What's New on Carol's Needlework Blog Today!

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Aug 19, 2025

Free Blackwork Coaster Pattern (PDF) – Printable Chart + Easy Tutorial

free blackwork coaster chart

Free blackwork coaster pattern (PDF). 39×39 stitches; 2.8" on 14ct. Learn double running (Holbein) for a neat, almost reversible finish.

Continue reading "Free Blackwork Coaster Pattern (PDF) – Printable Chart + Easy Tutorial"

Aug 15, 2025

Simple Blackwork Patterns for Beginners (Instant PDF Download)

little owl cover 250

Looking for beginner blackwork patterns? Get instant PDF downloads of our simple, beautiful designs. Perfect for your first project. Start stitching today!

Continue reading "Simple Blackwork Patterns for Beginners (Instant PDF Download)"

Aug 15, 2025

Hand embroidery for beginners - Supplies, Fabric and Design Transfer

essential hand embroidery supplies

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"

Aug 13, 2025

The French Knot Secret Nobody Tells You About That Leads to Success

french knot butterfly

Tired of messy, tangled French knots? Learn a simple, 4-step rhythm and the 3 secrets that turn frustrating knots into beautiful, tidy stitches every time.

Continue reading "The French Knot Secret Nobody Tells You About That Leads to Success"

Aug 13, 2025

How to Create a Sewing Space You Love (Even if It's Messy)

my dream sewing room

Ditch the Pinterest pressure. Learn how to claim an imperfect corner for your creativity and build a sewing space that actually works for you,

Continue reading "How to Create a Sewing Space You Love (Even if It's Messy) "

Aug 08, 2025

Does the stamped embroidery design wash out?

This is my first venture into hand embroidery. Counted cross-stitch has always been my game. So, please help! I am taking on a huge tablecloth project

Continue reading "Does the stamped embroidery design wash out?"

Aug 08, 2025

How to Use Old or New Iron-On Embroidery Transfers & Test Them Safely

Feeling nervous about using an old iron-on transfer on expensive fabric? Learn how to test and apply any transfer for crisp, clear lines, frustration-free.

Continue reading "How to Use Old or New Iron-On Embroidery Transfers & Test Them Safely"

Jul 29, 2025

Free Assisi Rose Pattern: A Beginner's Embroidery Tutorial

assisi rose large

Learn the beautiful reverse magic of Assisi embroidery! This free rose pattern is perfect for beginners. Get our step-by-step guide and stitch it today.

Continue reading "Free Assisi Rose Pattern: A Beginner's Embroidery Tutorial"

Jul 29, 2025

How to Embroider a Leaf: A Beginner's Guide to 6 Easy Stitches

fly stitch flowers

Feeling overwhelmed by all the stitches for leaves? This friendly guide helps you choose the right one for a beautiful, neat result without the frustration.

Continue reading "How to Embroider a Leaf: A Beginner's Guide to 6 Easy Stitches"

Jul 28, 2025

How to Do Herringbone Stitch (The Easy, Fun & Frustration-Free Way!)

herringbone stitch sample

Struggling with herringbone stitch? This guide shows you the secret to neat, even stitches, helping you avoid frustration and tangled threads for good

Continue reading "How to Do Herringbone Stitch (The Easy, Fun & Frustration-Free Way!)"

Jul 27, 2025

My Secret to Perfect Cretan Stitch | Step-by-Step Tutorial

Cretan stitch step 1

Tired of messy, wobbly Cretan stitch? Learn my simple secret in this step-by-step tutorial. I even show you my own mistakes to help you succeed!

Continue reading "My Secret to Perfect Cretan Stitch | Step-by-Step Tutorial"

Jul 27, 2025

Discover the Blanket Stitch: Detailed Instructions and Tips

cutwork embroidery

Master the blanket stitch with our easy-to-follow guide. Perfect for beginners and experts alike. Learn to create neat edges and decorative embroidery today

Continue reading "Discover the Blanket Stitch: Detailed Instructions and Tips"

Jul 27, 2025

How to Turn a Corner with Blanket Stitch: A Step-by-Step Guide

buttonhole edging

Our guide on how to turn a corner with blanket stitch gives you the confidence to create polished, professional-looking edges you’ll be proud of every time.

Continue reading "How to Turn a Corner with Blanket Stitch: A Step-by-Step Guide"

Jul 25, 2025

A Beginner's Guide to Split Stitch for Lines and Fillings

split stitch tulips

Learn how to embroider with split stitch! This step-by-step guide shows you how to create smooth outlines and filled shapes for your embroidery projects

Continue reading "A Beginner's Guide to Split Stitch for Lines and Fillings"

Jul 25, 2025

A Beginner’s Guide to the Coral Knot Stitch for Textured Embroidery

coral knot stitch top view

Learn how to embroider the coral knot stitch with this easy, step-by-step guide. Perfect for beginners who want to add beautiful, bumpy texture to their work!

Continue reading "A Beginner’s Guide to the Coral Knot Stitch for Textured Embroidery"

Jul 13, 2025

Blackwork Flower Patterns – Download Designs with Personal Stories

fuchsia.jpg

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"

Jul 13, 2025

Blackwork for Beginners Book

carol-leather.jpg

Blackwork for Beginners - learn this fascinating needlework technique with Carol Leather's book

Continue reading "Blackwork for Beginners Book"

May 14, 2025

Sewing Jobs from Home: How to Turn Your Skills into Steady Income

pinning a zipper in place

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"

Apr 12, 2025

Tent Stitch Tutorial: How to Do Half Cross, Continental & Basketweave

A tree worked in tent stitch

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 02, 2025

Colourful Blackwork Kits for Quick Weekend Projects

tortoise

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

blackwork christmas star

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

hardanger-lesson-1-complete.jpg

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)

quarter-stitches-over-Aida.png

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

backstitch diagram

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

garden sampler 350

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

scotch stitch on canvas

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

rhodes stitch 01

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 12, 2025

How to Learn Hand Embroidery – Beginner’s Guide and Tips

french knot embroidery stitches

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

tangled-thread-causes-knots

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

Continue reading "how to launder red work embroidery"

Mar 12, 2025

A Step-by-Step Guide to Washing Cross Stitch and Embroidery Pieces

Discoloured and stained cross stitch

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

heron

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

four sided stitch front

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.

Continue reading "Old charts to new"

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

Continue reading "Backing a cross stitched baby quilt "

Feb 24, 2025

Choosing embroidery fabric for counted thread embroidery techniques

Fabric count quick reference table

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

Phicture of end result

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

run-rabbit-run.jpg

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

Continue reading "Become a Cross stitch designer"


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