Best Threads for Hand Embroidery
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. I love that embroidery doesn’t require a...
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...
Step-by-Step Guide to Sashiko Stitching
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
How to Embroider the Whipped Back Stitch
The whipped back stitch is a variation of the basic embroidered back stitch. The finished stitch has a nice scroll look and is perfect for outlines or lettering. Use either…
How to Embroider the Threaded Back Stitch
The threaded back stitch is a variation of the basic embroidered back stitch. It has a wavy texture that makes a terrific decorative edge for clothing and accessories. The looped…
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: Hannah Streefkerk, Installation 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.
Spotlight: Aimee Ray, Embroidery Artist
Aimee Ray's embroidery designs are all about finding something that makes you smile and then having fun with it. A busy mom of virtual schoolers by day, she sneaks in…
Spotlight: Rosalind Wyatt, Textile, Collage and Calligraphy Artist
Intrigued by the power of words and their graphic expression, artist Rosalind Wyatt combines them with textiles and stitch. The resulting work is both textural and textual, inviting a closer…
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,…
Flower Embroidery Design Ideas
Flower embroidery has always been a favorite way for fiber artists to express themselves. The universal language of flowers appeals across time and across cultures. Flowers can be bold, quiet,…