How to start hand embroidery

Transfer a small design to stable cotton, mount it in a hoop, and practice the three stitches you will use most.

What you need

8 in hoop, cotton fabric, floss, embroidery needle. Keep a ruler, scissors, and scrap material nearby. Use all equipment according to its manufacturer instructions.

Make it step by step

1. Prewash and press a 9 in square of tightly woven cotton. Trace a simple 3 in line drawing with a washable fabric marker.
2. Center the drawing in a 6 in hoop and tighten the outer screw until the fabric is taut without distorting it.
3. Cut 18 in of six-strand floss; separate two strands and thread an embroidery needle. Backstitch a 2 in line in 1/8 in increments.
4. Work a row of running stitches, then make a leaf with short satin stitches. Secure the last tail on the wrong side and remove the marker as directed.

Check your work

Look for even tension, secure thread ends, and clean edges. If the sample puckers or pulls out of shape, loosen the tension and test on scrap before continuing.

Common questions