How to Transfer an Embroidery Pattern onto Fabric (4 Easy Ways)
Tracing, stick-and-stitch stabilizer, transfer paper and iron-on transfers, and how to choose the right one for your fabric.
Hand embroidery for beginners
Learn to stitch beautiful things by hand
Friendly, step-by-step lessons, clear stitch diagrams and project ideas for personal gifts, new babies, weddings and your church family.
Pay what you want, even $0. 18 pages with printable patterns.
1
Gather six simple tools
A hoop, fabric, floss, needles, scissors and a marking pen. That is all you need.
See the beginner list →2
Learn a few stitches
Start with running stitch and backstitch. Each stitch has a numbered diagram.
Open the stitch library →3
Finish your first hoop
The Spring Wreath uses six stitches and makes a lovely first piece to keep or give.
See the pattern →Stitch library
Every stitch, one simple diagram at a time
Line stitchesBackstitchFor crisp outlines and lettering
Line stitchesStem stitchFor flower stems, vines, and curving lines
Loops & knotsLazy daisyFor petals and small leaves
Loops & knotsFrench knotFor flower centers, dots, and texture
Filling stitchesSatin stitchFor smooth, solid fills in small shapes
Filling stitchesSeed stitchFor speckled texture and light fillsProject ideas
Stitch something with meaning
Mood image (illustration)
Why hand embroidery
Slow, calming and surprisingly easy
Hand embroidery needs very little equipment, mistakes can be unpicked, and simple stitches look lovely together in a hoop. It is a craft you can pick up in a quiet half hour and carry anywhere.
- Line stitches Draw outlines, stems and letters.
- Loops & knots Add flowers, leaves and texture.
- Filling stitches Cover shapes with color.
Learn
Beginner tutorials
The Best Fabric for Hand Embroidery (A Beginner's Guide)
Why tight, woven cotton and linen are easiest, plus how to stitch on towels, knits, satin and canvas.
Embroidery Floss, Strands & Needles: How Many Strands Should I Use?
How to separate six-strand floss, how many strands to use for each look, and how to choose the right needle.
Free download
Learn the basics with the free Beginner Guide
18 illustrated pages: 12 essential stitches, the Spring Wreath and butterfly projects, clean tracing sheets and a printable practice tracker. Pay what you want, even $0.