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

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Jul 16, 2026

Top Needlework Finishing Techniques for Stunning Results

framing cross stitch 03

Discover essential needlework finishing techniques to preserve and display your projects beautifully, from framing to hemming.

Continue reading "Top Needlework Finishing Techniques for Stunning Results"

Jul 16, 2026

Beginner stitcher here - need advice on affixing pattern to shirt and keeping border of pattern secure

I want to stitch a specific crossstitch pattern and then affix it to an oxford shirt. See the Anthro cat shirt for reference. I don't believe I have the

Continue reading "Beginner stitcher here - need advice on affixing pattern to shirt and keeping border of pattern secure"

Jul 14, 2026

Needle Lace: How to Make Real Lace With a Needle and Thread

Needle lace is real lace worked with only a needle and thread. Start here: what it is, the Brussels stitches that build it, and free beginner projects.

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Jul 09, 2026

Embroidery Scissors: Types, Uses and How to Choose a Pair

embroidery scissors multiple

What embroidery scissors are, the types (angled, stork, thread snips), what they're used for, and the one rule that keeps a good pair sharp for years.

Continue reading "Embroidery Scissors: Types, Uses and How to Choose a Pair"

Jul 06, 2026

Scotch Stitch Needlepoint Guide: Step-by-Step Tutorial

Black and white diagram of scotch stitch

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"

Jul 01, 2026

Your Beginners Guide to Essential Hand Embroidery Supplies

Embroidery supplies you need to get started - embroidery scissors, embroidery hoops, frames, stands, lights and magnifiers.

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Jul 01, 2026

Embroidery Fabric for Counted Thread: Aida, Evenweave & Linen

How to choose embroidery fabric for cross stitch and counted thread: Aida, evenweave and linen compared, with count, size and needle tips.

Continue reading "Embroidery Fabric for Counted Thread: Aida, Evenweave & Linen"

Jul 01, 2026

How to Embroider Letters by Hand: 3 Easy Stitches

letters drawn on stabilizer

How to embroider letters by hand using 3 simple stitches. Photos show positioning, sizing, and tips for initials, names and monograms.

Continue reading "How to Embroider Letters by Hand: 3 Easy Stitches"

Jul 01, 2026

How to Remove Stains from Embroidery, Cross Stitch & Linens

How to remove yellowing, iron mould, hoop marks and ink from cross stitch, embroidery and vintage linens, including stains to tackle before framing.

Continue reading "How to Remove Stains from Embroidery, Cross Stitch & Linens"

Jul 01, 2026

Aida Cloth Guide: Compare 11, 14, 16 & 18 Count (With Chart)

aida cloth 14 count

Which Aida count is right for you? Compare 11, 14, 16 and 18 count with a video guide, stitch chart, and needle and floss recommendations for each.

Continue reading "Aida Cloth Guide: Compare 11, 14, 16 & 18 Count (With Chart)"

Jun 30, 2026

Blackwork for Beginners Book: Get a Neat, Reversible Back

blackwork for beginners cover

Messy backs on your blackwork? This step-by-step book teaches the proven method for neat, reversible results. 8 guided projects. Instant download, £9.95.

Continue reading "Blackwork for Beginners Book: Get a Neat, Reversible Back"

Jun 23, 2026

French Knot Stitch Tutorial: 4 Easy Steps to Perfect Knots

a flower meadow using french knots

Embroider a French knot that sits tidy and even, step by step with photos. Plus how to stop the knot pulling through to the back, and tips for needlepoint.

Continue reading "French Knot Stitch Tutorial: 4 Easy Steps to Perfect Knots"

Jun 23, 2026

Types of Embroidery Stitches: 4 Families, 30+ Explained

lazy daisy stitch flowers

All embroidery stitches fit into 4 families: flat, crossed, looped or knotted. Find the right one for your project, with links to step-by-step tutorials.

Continue reading "Types of Embroidery Stitches: 4 Families, 30+ Explained"

Jun 22, 2026

Stumpwork Embroidery: A Brief History of this Intricate Craft

stumpwork reindeer

Learn Stumpwork Embroidery techniques including padding with felt, raised embroidery stitches, adding slips and creating wired needlework petals

Continue reading "Stumpwork Embroidery: A Brief History of this Intricate Craft"

Jun 22, 2026

Needlepoint Canvas Sizes: How to Choose the Right Count

Confused by needlepoint canvas sizes? Learn what canvas count means, how 14 and 18 count compare, and how to pick the right one for your project.

Continue reading "Needlepoint Canvas Sizes: How to Choose the Right Count"

Jun 22, 2026

Blanket Stitch Embroidery: Step-by-Step Tutorial and video

blanket stitch flowers and leaves

How to do blanket stitch in embroidery, step by step with photos and video. Includes variations, plus tips for neat, evenly-spaced stitches.

Continue reading "Blanket Stitch Embroidery: Step-by-Step Tutorial and video"

Jun 22, 2026

Needlepoint Canvas Types: Choose the Perfect One for Your Project

needlepoint canvas

Our guide will introduce you to different needlepoint canvas options and help you pick the perfect one for your next project

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Jun 20, 2026

Linen Cross Stitch Fabric: Is It Right for Your Project?

Wondering if linen is right for your cross stitch? What 32-count and over-two mean, whether you can swap to Aida, and how to pick your first linen.

Continue reading "Linen Cross Stitch Fabric: Is It Right for Your Project?"

Jun 16, 2026

How to Needle Felt: Step-by-Step Tutorial for Beginners

raw sheeps wool

How to needle felt from scratch: a beginner 3D tutorial covering safety, equipment, and forming your first ball, egg and cylinder, with step-by-step photos.

Continue reading "How to Needle Felt: Step-by-Step Tutorial for Beginners"

Jun 16, 2026

Embroidery Floss Guide: Strands, Threads & How to Use Them

embroidery floss on rack

Your complete guide to embroidery floss: how to separate strands, how many to use for each fabric, plus DMC, Anchor and alternative thread options.

Continue reading "Embroidery Floss Guide: Strands, Threads & How to Use Them"

Jun 16, 2026

Discover the Magic of Cross Stitch: A Beginner's Guide

cross stitch birds ebook page

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"

Jun 15, 2026

Assisi embroidery - designs with a blackwork twist

blackwork dogs full

Try a new twist on assisi embroidery, these three designs use blackwork instead of cross stitch to give a wonderful effect.

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Jun 15, 2026

20 years, and a rebuilt Stitch Your Own Business

This site turns twenty this year! To celebrate, I have completely rebuilt my book Stitch Your Own Business as a Revised 2026 Edition, brought up to date for selling online today and dedicated to the memory of my friend and fellow designer Shan Harris.

It is 20% off until 30 June with the code 20YEARS.

Continue reading "20 years, and a rebuilt Stitch Your Own Business"

Jun 15, 2026

Become a Cross stitch Designer

carol leather designs

This ebook gives an insider guide to becoming a cross stitch designer and starting your own business

Continue reading "Become a Cross stitch Designer"

Jun 15, 2026

Embroidery from Home: How to Turn Your Stitching into a Real Business

sewing jobs - furry puppies

Want to turn your embroidery skills into money? From test stitching to designing and selling your own patterns, here are 4 ways to build a home business

Continue reading "Embroidery from Home: How to Turn Your Stitching into a Real Business"

Jun 15, 2026

New free pattern: baby teddy cross stitch

A brand new free design for you: a little baby teddy cross stitch pattern, perfect for a card, a bib or a new-baby keepsake. The chart is ready to download on the baby cross stitch page.

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Jun 14, 2026

Wildlife Cross Stitch Patterns | Nature Charts to Download

cross stitch badgers

Four British wildlife cross stitch patterns to download: a badger family, fox cubs, fallow deer and a heron. Counted nature charts, instant PDF, from £2.50.

Continue reading "Wildlife Cross Stitch Patterns | Nature Charts to Download"

Jun 14, 2026

Dragon Cross Stitch Patterns | Counted PDF to Download

old smokey dragon cross stitch

Two dramatic dragon cross stitch patterns to download as counted PDF charts: Old Smokey the wizard's dragon and a sweet courting pair by Carol Leather.

Continue reading "Dragon Cross Stitch Patterns | Counted PDF to Download"


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