10 Easy Embroidery Stitches to Embellish Your Projects
Hand embroidery is so relaxing, and small projects can go anywhere with you. There are a gazillion stitches out there. (Sometimes we invent our own if we embrace little slips...
Hand Embroidery
With the exploding popularity of embroidery patterns, it’s a good thing that hand embroidery is so easy to learn. You can get started with just a few embroidery stitches – some embroidery artists create stunning work specializing in just one or two stitches! Whether you prefer traditional patterns like flower embroidery or like to stitch on the edge with modern pattern designers, Create Whimsy has the inspiration and the how-to instructions to help.
Hand Embroidery Basics
Best Threads for Hand Embroidery: Floss and Thread Guide
Changing up the stitches is certainly a big element in making your hand embroidery as creative as it can be, but what you choose to stitch with adds yet another...
Best Tools for Hand Embroidery
I love to stitch, and I’ve found that I enjoy the experience much more when I have my favorite tools close at hand. Hand embroidery doesn’t require a lot of...
Flower Embroidery Inspiration
Spotlight: Jenny Clouston, Crazy Quilter
Jenny Clouston is happiest and most content when she is stitching by hand: crazy quilting, flower embroidery or English Paper Piecing. In embracing the process, she feeds her creativity and...
Spotlight: Christen Brown, Fiber Artist
With a needle in her hand since the age of 7, Christen Brown creates lush embroidered and beaded pieces to wear and admire. Generous with her knowledge, she shares her...
Spotlight: Jessica Long, Embroidery Artist
Like so many others, Jessica Long loved art as a child, but was steered in a more "practical" direction for a career. When she found herself in an area with...
Botanical Embroidery Inspiration
Spotlight: Alexis Acevedo, Embroidery Artist
Alexis Acevedo was studying fashion design when the needlepoint bug that had bitten her in childhood came buzzing back with the infinite design possibilities of color and texture she could...
Spotlight: Rose Andreeva, Embroidery Artist
Capturing the natural world with impeccable detail, embroidery artist Rose Andreeva honors both her subject and her art with stunning realism. Her expressive stitches rise from the background, almost convincing...
Spotlight: Hannah Streefkerk, Textile Artist
Working in concert with her surroundings and reflecting her passion for global warming and environmental issues, Hannah Streefkerk uses crochet and embroidery to create unique textile installations. Starting with the...
Bee and Butterfly Embroidery
Spotlight, Michele Pollock, Paper and Stitch Artist
Keeping her mind and heart open to the creative possibilities during life's challenges keeps artist Michele Pollock on the hunt for new ways to express herself. When a neurological disorder...
Spotlight: Rosemary Drysdale, Embroidery Artist
Rosemary Drysdale can't imagine her life without stitch. It's in her genes. Her British mother and grandfather are from a long line of tailors; her Scottish grandparents, and generations before...
Spotlight: Catherine Redford, Fiber Artist
With a love for stitching happy things, fiber art by Catherine Redford is sure to keep you smiling. She does a bit of everything: embroidery, appliqué, crazy quilting, modern quilting,...
More Hand Embroidery
Embroidery: Checkered Chain Stitch
Checkered Chain Stitch, also known as Alternating Chain Stitch, Two Color Chain Stitch and Magic Chain Stitch, uses two colors of threads on one needle.
Embroidered Kitchen Towels
I used a few different stitches on these hand embroidered kitchen towels. The iron on designs are from a local creative reuse store. Fun gift to make!
Overcast Stitch by Hand
The overcast stitch for hand embroidery is a laid stitch made upright over another thread and resembles a fine cord. It is used for outlines or delicate stems.
Blanket Stitch Embroidery
Blanket stitch is typically used to edge blankets and other edges like table cloths, runners, even wool jackets by hand. Place stitches close or staggered.
Long and Short Stitch
The long and short stitch fills large areas with hand stitches. It is a satin type stitch and is used to blend colors with different threads. Adds texture.
Satin Stitch Embroidery
The satin stitch is made from long straight stitches placed close together to resemble satin. Take care to keep your stitches close together for this easy fill.
Flat Stitch Embroidery
The flat hand embroidery stitch fills areas that are too big for satin stitch. You can achieve fast coverage of a space that needs a solid look.
Closed Buttonhole Stitch Hand Embroidery Tutorial
The closed buttonhole stitch is a variation on the buttonhole stitch and is used for borders and as an edge stitch. It can be used as an applique stitch, too.