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Meet Carol Leather
Gentle, step-by-step embroidery lessons
for stitchers who want to learn properly
Whether you're a complete beginner, returning after a break, or a cross-stitcher curious about other techniques — you're in the right place.
It started with my grandmother's hands guiding mine
I learned to stitch at my grandmother's knee, aged seven. I still remember her gentle touch guiding my hand — and the warm Devonshire burr of her voice as she insisted my untidy stitches on a crinoline lady's dress were "as good as hers."
Later, I discovered counted cross stitch and designed my first sampler for my daughter — a small, brave step that led me into a whole world of embroidery techniques. If you asked me to choose a favourite, I'd be hard-pressed, but it would probably be one of the counted-thread variations.
In time, that dedication led to regular magazine work, my company — X-Caibre Designs — and eventually this website.
Designed, written and taught — for real stitchers
Cross Stitcher,
Classic Stitches &
Quick and Easy
"Diary of a
Country Stitcher"
shops & village
halls across the UK
online — built this
site to help you
You'll feel at home here if you are a…
Complete beginner
You want to learn the basics properly — without me assuming you already know the "obvious" bits.
Returning stitcher
You're picking embroidery back up after a break and want a gentle, no-pressure refresher.
Curious cross-stitcher
You know cross stitch and want to try blackwork, whitework, Hardanger, and other techniques.
How I help
My focus is simple: make needlework feel doable. That means:
- ✓ Step-by-step technique guides you can follow at your own pace
- ✓ Help with the small-but-important details that many instructions skip
- ✓ Practical troubleshooting — because unpicking is nobody's favourite hobby
- ✓ Encouragement to experiment and improve without needing perfection
The tall young man at the NEC
One of the most memorable moments I've had as a teacher happened at the NEC — it would have been around 1996.
A tall young man came up to me and thanked me for teaching him blackwork. He was very distinctive, but I didn't recognise him as one of my past students.
When he brought out his work to show me, I realised why.
It was the blackwork pears design from this website — stitched in black and gold. He'd learned entirely from my online tutorial.
It's exactly why I built Needlework Tips & Techniques: to make learning feel clear, doable, and enjoyable.
More than decoration
"Thank you for saving my life."
After his wife Mary died, a man taught himself to finish her unfinished cross-stitch — the largest design she'd been working on. He made a quiet promise: he would not make any irreversible decisions until the embroidery was complete. Every small, rhythmic stitch gave him a thread of purpose. When he finished, he found my number on the kit packet and phoned to say those six words.
Stories like that remind me that the slow, rhythmic work of our hands can be a genuine companion on difficult days.
Pick a technique and enjoy the experience
You don't need to decide "your thing" yet. Start with whatever catches your eye.
I read every message personally
Stay connected between projects
If you’d like occasional updates from my embroidery room, including new patterns, gentle tips, and little things I think you might enjoy, you’re warmly invited to join the Stitchin’ Times newsletter.
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