It’s a new year, and many of us have the goal of adding new hobbies to our New Year’s resolutions! Today, I’m sharing why I think you should make embroidery your hobby.
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It comes as no surprise that when it comes to hobbies, embroidery is at the top of my list!
I know it may take more convincing for you to pick up embroidery as a hobby this year. And truthfully, it may not be the hobby for you, but let me share with you why I think it’s a great hobby, and maybe you’ll be interested too!
Why should you make embroidery your hobby?
- Embroidery is simple to pick up
- It is inexpensive
- Hobbies are good for your health
- Embroidery projects make for great gifts
Embroidery is Simple to Pick Up
You may look at my shop, or my embroidery projects and think “wow, she is so talented, I could never do that!” But do you want to know the truth?
I don’t use complicated stitches, I don’t spend hours improving my skills, and I spend very little money doing this hobby of mine.
In fact, I taught myself three stitches before I started selling my embroidery projects.
So what’s the story?
How I Started Embroidery
Several years ago, I was looking to decrease screen time and replace it with a new hobby. I wanted a hobby that would:
- Use my hands
- Tap into my creative side
- Was great for gifting (because who needs more stuff laying around?!)
I have always enjoyed sewing-like projects, so I looked into embroidery and decided to give it a try.
After watching a few YouTube videos, and buying very few materials, I started creating my own designs and patterns, my first being my embroidered birth flower hoops.
I gave one as a gift at a baby shower, saw the smile on my friend’s face, and knew I had a new hobby!
Since then, I have added several projects to my collection, but most of what I do is beginner friendly. And I still love it.
Embroidery is Inexpensive
And here’s the thing with embroidery: you don’t need much. You can embroider most materials you already have laying around.
When you first learn to embroider, keep it simple. You can find videos and patterns for free (I share several patterns below!) using materials you already have.
Let me say, there are several beautiful beginner kits available that teach you all of the stitches. These are great, and I have no issues with these.
However, if you want to test it out and see if you actually enjoy embroidery, just buy a few things to get started and you can always expand.
I am dividing my list of materials into three categories for you: materials you must have, should have, and a few that you may want to have.
Materials you Must Have for Embroidery:
You absolutely cannot embroider without needles and thread! Lucky for you, these materials cost less than $10 and last a long time.
- Needles
- Floss – this is a large set with a variety of colors, I still have embroidery floss from the first set I bought!
Materials you Should Have for Embroidery:
Some may laugh at this list, because these things are very helpful in embroidery, but you don’t technically have to have them. But trust me, hoops, pens, and scissors make the process much easier!
- Embroidery Hoops – I like to use 6″ hoops as I’m sewing, but I use 4″ hoops for most of my final projects.
- 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.
Materials You Want To Have for Embroidery
There are a few more things (stabilizer and fabric) that are helpful for embroidery, but you don’t have to have these items. When it comes to fabric, you can embroider on most materials. I want to share a few of my favorite fabrics that I use in most of my projects!
Stabilizer – This is a great option if you want to print your pattern for easy transfer.*
Fabric for Embroidery– When it comes to embroidery pieces, it’s hard to beat a good embroidery fabric.
This set has a variety of colors, and the texture is perfect for embroidery. It is firm and crisp, which helps keep your stitches neat.
The other thing I love about this particular set, is the water soluble pens that come with it. I linked another set of pens above in the “should have” section, and they are great. I use those pens often.
However, my favorite embroidery pens are the ones that come in this set!
Cloth Napkins– I embroider cloth napkins for projects like my Christmas Tree Napkins, and my Thanksgiving napkins. I love the quality and texture of these napkins!
Flour Sack Kitchen Towels– I love the simplicity of these towels, plus the cost! A great option if you’re wanting to make bulk gifts for friends and family.
Hobbies are Great for Your Health:
So let’s talk science.
Hobbies have a positive influence on our mental health. They reduce stress, improve social connection, improve focus, and decrease depression and anxiety.
I listened to a podcast recently where the host shared this incredible research about hobbies and your mental health.
A study of 100,000 people over the age of 65 found that those adults who did their hobby more than once a week were not only happier, but they lived longer.
You will read it over and over again: hobbies are great for your health!
Now, the research doesn’t say that embroidery is the only hobby great for your health, it just happens to be my favorite! 😉
Embroidery Projects Make for Great Gift
One of the benefits of embroidery, is that it makes for great gifts! There is something so sweet about sharing a handmade gift with someone you love.
I love using embroidery to make special gifts for friends and family. I gifted several Christmas embroidery projects this season, and they were a hit!
Clothes, ornaments, tea towels, the possibilities are endless!
My hope for you is that you feel inspired to try a new hobby this year, whether that is embroidery or not. If you are interested in trying your hand at embroidery, learn with me as I share patterns and tutorials all year long!
Notes:
Full disclosure: I have never used stabilizer for an embroidery project, because for the first few years, I didn’t have a printer at home! I typically draw my patterns by hand, or trace patterns using the light from a window.
Although stabilizer makes some aspects of stitching easier, I share this with you because embroidery is that simple. You don’t have to have all the fancy things!
Free Patterns for You:
- Christmas Tree Pattern
- Thanksgiving/Fall Printables
- Fall Bookmark Patterns
- Embroidered Christmas Tags
- Christmas Tree Sweatshirt
- Book Lovers Bookmark – template
