interested in learning embroidery? hooray! i can help.
check out my 'getting started' guide below for the very basics and you'll be stitching in no time! 

GATHER YOUR SUPPLIES

ESSENTIALS:

• fabric
• floss
• hoop
• needle
• scissors

OPTIONAL:

• stabilizer
• water-soluble pen or pencil
• thimble
• needle grabbers
• thread conditioner
• seam ripper
• needle threader
• transfer or carbon paper
• extra needles

TRANSFER YOUR PATTERN

there are several ways to transfer your pattern onto your fabric, and i've detailed them in my transfer methods page. your method will vary depending on your pattern, fabric type, and fabric color.

if you are using one of my pre-printed patterns, you can skip the transfer step! you're already ready to mount it into your hoop.

MOUNT YOUR FABRIC IN THE HOOP

• separate the inner and outer rings of the hoop
• lay the inner ring on a flat surface
• place the fabric over the inner ring, with the design centered
• slide the outer ring over the inner ring and fabric; while keeping the fabric smooth, tighten the screw
• you want your fabric nice and taut, but not so tight that it is stretched or distorted. try to maintain a tight surface while you are stitching -- no sagging or wrinkles

THREAD YOUR NEEDLE(S)

i like to pre-load a few needles before i start stitching, so that i can easily start a new color, or continue stitching without re-threading each time.

floss length should be about 18".
floss that is too long = tangles; floss that is too short = lots of stopping and starting.

SEPARATE YOUR FLOSS! (THIS IS IMPORTANT)

my favorite floss is DMC cotton, which comes 6-stranded. you'll need to separate the individual strands to create stitches of varying thickness. using fewer strands of floss will help you achieve smooth and neat stitches; thicker floss will create bulkier stitches and can sometimes be hard to keep smooth.

there's no rule about how many strands to use, but my favorite thickness is 2 strands.

for designs with lots of delicate details, fewer strands are better.

START STITCHING

my stitch library is a great place to start! you'll learn some of my favorite basic stitches, and will be stitching in no time!

download and print a copy of this getting started guide; for more tips & tricks click here.