Things You'll Need:
- Material such as linen, cotton or damask
- Embroidery hoops in several sizes and shapes
- Embroidery needles in varying sizes
- Sharp scissors
- Embroidery iron on patterns or pre-stamped project
- Embroidery thread in the colors required for the project
- Container such as a divided plastic thread box or embroidery bobbins
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Step 1
Research each type of embroidery on the Internet or in the sewing and craft section of your favorite book store. There are hundreds of online sites and books with excellent pictures of each embroidery stitch.
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Step 2
Check out books or websites on cross-stitch, one of the easiest and most popular forms of embroidery. Cross-stitch can be sewn on any fabric with a stamped-on pattern and is especially suited for those first learning embroidery. A good book for beginners is "Cross Stitch Designs: The Essential Reference Book" published by Better Homes & Gardens.
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Step 3
Use a counted cross-stitch method when you have become more familiar with the art of embroidery. Counted cross-stitch is done on a special material with defined holes for each stitch, such as Aida Cloth. The number on the cloth reflects the number of cross-stitches in the material.
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Step 4
Select crewel embroidery for a rich, dramatic look in your projects. Crewel embroidery is done using wool thread and linen material. The thickness of the wool against the linen really makes this form of embroidery pop. A good resource to learn Crewel embroidery is "A-Z of Crewel Embroidery" by Sue Gardener.
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Step 5
Learn free style embroidery, the original form of embroidery, that allows you to stitch anything you want on any sort of fabric using any type of thread. Pick up a copy of "Stitch Sampler: The Ultimate Visual Dictionary to Over 200 Classic Stitches" by Lucinda Ganderton to learn all types of embroidery stitches.
