Embroidery is a simple hobby that you can start today! With a few materials, and a few stitches learned, you can do little embroidery projects to add character to your home!
One of the things I love best about embroidery, is that you can do a variety of projects with just some basic stitches. I have said it before, and I will say it again: I learned three basic embroidery stitches and started a hand embroidery business! The materials for embroidering are inexpensive and last a long time. So if you end up not enjoying embroidery as a hobby, you aren’t out a bunch of money.
Let’s chat about these simple embroidery projects you can do today!
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Materials
First, let’s talk some basic materials you will need for these simple embroidery projects. As you dig deeper into the embroidery world, there are a lot of materials you could buy, but truly, I keep things simple, and I am a year + into this hobby! Here’s my basic, inexpensive list of supplies:
- Fabric/Material – You can add embroidery to almost all materials, but a good fabric like this is helpful when you are beginning.
- Needles
- Embroidery Hoops – I like to use 6″ hoops as I’m sewing, but I use 4″ hoops for the final product.
- Floss – I chose plain black for these ornaments.
- Embroidery Pens to draw or trace your design
- Scissors – I started with just a small pair of scissors we already had at home, but you can buy some basic embroidery scissors.
A Few Basic Stitches:
I am not going to go into all of the possible embroidery stitches today, but I would like to give you a few that I use in every embroidery project! There are tons of embroidery videos out there that are helpful! Here are three stitches I would start with:
- Stem Stitch
- Lazy Daisy
- Satin Stitch
- *Bonus* the French Knot – a little trickier, but adds a fun element to your piece!
Now we’ll get to these simple projects!
Add Florals to Clothing Items
Simple embroidered flowers can take a plain clothing item and turn it into cute, updated apparel. I like to keep my eye on sales as well as thrift store items for pieces I can add simple, embroidered flowers.
Most craft stores sell blank shirts in a variety of colors and sizes as well! I can add a simple pumpkin for fall, initials on a pocket, or florals to spruce up a plain t-shirt. You can see this in my birth flower pocket tees I sell in my shop too!
Initials and Names
With just a basic stem stitch or chain stitch, you can add initials to clothing items with ease! Simply use your embroidery pen to write the initials, or trace printed initials.
Embroidered Bookmarks and Cards (cardstock or paper)
I recently discovered embroidery on cardstock, and the result is so fun! I’ve used this to make bookmarks, gift tags, and cards for people! If you are new to embroidery, using cardstock is much different from fabric, so take your time, and give some spacing between your stitches.
I have a FREE pattern for these fall bookmarks!
Wreath on a Hoop
Wreaths are a simple embroidery project you can make today. Use a circular object, like the rim of a glass or mug, to draw a circle on your fabric. Use that as an outline to draw leaves, buds, or other embroidered florals! I use this same concept design when making my “Forget-Me-Not” embroidered hoops.
Embroidered Tea Towels or Cloth Napkins
A blank tea towel or cloth napkin is a great place to practice your embroidery skills. You likely have blank items like this at your house, and can add some simple stitches to spruce them up!
I have a FREE Christmas Tree Embroidery Pattern and a FREE Thanksgiving Embroidery Printables that can be sent straight to your inbox!
How do you trace an embroidery pattern onto your fabric?
To trace an embroidery pattern onto your fabric, start by securing fabric in your embroidery hoop. Tape your pattern to the back of your fabric. Next, hold your project up against a window, so the pattern shines through and you can trace it!
If you try any of these simple embroidery projects at home, we would love to see them! You can tag us on Instagram: @homesweetharps
This post is so inspiring, thank you! I’m new to embroidery and these crafts look doable for me. Thanks again!
Yes Dawn, these are completely doable for a beginner! Glad you found some inspiration!
Just in time for the holidays. I’m amazed an how adorable you made your tea towels and clothing! Makes me want to learn!! Thank you so much for sharing.
Thank you so much! It is such a simple hobby and can turn ordinary things into something adorable!
LOVE this! Perfect for a Fall day outdoors!😁