★
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Learning to Embroider
The general definition of embroidery is 'the addition of decorative stitches to fabric'.
There are many different variations of embroidery though, including crewel, stumpwork and blackwork, however this page mainly focusses on the regular embroidery techniques and stitches, which is the basis for all stitching.
On the page below, you'll find links to the best beginner embroidery tutorials on the web, which will show you the technique required for each of the different embroidery stitches, plus what materials and equipment you will need to get going with this craft. I've listed some fab projects to practice your new found craft skills on too.
I hope this page inspires you to try out this brilliant, and inexpensive, craft :-)
There are many different variations of embroidery though, including crewel, stumpwork and blackwork, however this page mainly focusses on the regular embroidery techniques and stitches, which is the basis for all stitching.
On the page below, you'll find links to the best beginner embroidery tutorials on the web, which will show you the technique required for each of the different embroidery stitches, plus what materials and equipment you will need to get going with this craft. I've listed some fab projects to practice your new found craft skills on too.
I hope this page inspires you to try out this brilliant, and inexpensive, craft :-)
Contemporary Crewel Embroidery
So What is Embroidery?
Embroidery is essentially any decorative stitching added to fabric. 'Regular' embroidery, which is what people usually mean when they say 'embroidery', is the addition of stitches such as satin stitch and back stitch to fabric using a cotton embroidery thread/floss.
Embroidery floss consists of many strands, which you can separate to make a thinner thread if you desire. 2 strands are usually used, and the floss is available in pretty much any colour.
This 'regular' type of embroidery is usually learned first, and then you can explore the other types which are explained in this glossary and here on Purl Bee.
The different variations of embroidery are:
Blackwork
Whitework
Candlewicking
Hardanger
Punch needle
Crewel (with wool thread)
Redwork
Stumpwork (raised/3D)
Needlepoint
Counted cross-stitch
Sashiko
Ribbon Embroidery
Tapestry is often listed as embroidery but it's actually weaving rather than stitching so is not actually classed as embroidery.
Embroidery floss consists of many strands, which you can separate to make a thinner thread if you desire. 2 strands are usually used, and the floss is available in pretty much any colour.
This 'regular' type of embroidery is usually learned first, and then you can explore the other types which are explained in this glossary and here on Purl Bee.
The different variations of embroidery are:
Blackwork
Whitework
Candlewicking
Hardanger
Punch needle
Crewel (with wool thread)
Redwork
Stumpwork (raised/3D)
Needlepoint
Counted cross-stitch
Sashiko
Ribbon Embroidery
Tapestry is often listed as embroidery but it's actually weaving rather than stitching so is not actually classed as embroidery.
Add Detail
You can use embroidery to add detail and make an everyday product into something special and unique.
Photo Source.
Most Used Embroidery Stitches
Embroidery Lessons
- Things You Need
- What to get to start embroidery.
- A-Z Stitch Index
- Every type of stitch you can do.
- Take a Stitch Tuesday
- New stitch how-to every Tuesday.
- Individual Stitch How-Tos
- A brilliant comprehensive list.
- Tips and Techniques
- So much info on tools, stitches and techniques for beginners.
- Embroider on Knitting
- How to add embroidery to a knitted material.
- Peacock Feather Stitch
- Very pretty stitch technique.
- Step-by-Step Design
- From design to completion.
- Embroidery Walkthrough
- Step-by-step photos of an apron project.
- Embroidery 101
- How to get started.
- Hand Stitching How-To
- How to stitch a design properly onto fabric.
Embroidered Art
More Embroidery Lessons
- Stitching & Finishing Off
- Shows the most common stitches.
- Embroidery Guide
- Lots of information and steps for the complete beginner.
- How to Embroider
- Huge list of helpful links.
- Mounting Embroidery
- Onto a wooden block.
- 2 Color Embroidery
- Techniques using 2 colours of thread.
- Embroider on Felt
- And create custom labels.
- Hand Embroidery Tutorials
- Including new stitches.
- Tools of the Trade
- Evaluation of all the equipment available.
- Simple Embroidery Tutorial
- Easy step-by-step guide to making an embroidered outline design.
- Shisha Stitch
- Circular 3D stitch technique which can enclose sequins, beads etc.
- Long Bullion Knots
- Lines created with a knotting technique.
Embroidered Jewelry
These gorgeous brooches are made with embroidered felt and zippers.
Photo Source.
Raised Stumpwork Embroidery
A lovely example of 3D embroidery.
Photo Source.
French Knots
Practice Projects
- Embroidered Buttons
- A small project to get you started.
- Embroider a Necktie
- Cool way to personalize your tie.
- Applique House
- Really pretty embroidered art.
- Tutorial Collection
- List of many fab how-tos.
- Embroidered Headboard
- A great idea for a crafty project.
- Magnetic Bookmarks
- Not only pretty but handy too.
- Embroidered Love Note
- Includes sewing on the background material.
- Embroidered Clock
- Great idea for a uniquely designed clock.
- Floral Bag
- Decorating with netting strips.
- Fabric Calendar
- With lovely embroidery detail.
- Stumpwork Hydrangeas
- Make 3D florals from French knots.
- Negative Space Embroidery
- Modern embroidery pattern with a pretty dandelion design.
Doodle Stitching
Doodle Stitching: Fresh & Fun Embroidery for Beginners
Amazon Price: $4.99 (as of 05/22/2012)
Freeform Embroidery
Photo Source.
For more examples of freeform embroidery from the same artist, click here.
More Stitching Projects
- Craftstylish
- Every post about embroidery, including fab projects.
- Connect the Dot Pillows
- Beautiful make using french knots.
- Herringbone Handkerchiefs
- Sweet little embellishments.
- French Knot Letters
- Great way to practice knots!
- Wrist Cuff
- With pretty embroidered patterns.
- Argyle Applique
- Simple yet very effective design.
- Monogram Notecard
- Create a personalized card.
- Tumblr Tote Bags
- How to transfer a design onto a tote bag.
- Mini Forest
- A cute beginner's project for the festive season.
- Framed Love Heart
- Cute idea, perhaps as a gift for a loved one.
Crazy Creatures
Experiment with your embroidery! This particular example is made up from an old china doll and a stuffed toy, with embroidery then added over the top - I love it!
Photo Source.
How to Transfer Images & Designs
- 3 Image Transfer Techniques
- Very clear explanations.
- From Photo to Pattern
- A video tutorial for creating a pattern using a photo.
- Embroidery Design from a Photo
- How to trace a photo and make it into a pattern.
- Adding the Design to Fabric
- A few methods that are possible.
- 3 Techniques
- Carbon paper, transfer pen and pencil.
- Heat Transfer Pencil
- Handy for intricate designs.
- Transfers, Pens & Pencils
- Some background info on transfer techniques.
- Using Wax Paper
- Apply the design outline to the paper before embroidering.
- Embroider a Custom Portrait
- Fantastic project for recreating photos of family members and friends.
Embroider Details Onto Dolls
To get a free pattern for one of these cute 'silly dolls', click here.
Photo Source.
Embroider's Handbook
The Embroiderer's Handbook
Amazon Price: $15.87 (as of 05/22/2012)
Textile Jewelry
Free Embroidery Patterns
- Free Vintage Patterns
- A range of old-fashioned images.
- Cute Outlines
- Including cupcakes and craft designs.
- Daily Dishtowel Designs
- 7 free patterns for kitchen towels.
- Pin-Up Lady
- Instructions included too.
- Needle Crafter Archive
- Varied categories to choose from.
- Vintage Transfer Finds
- All free to download.
- Hand Embroidery Patterns
- Lots of fab freebies.
- Free Pattern Resource
- Many links to embroidery templates.
Embroidered Art
This beautiful butterfly is made up of 'lots of split stitches, some french knots, and a few back stitches' on reclaimed linen.
Photo Source.
Embroidery Blogs & Inspiration
- Feeling Stitchy
- Showcases the best embroidery designs.
- Pimp Stitch
- Lots of info and project ideas.
- Hand Embroidery Gallery
- Photos uploaded onto Flickr.
- Sweetly Stitched
- Pretty showcase of embroidery projects.
- Stitching Cow
- Lovely embroidery themed blog.
- Embroidered Art
- Modern art pieces involving embroidery.
- Silk and Colour
- Very impressive and artistic embroidered pieces and works-in-progess.
- Takashii Wasaki
- Artistic embroidered pieces in fun colours - I especially like the ones with black backgrounds.
- Shaun Kardinal
- Pretty geometric embroidery on photos and postcards.
- Mixed Media Collages
- Embroidered photos by Jose Romussi.
Fun Art
Work by Barbara Randall.
Be Creative!
Kyuuto Embroidery
Kyuuto! Japanese Crafts!: Woolly Embroidery: Crewelwork, Stump Work, Canvas Work, and More!
Amazon Price: $7.00 (as of 05/22/2012)
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Please Leave a Comment!
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enjoyecigs
May 3, 2012 @ 8:35 pm | delete
- i love this lens! this has def inspired me to try it out <3
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wordstock Feb 20, 2012 @ 2:09 pm | delete
- After 20 years of not doing embroidery, I have rediscovered it again. This is a great lens and I so appreciate the word that has gone into this. I am repinning it so I have it handy. Great job
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Words-of-Encouragement
Jan 30, 2012 @ 6:44 pm | delete
- I do enjoy embroidery and need to make more time for my favorite needle craft. I added your lens address as a resource to my Words of Encouragement newsletter in my homeschooling column. Many girls want to learn!
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kiwinana71
Oct 8, 2011 @ 5:38 pm | delete
- Great Lens. Lots of help for anyone interested in learning to embroider. I do needlework and enjoyed looking through all the info. Thanks for sharing. *Blessed*
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Noelle_and_Dan
Aug 21, 2011 @ 2:55 pm | delete
- Nice len. Lots of helpful embroidery info and photos. Check out my http://www.squidoo.com/hand-worked-needle-crafts lens where I show and discuss my hand worked needle crafts in crewel, counted cross stitch and Hardanger.
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Etsy
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The Art of Bead Embroidery
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