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...
Embroidery
Embroidery, whether by hand or machine, is gaining popularity as a fiber arts technique that anyone can do. Some folks prefer to follow a pattern for tried and true embroidery designs. Others will take their embroidery stitches in brand new directions to create original art. And stitches can look very different depending on your choice of embroidery thread – color, weight, twist and fiber all add unique elements that make your work unique.
Beginners will find patterns and tutorials to learn everything from French Knots to Lazy Daisies. Experienced stitchers will find inspiration and resources while exploring the creations of working embroidery artists. So, let’s start stitching!
Embroidery Basics
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...
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...
Embroidery Artists and Inspiration
Spotlight: Michelle Kingdom, Embroidery Artist
With a strong sense of narrative, Michelle Kingdom embraces embroidery as an art form that has long been sidelined as "women's work". With lines of stitching, she creates textural drawings...
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: Shirley Hudson, Designer
While her first embroidery project at age 10 presented challenges, Shirley Hudson is glad she persisted. She has made a career out of stitch, and her work designing patterns doesn't...
Sashiko Embroidery
Beginner’s Guide to Sashiko Supplies
Whether a student of historical Japanese Sashiko or a Modern Creative just looking for an easy, enjoyable slow stitching project, Sashiko might be “it”. All you need are simple sashiko...
How to Sashiko Stitch: A Step-by-Step Guide
Sometimes I want to get a project done really fast, but lately I have picked up a hand stitching project when I want to unwind. The slow, meditative process of...
How to Make Sashiko Ornaments
Making Sashiko ornaments is a great way to see what the slow-stitch movement is all about. It's slow stitch, to be sure, but the projects are so small you can...
More Embroidery
Spotlight: Gianna King, Maker of Mandala Dolls
Gianna King, maker of Mandala Dolls gives each of her creations a unique and wonderful personality. She incorporates mandalas that she creates into the designs of her dolls and brings…
Spotlight: Jeanne Hewell-Chambers, Quilter
The 70,273 Project quilts create a moving display. Jeanne Hewell-Chambers created a project with many contributors. The quilts remind us of a dark time in history when people were perceived…
Embroidery: Portuguese Stem Stitch
The Portuguese Stem Stitch is a basic stem stitch, with added loops which give the stitch more texture and interest. It shows off the added loop texture.
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.