Hand Embroidery for Beginners

Part of Needlework and Embroidery — the site hub for tutorials, patterns & tips

Starting embroidery is like stepping into a world of creativity, colour, and calming stitches—but where do you begin?

If you’ve ever stared at an embroidery hoop, wondering which fabric to use or how to get your design onto it, you’re in the right place.

This page is your Start Here guide. No stress, no fuss—just a simple path that will take you from “where do I start?” to your first stitches.

Your Beginner Path (Start Here)

Follow these steps and you’ll be stitching in no time:

• Gather your basic embroidery supplies
• Best fabric for hand embroidery
• Doing counted thread work? → Aida cloth or compare options here
• Iron on transfers or other methods of transferring designs to fabric
• Set up your hoop properly → how to use embroidery hoops
• Start stitching → first embroidery stitches 

Choosing and Preparing Your Fabric for Embroidery

Your choice of fabric can make a big difference in how enjoyable (and easy!) your embroidery experience is — so it’s worth picking a beginner-friendly option.

If you want the simple answer (what to buy first, what to avoid and why) start here → Best fabric for hand embroidery.

Are you doing counted-thread embroidery?

If your design is worked by counting holes/threads (like cross stitch or blackwork on a grid), you’ll usually want an evenly woven fabric.

• Start here for the easiest option: → Aida cloth
• Or, if you’d like to compare Aida vs evenweave vs linen (and learn about fabric counts), this guide is for counted work: → Embroidery fabric (counted thread guide)

Transferring Your Embroidery Design onto Fabric

This part can sound a bit intimidating, but it really isn’t. Once you’ve done it once, you’ll wonder what all the fuss was about!

To make it easy, I’ve put all the options in one place (plus help for the common “why won’t it show up?!” moments).

If you specifically want the iron-on method, that has it's own page.

Quick tip: always test your transfer tool on a scrap or corner first, especially if you’re using heat or ink.

Using an Embroidery Hoop

A hoop keeps your fabric steady so your stitches are easier and neater. The key is getting the fabric smooth and snug (without stretching it out of shape).

Here’s the full step-by-step guide, including how to avoid puckering: → How to use embroidery hoops

Choosing Your Colours and Threads

Picking the right colours brings your project to life. Here’s how to get started:

Start simple: Two or three shades are enough for beautiful results.

Contrast matters: For bold designs, choose colours that stand out against your fabric.

Test first: Place small swatches of thread on your fabric to see how they look together.

What's Next?

Now that you’ve learned the basics, it’s time to apply your new skills! Try these beginner-friendly projects to continue building confidence:

Taking it further

Embroidering is fun, creative, and satisfying.

With the tips shared here, you’re ready to create beautiful pieces. Gather your materials, try out new stitches, and let your imagination run wild.

Writer's Bio

I'm Carol, and I've been sharing my passion for hand embroidery with beginners since 1992. Over the years, I've taught at major UK needlework shows, local craft shops, private groups and one-to-one sessions. Now it's your turn to learn from the comfort of your own home.

My approach to teaching embroidery is straightforward and encouraging. Whether you're completely new to needlework or returning after a break, I'll guide you through the essentials.

After 30 years of teaching, I've refined techniques perfect for novices—and I’m excited to share them with you.

Feeling nervous? Don't be—embroidery is easier than it looks!