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What's New on Carol's Needlework Blog Today!
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May 14, 2025
Sewing Jobs from Home: How to Turn Your Skills into Steady Income
Looking for sewing jobs you can do from home? Discover real ways to earn money through repairs, handmade goods, embroidery, or teaching, no shopfront required
Continue reading "Sewing Jobs from Home: How to Turn Your Skills into Steady Income"
May 10, 2025
X-Calibre Blackwork kits for beginners by Carol Leather
Learn a new needlework technique with these blackwork kits for beginners. Choose from a cute blackwork owl, a rocking horse or a rabbit
Continue reading "X-Calibre Blackwork kits for beginners by Carol Leather"
May 10, 2025
Hand embroidery for beginners - Supplies, Fabric and Design Transfer
Learn hand embroidery with this beginner’s guide! Discover essential supplies, fabric choices, and simple design transfer methods to start stitching today.
Continue reading "Hand embroidery for beginners - Supplies, Fabric and Design Transfer"
Apr 12, 2025
Tent Stitch Tutorial: How to Do Half Cross, Continental & Basketweave
Learn how to do tent stitch in three variations: half cross, continental, and basketweave. Step-by-step guide with images to perfect your needlepoint technique.
Continue reading "Tent Stitch Tutorial: How to Do Half Cross, Continental & Basketweave"
Apr 05, 2025
Blackwork Flower Patterns – Download Designs with Personal Stories
Explore blackwork flower patterns designed for beauty and clarity. From simple outlines to softly shaded blooms—download charts and start stitching today.
Continue reading "Blackwork Flower Patterns – Download Designs with Personal Stories"
Apr 02, 2025
Colourful Blackwork Kits for Quick Weekend Projects
Colourful, quick, and calming—these blackwork embroidery kits are perfect for a weekend project. Instant downloads, clear charts, beginner-friendly.
Continue reading "Colourful Blackwork Kits for Quick Weekend Projects"
Apr 02, 2025
Blackwork Christmas Designs for Cards, Coasters and Gifts
Stitch up something special this season with these small blackwork designs. Perfect for Christmas cards, ornaments, coasters, and gifts.
Continue reading "Blackwork Christmas Designs for Cards, Coasters and Gifts"
Mar 31, 2025
Learn Hardanger Needlework | Step-by-Step Beginner Lesson 1
Start your Hardanger needlework course today. Free patterns and detailed instructions in this beginner-friendly lesson. Part 1 of a series of 6 lessons.
Continue reading "Learn Hardanger Needlework | Step-by-Step Beginner Lesson 1"
Mar 18, 2025
How to Work Fractional Stitches in Cross Stitch (With Diagrams & Tips)
Learn how and where to use fractional stitches in your cross stitch. Half cross stitch, 3/4 and 1/4 stitches can help add detail to a design
Continue reading "How to Work Fractional Stitches in Cross Stitch (With Diagrams & Tips)"
Mar 18, 2025
Double Running Stitch Tutorial: Easy Guide for Beginners
Discover the secrets of the double running stitch for perfect blackwork embroidery. Learn step-by-step techniques for reversible designs with expert guidance
Continue reading "Double Running Stitch Tutorial: Easy Guide for Beginners"
Mar 18, 2025
Blackwork Samplers - Downloadable charts by Carol Leather
Blackwork isn't just for pictures to hang on the wall, blackwork samplers can be made into gorgeous cushions/pillows as these designs show
Continue reading "Blackwork Samplers - Downloadable charts by Carol Leather"
Mar 18, 2025
Scotch Stitch Needlepoint Guide: Step-by-Step Tutorial
Learn how to work the Scotch Stitch with our step-by-step needlepoint tutorial, including variations like Alternating and Chequer Stitch
Continue reading "Scotch Stitch Needlepoint Guide: Step-by-Step Tutorial"
Mar 15, 2025
Needlepoint Stitches: Choose the Right One for Stunning Designs
Struggling to choose the right needlepoint stitch? Get expert tips on selecting stitches for texture, direction, and style. Learn effortlessly
Continue reading "Needlepoint Stitches: Choose the Right One for Stunning Designs"
Mar 14, 2025
Small Sewing Room Ideas: Maximize Space and Creativity
Transformative small sewing room ideas for a functional, beautiful and inspiring workspace - it's all about making the most of what you have.
Continue reading "Small Sewing Room Ideas: Maximize Space and Creativity"
Mar 12, 2025
How to Learn Hand Embroidery – Beginner’s Guide and Tips
How to learn hand embroidery for beginners: Discover essential stitches, helpful tips, and easy techniques to start your embroidery journey today
Continue reading "How to Learn Hand Embroidery – Beginner’s Guide and Tips"
Mar 12, 2025
Embroidery Tips for Beginners - Easy Fixes for Common Mistakes
Struggling with tangled thread, puckered fabric, or messy stitches? These beginner-friendly embroidery tips will help you fix mistakes & stitch with confidence!
Continue reading "Embroidery Tips for Beginners - Easy Fixes for Common Mistakes"
Mar 12, 2025
how to launder red work embroidery
How do I safely launder red work embroidery? I do not know if the red embroidery, which is on white pillow shams, has ever been set. There are no stains
Mar 12, 2025
A Step-by-Step Guide to Washing Cross Stitch and Embroidery Pieces
Learn how to safely wash, dry, and care for your cross-stitch projects. Step-by-step guide with expert tips to keep your embroidery looking fresh.
Continue reading "A Step-by-Step Guide to Washing Cross Stitch and Embroidery Pieces"
Mar 11, 2025
Framing cross stitch projects at home - step by step guide
Illustrated step by step instructions for stretching and framing cross stitch and blackwork projects. Learn how to frame needlework the easy way.
Continue reading "Framing cross stitch projects at home - step by step guide"
Mar 10, 2025
Four-Sided Stitch Instructions for Horizontal and Vertical Stitching
Discover four sided stitch, commonly used in Hardanger, pulled thread work, and counted embroidery. Easy steps for stunning openwork effects.
Continue reading "Four-Sided Stitch Instructions for Horizontal and Vertical Stitching"
Mar 03, 2025
Old charts to new
I've been stitching for 50+ years, so I have lots of the old charts that were drawn by hand. At the time, it was all we had and we didn't know any better.
Feb 28, 2025
Backing a cross stitched baby quilt
Hi Carol, I have just discovered your website and find it very useful! Much easier to understand than kit instructions. Currently, I am stitching a stamped
Feb 24, 2025
Choosing embroidery fabric for counted thread embroidery techniques
A Guide to choosing fabric for counted thread embroidery. Including cross stitch fabric, evenweave fabrics and linen embroidery fabric
Continue reading "Choosing embroidery fabric for counted thread embroidery techniques"
Feb 21, 2025
Cutting and Wrapped Bars with Dove's Eyes
Please help me as I am stuck. I took photos of the picture of the finished product, instructions and my project at this point. I am unsure as to where
Continue reading "Cutting and Wrapped Bars with Dove's Eyes"
Feb 14, 2025
Blackwork Embroidery: History, Patterns & How to Get Started
Discover the beauty of blackwork embroidery! Learn its history, master essential stitches, and download free patterns to start today.
Continue reading "Blackwork Embroidery: History, Patterns & How to Get Started"
Feb 12, 2025
Become a Cross stitch designer
This ebook gives an insider guide to becoming a cross stitch designer and starting your own business
Feb 11, 2025
Free Cross Stitch Patterns to Make in Under an Hour
Free cross stitch patterns that are quick and easy. Learn how to cross stitch with these simple designs from Carol Leather
Continue reading "Free Cross Stitch Patterns to Make in Under an Hour"
Feb 11, 2025
Cross stitch card making ideas
A visitor to the site, Rachel, shares one of her cross stitch card making ideas
Feb 11, 2025
Counted Cross Stitch - using linen and evenweave fabrics
Time to try counted cross stitch on linen or evenweave fabrics? Learn about the advantages over Aida and how to determine the finished project size.
Continue reading "Counted Cross Stitch - using linen and evenweave fabrics"
Feb 11, 2025
Cross Stitch vs Embroidery: Choosing the Right Needlework Technique
Choose from cross stitch or embroidery - let your creativity shine through & create beautiful items to last a lifetime! No matter which you choose, have fun
Continue reading "Cross Stitch vs Embroidery: Choosing the Right Needlework Technique"
Feb 11, 2025
Waste Canvas Wonders - Personalize Your Wardrobe with Stitching
Take your needlework to the next level with waste canvas: Transform your clothes into one-of-a-kind statement pieces
Continue reading "Waste Canvas Wonders - Personalize Your Wardrobe with Stitching"
Feb 11, 2025
Attaching beads to cross stitch and blackwork projects
A super simple way of attaching beads to your cross stitch and blackwork, with step by step instructions
Continue reading "Attaching beads to cross stitch and blackwork projects"
Feb 11, 2025
Enjoy this free blackwork pattern and learn double running stitch
Download this free blackwork embroidery pattern, perfect for beginners. Includes step-by-step instructions to create a beautiful Harvest Time coaster.
Continue reading "Enjoy this free blackwork pattern and learn double running stitch"
Feb 11, 2025
Baby cross stitch patterns from designer Carol Leather
Choose from these baby cross stitch patterns to celebrate a new member of your family. Includes a sampler, that can be adapted to a card.
Continue reading "Baby cross stitch patterns from designer Carol Leather"
Feb 11, 2025
Hardanger Patterns: Discover the Beauty of This Traditional Craft
Carol Leather's hardanger patterns are beautifully crafted and a joy to stitch. Browse our collection and find the perfect project for you
Continue reading "Hardanger Patterns: Discover the Beauty of This Traditional Craft"
Feb 04, 2025
Redwork Embroidery - its history and techniques,
An overview of the history and techniques of redwork embroidery, including its origins, the Victorian era, and the modern-day relevance.
Continue reading "Redwork Embroidery - its history and techniques,"
Jan 12, 2025
Embroidery Stitch Sampler: A Creative Way to Practice and Explore
Discover how an embroidery stitch sampler can help you practice stitches, experiment with techniques, and grow your confidence—no perfection required!
Continue reading "Embroidery Stitch Sampler: A Creative Way to Practice and Explore"
Jan 12, 2025
Free Christmas Bargello Design: A Needlepoint Pattern for Beginners
Create your own Bargello Christmas design with this free needlepoint pattern. Perfect for beginners, with step-by-step instructions and downloadable pattern.
Continue reading "Free Christmas Bargello Design: A Needlepoint Pattern for Beginners"
Jan 11, 2025
What is slow stitching? A personal response to the question
Carol gives her answer to the question: what is slow stitching and explains how you can get started and the benefits of doing so.
Continue reading "What is slow stitching? A personal response to the question"
Jan 08, 2025
Discover the Magic of Cross Stitch: A Beginner's Guide
New to cross stitch? Start here! Get the lowdown on this easy-to-learn craft, from basic stitches to finishing techniques. Plus, grab free patterns!
Continue reading "Discover the Magic of Cross Stitch: A Beginner's Guide"
Jan 08, 2025
Free Redwork Embroidery Patterns & Step-by-Step Instructions
Learn this simple technique with a mother hen design, the first of my free redwork embroidery patterns using simple stitches and a single thread colour.
Continue reading "Free Redwork Embroidery Patterns & Step-by-Step Instructions"
Jan 08, 2025
Learn blackwork embroidery shading techniques with this pear design
Learn how to add shading to your blackwork embroidery using two different techniques, while stitching this picture depicting a pair of pears
Continue reading "Learn blackwork embroidery shading techniques with this pear design"
Jan 07, 2025
Learn Herringbone Stitch: Techniques, Tips, and Stunning Applications
Discover the versatility of herringbone stitch with this detailed guide. Step-by-step tutorials, creative uses, and expert tips bring your projects to life
Continue reading "Learn Herringbone Stitch: Techniques, Tips, and Stunning Applications"
Jan 07, 2025
Learn bullion stitch, aka bullion knots and how to use them
How do you make a perfect bullion knot? Expert tips for adding bullion stitch to your embroidery projects with ease.
Continue reading "Learn bullion stitch, aka bullion knots and how to use them"
Jan 07, 2025
Learn Feather Stitch Embroidery: Step-by-Step Tutorials & Variations
Feather stitch embroidery made easy! Step-by-step guide with videos, creative variations, and pro tips for embroidery enthusiasts of all levels
Continue reading "Learn Feather Stitch Embroidery: Step-by-Step Tutorials & Variations"
Jan 04, 2025
Blackwork designs featuring Mischief the cat
These blackwork designs feature the antics of Mischeif the cat. Available as downloadable charts
Continue reading "Blackwork designs featuring Mischief the cat"
Jan 04, 2025
A beginner guide to hardanger embroidery - overcast bars & doves eyes
Part 2 of the free beginner guide to hardanger embroidery. Learn to stitch Kloster blocks, wrapped bars, and dove’s eyes with step-by-step instructions
Continue reading "A beginner guide to hardanger embroidery - overcast bars & doves eyes"
Dec 30, 2024
Cross Stitch Calculator: Pick The Best Fabric Count In Seconds
Cross stitch calculator - Get the right fabric size for your cross stitch project. Simply input your design dimensions and fabric count for instant results
Continue reading "Cross Stitch Calculator: Pick The Best Fabric Count In Seconds"
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