French Knot embroidery stitch has a reputation. Some stitchers adore the technique and make these knots all the time (like me). Others hate it and avoid it at all costs. Some hand embroidery teachers will include French Knots in the list of beginner stitches, while others will treat them as an advanced technique. And I…
I love embroidering with the French Knot technique, but this tiny knot has a reputation for being a “difficult stitch.” Some say their French knots have strange loops and tails sticking out. Others lament that they never achieve an even, nice-looking filling. People say they struggle with tension, sizing, and spacing… I believe that all…
French Knot is an isolated stitch that you can work in groups or as single dots. It’s easy to hide the starting stitch and secure the thread end when the filling is dense, and there are plenty of tiny stitches on the back to use as anchors. But some hand embroidery designs will require one…
The hand embroidery process doesn’t end with the last stitch. To be admired, it has to be displayed in a way that shows the work we put into it and highlights the value of a handmade item. Your choice of how to display embroidery can add value to your art or depreciate it. How we…
Every time I create a new tutorial or embroidery guide, or film a new video on an embroidery technique, I have this doubt. Should I include instructions on how to start and end embroidery stitches to keep the back side of embroidery neat and clean? Is it so important, and should you even bother? This…
Hand embroidery is a fascinating craft to learn. Needlework is a calming, relaxing hobby, but it can also be productive and practical. In my biased opinion, hand embroidery is a perfectly balanced manual activity with great benefits to our mental health. And the best part? It’s really easy to start. You learn a few basic…
Hand embroidery is a craft of details. The quality of your stitches depends not only on your skill and the thread you choose, but also on the tools and accessories you work with. The right accessories make your sessions more comfortable, your results more precise, and your workflow smoother — whether you are a beginner…
Embroidery scissors. Types of scissors, snippers, and shears you should have in your craft drawer as an embroiderer.
There is one foundational stitch that every embroiderer learns first, and every hand-sewer relies on most. It requires no special tools or complex movements yet produces clean, strong, and precise results: the Back Stitch. This simple stitch is arguably the most useful stitch in needlework due to its versatility—it outlines, details, letters, seams, mends, and…
Hand embroidery is a centuries-old craft, and the reason people still pick up a needle and thread today is simple: it is one of the most satisfying ways to add beauty and intention to fabric. Whether you are decorating a garment, finishing a home textile, repairing a beloved piece of clothing, or simply exploring a…