How to Embroider For Beginners

Choose your fabric and a simple pattern. Fabrics made from 100% cotton such as calico or homespun are the easiest to embroider for beginners.

Trace your pattern onto your fabric using a sharp lead pencil or washable marker. If you are using a light coloured fabric you may be able to see the design well enough by placing it underneath. If not simply use a well lit window. Tape your pattern to the window pane and then tape your fabric over this. Your design will be clearly visible. Make sure the design and your fabric are both straight. This will make tracing a lot easier.

Place your embroidery hoop onto your fabric. The fabric should be taut.
This is demonstrated on the video.

Separate your threads. Most embroidery thread, also known as floss is made up on 6 strands. Use 2 or 3 strands. Thread your needle and start to embroider using your chosen stitch. Backstitch is a very simple stitch to master for beginners. This is the stitch demonstrated on the video.