Hand embroidery is one of those crafts that’s both relaxing and super satisfying—you start with a simple piece of fabric and end up with something beautiful and completely your own.

If you’re new to embroidery, don’t worry! I'm sharing some hand embroidery for beginners basics like: picking a design you love, transferring it onto fabric, setting up your embroidery hoop, and threading your needle like a pro.

Preparing Your Project

Before you begin stitching, it's important to properly prepare your fabric, transfer your design, and set up your materials. Taking the time to do this will ensure that your embroidery turns out neat and professional-looking.

Choosing a Design

Selecting a simple design with clear lines is ideal for beginners. Start with basic shapes, floral patterns, or simple lettering. If using a pre-made embroidery pattern, make sure it fits comfortably within your Embroidery Hoop size and is not too intricate for your skill level.

Transferring Your Design to Fabric

There are several methods for transferring your embroidery design onto fabric. Choose the method that works best for your fabric and preference. Light-colored, smooth fabrics work best for tracing, while stabilizers can help with more complex designs.

Tracing with a Water-Soluble Pen or Pencil

Place your fabric over the printed design and trace it using a light source, such as a window or lightbox.

Printable Stabilizers (Sulky Fabri-Solvy or Stick ’n Stitch)

Print your design directly onto this water-soluble transfer paper, stick it onto your fabric, and stitch over it.

Once finished, rinse with water to remove the stabilizer.

Iron-On Transfers

Some patterns come as iron-on transfers, which can be pressed onto fabric using heat. 

Setting Up Your Fabric and Needle

Properly securing your fabric in the Embroidery Hoop and threading your Embroidery Needles are essential steps to ensure smooth stitching.

Setting Up the Hoop

• Loosen the screw on the outer ring of the embroidery hoop.

• Place the inner ring on a flat surface and lay the fabric over it.

• Position the outer ring over the fabric and press down, securing both rings together.

• Gently pull the fabric from all sides until it is taut but not overly stretched.

• Tighten the screw to keep the fabric firmly in place.

Threading the needle

• Cut a piece of Embroidery Floss about 18 inches long to avoid tangling.

• Separate the floss strands (usually 6 strands come in standard floss) and use 2-3 strands for most stitches.

• Thread the Embroidery Needles by inserting the floss through the eye. A needle threader can help if needed.

• Tie a small knot at the end of the floss or leave a tail and secure with a few backstitches.

With your fabric in place and your Embroidery Needles threaded, you’re ready to begin stitching! Taking the time to prepare your project properly will make the embroidery process smoother and more enjoyable.

I hope these hand embroidery for beginners tips have helped build your confidence to get started embroidering. Like anything new, practice makes you better, but don’t stress about perfection—just enjoy the process. Whether you’re stitching onto a favorite piece of clothing or making a one-of-a-kind gift, embroidery is a fun, creative skill that keeps on giving.

Beginner's Guide to Hand Embroidery