Embroidery 101 - Beginner Embroidery Tips and Mistakes to Avoid

[@deborahlee52]

Excellent video! I have been embroidering since I was nine years old. So that is nearly 60 years. I learned from my grandmother just watching her, and when I showed an interest wanna do it myself, she was kind enough to demonstrate stitches to me and prepare The hoop and cloth for me. She would have me do stitches over and over again. We did a lot of pillowcase edging and linen handkerchiefs. But I have to say that most of my advanced stitches have come from KZbin as back when I was a child there was no such Avenue of learning. I have several that I continually follow on KZbin and have recently just added you. I enjoy your very simple way of explaining things that to a new embroidery person would otherwise be overwhelming. You have a very nice quality about you, And I hope that you gain a lot of subscribers. I think the one stitch that is the most difficult to learn, or may I say to learn and be able to do it well, is long and short stitches that demonstrate a gradual shading. It is something you cannot be in a hurry to do and takes a lot of patience. I have seen your work and you do these stitches very very well. As one becomes more experienced and uses a finer thread it becomes a real credit when you can master the look to where it is hard to tell it from stitching or a picture. I look forward to your future videos as I have three granddaughters that I would like for them to learn embroidery. They are very artsy people and I believe this is something they would enjoy. When I first learned about KZbin, I found it very helpful to follow videos that demonstrated the individual stitches. This was especially useful for the more difficult stitches. I look forward to your future videos and hope that you are greatly encouraged to progress in reaching the public. Thank you very much for taking the time.

[@crewelghoul]

deborahlee52 thank you so much for the kind words! I also learned from my grandmother and then started taking it more seriously as a hobby and wanting to learn more when I was in college. I would definitely agree that long and short stitch and thread painting is the most challenging! I use it for my pet portraits and I’m always continuing to try and get better at making the stitches blend together more subtly. I’m glad you’re enjoying the channel, I appreciate your encouragement! ❤️

[@drowninginthelake]

Wow youre 69? .... Nice 😂 and thats amazing i would LOVE to see your work!

[@deborahlee52]

@@drowninginthelake Hi Lilah. I would happy to share them with you if you would suggest a way to do so.

[@drowninginthelake]

@@deborahlee52 i have an email [e-mail] (: i can share some of my work too

[@isabelladiaz9459]

I would love to see some of your work as well if that’s okay !! [e-mail] is my email :)

[@meaganmartin4295]

Thanks for these tips! I'm a beginner about to work on my first project🙂

[@crewelghoul]

You’re welcome! Good luck on your first project 😊

[@ladyflimflam]

I was taught in the 1970s to take bias binding and wrap it around then stitch it to my inner hoop. That makes the hoops fit together better and can keep you from over tensioning your canvas

[@crewelghoul]

Yes, that’s a great option! Thank you for sharing

[@Purgatorrri]

You've talked about the different kinds of fabric, which was really helpful so thank you. I would like some explanation about different kinds of needles that ppl use.

[@flitdek]

This Video was fantastic. You got me on the right track. Answering the exact questions I was asking my self at the store. Thank you so much. My daughters and I are going to the Thrift store tomorrow, I will be looking for Embroidery Books and supply's. I hope my Girls wont be embarrassed having their Navy Vet Dad doing Embroidery.

[@crewelghoul]

Glad to help! Good luck on your learning journey!

[@laurant4282]

Creating and enjoying beauty should never be limited to either gender. You enjoy your embroidery good sir, from one man to another. Infact, in some cultures embroidery is considered a mans things rather then a womans things

[@bethysboutique]

I’ve had really good results with the stifd plastic hoops that have an inner hoop with little bit of lip over the outer hoop! I got mine at Walmart and they are fantastic

[@sandramyer7081]

Next thread: dmc in beginner - ; 6 cotton floss - Pearl cotton is preferred to use threads with French knots- Pearl cotton Embroidery Hoops- nice quality inside and outside- better- - thicker wood- Darius- having a good plan with a water soluble but not cheap

[@steemdup]

thanks for the thread rec; as a beginner, having to separate the floss strands makes me so anxious! I will use the single thread while I'm learning. and a better quality hoop :)

[@renereid9820]

This video has clear, intuitive tips for beginners! So many beginner vids are muddled and not very helpful. Kudos to CGE. I’m impressed!

[@crewelghoul]

Thank you so much! I’m so glad you found it helpful. ❤️

[@IsabelLee617]

I’ve only ever done cross stitch and I’ve always found embroidery so daunting because I like have things be really neat which is why I like cross stitch, but I think you have convinced me to give it a try! 🪡

[@crewelghoul]

You definitely should! 😊

[@sofiaali6888]

When she said invest on hoops I literally was laughing I made my own hoop with plastic bottle cap due to lockdown and it works pretty well of me.. I made 2 project and now I am thinking to buy more embroidery products...

[@arianaeustache2786]

Same! I made my own hoop with a cover of a glass bowl that broke and it works really well although the fabric slips from time to time but it is totally usable until you are ready to invest in a store-bought one.

[@sofiaali6888]

@@arianaeustache2786 yess exactly you don't need fancy equipment to get started you just need skills ☺️ P.s- i am quite good in embroidery and still use the diy hoop 😄

[@gabrielleschmidt1435]

I just found your channel and I love your video. I've been embroidering since I was 7 years old , am 66 now! A lot of years!🤗 It's one of mu favorite things to do. But I think that I can still learn more. Thanks for sharing!😻

[@crewelghoul]

Thanks so much! That’s awesome!! 😊

[@cheryldahl9192]

I have always wondered what that cool fabric is that I love for embroidery! Kona Cotton!!! Thanks! :)

[@crewelghoul]

You’re welcome!

[@hannahc1131]

Starting today and learned so much from your tips! Thanks so much for your time making this :) Stay safe!

[@crewelghoul]

Love hearing this, you too! 😊

[@Ronnie-if8nx]

I just want to say thank you period because I've seen a couple of videos and they don't give me the terminology or the the jargon.And you don't take your time with the stitches.So thank you very much.I'll be watching you again.Thank you😊

[@crewelghoul]

Glad I could help!

[@janetseager4069]

This is excellent. I'm a post beginner but I have picked up information from you that I didn't know. So clearly explained too!

[@Ignignokt62]

I LOVE how you sell your own kits.

[@ChaosAlyssa]

this was such a helpful video, thank you! i impulse bought myself some supplies today, and this video made me feel like i can really do this, and do it well! i’m excited to learn 😍

[@crewelghoul]

Aw I’m so happy you found it helpful! You got this!

[@mooncrumble9036]

Me the before the video: Hmmm.... This is going to be helpful Me, 10 seconds in, realizing I already traced my design in a light weight, stretchy T-shirt: *my heart went "✨FUCC✨"*

[@crewelghoul]

Aww well I’d you have your heart set on it I’d suggest getting some stick on embroidery stabilizer to put on the back. It will make it a bit easier!

[@mooncrumble9036]

@@crewelghoul thanks of the tip. I'll be sure to look into it :)

[@melmaymom929]

Thanks for sharing! I'm trying to teach myself and as a bit of a perfectionist, I want to get it right the first time 😉

[@ndbyers23]

Thank you for these tips! I just began embroidery again after a thirty year hiatus. I never got beyond a basic beginner and am left handed also, so it’s definitely harder. When I jumped back in, I did buy a kit and have several more to work through. I will check out your website! And particularly look for that beautiful hoop you mentioned!

[@playakain]

Thank you for the excellent advice. Was going to embroider one of my drawings but you convinced me for a beginner to do something simple first . Great video thank you for making this intuitive video.

[@blackbird3456]

Well, I don't plan on doing embroidery for work so the rings that I bought from my starter kit that contained no instructions or models to get someone started. Though, I'll make my own design and I already made a koi in a pond with lotus flowers. I love that project. My kit came with some quite hard fabric with quite large holes so it's a bit hard to put it in my rings (I have to use the floor to help me put the fabric in and push it till it gets stuck in). I know how to draw so that helps a bit. I'll use youtube as my learning tool. Also, I always manage to make loops at the end of my rope after the knot is done or I miss a bunch of time before I finally make the knot and that just messes me when I stitch my design.

[@coliegutzler5443]

Literally have never done this and just got a beginner kit and started to Google how to and your video came up first! Thanks for the 101!

[@juststartingover2735]

Your recommendation to use perle cotton floss when learning stitches is so appreciated! 💖

[@crewelghoul]

You’re welcome!

[@sophiafarah8246]

This is excellent advice. Thank you for these great tips

[@idanceforiam]

Thank you so much for this excellent video! I've just started trying embroidery and this was really helpful for knowing what to focus on and where to invest first. ❤️

[@crewelghoul]

You’re welcome! 😊

[@Valeria-nh6ys]

i’ve been doing embroidery for a couple years now but i wanna buy a kit

[@digitaltooanalog]

Thanks for making this video. I’m a super beginner, so thanks for the tips and well put encouragement.

[@shesasunshinemsp6805]

I wanted to embroider clothes specifically so hopefully the hoop will help stretch it out so I can do it

[@crewelghoul]

Yes a hoop will definitely help! If it’s stretchy material you can’t go wrong using embroidery stabilizer too

[@luciferfaust]

You can use light fusible interfacing on the inside of the clothing to act as a stabilizer too.

[@shesasunshinemsp6805]

@@luciferfaust I already ordered hoops but what is that your talking about? I'll search them up thanks!!

[@luciferfaust]

@@shesasunshinemsp6805 it's basically a light weight, stiff material that you can iron on to the back of fabric to make it less flimsy. I think heat n bond makes some, if you don't have a craft store available, or if you can get to a Joanne's I've seen their p44f recommended for clothing a lot.

[@blissfulacresoffgridhomest2098]

I 💘 your video! I know I will replay it often. I want to learn how to embroider so I can embroider a crazy patchwork baby quilt. But it has a ton of seams. I am not good with hand sewing either. Hmm, maybe I should do decorative machine stitching and save the hand embroidery for a different project?

[@crewelghoul]

Thank you!! Good luck with your quilt, I’m sure whichever way you do it it will turn out super fun 😊

[@blissfulacresoffgridhomest2098]

Hi! I will do some top stitching on the quilt, and embroidery for decoration and big stitching too! I am so jazzed!!! Thank you for replying!

[@micheledouglas7099]

You are adorable and I loved your video. I am a beginner, and you are a very good teacher.

[@crewelghoul]

Thank you so much!

[@rosestellagarcia6953]

Excellent and useful help, I love it.Thank you so much. Beginner happy and learning !!!!!

[@crewelghoul]

Thanks so much for the feedback :)

[@chellyyo6624]

I just started embroidery and omg I love your tips! I just ordered a million kona cottons

[@crewelghoul]

So glad you find them helpful, enjoy that kona cotton!! 😄

[@sejalsanghvi2617]

Very Informative detail. Highly helpful.

[@cherylvan4391]

Thank you for the presentation, I'm new to embroidery and can use all the help I can get.

[@crewelghoul]

Glad you enjoyed the video!

[@tracybrewer3377]

I've just found your channel and very good explanations. And you kits look great. Especially the instructions. Look forward to watching more tutorials from you.

[@jjshaw2134]

Thank you so much! The struggle is real learning with dmc thread. Had no idea another thread existed 😅.

[@elisea.740]

Def appreciate this video... great tips!

[@crewelghoul]

Ribbons & Rouge thanks so much, glad it’s helpful 😊

[@betscgee]

I have ADHD. So embroidery is very soothing and enjoyable yet I am always rushing to try to finish a last minute project for a gift and then I do something dumb to ruin it. And I tend to hyperfocus where I just don't stop. Which leads to more mistakes. So totally agree with your recommendation to try and stop, take a break, take every stitch one stitch at a time. Also if it is worth your time it is worth a little more money for quality supplies. They do make a difference.

[@rosestellagarcia6953]

I love your job always. So good explanation this is why I love your job. Beginner and still learning.

[@victoriathegreatMuldoon]

Thank you. This is something I am learning to give gifts for my family for Christmas thank you soo much I listened to the whole video. And omg now I know what that blue tool thing is for hahaaa I just keep cause I thought it was cool with the ball and needle. Your sooo awesome

[@isabelladiaz9459]

Thank you so much for this !! Deborah^^ said all the compliments that came to mind very nicely put.. I am starting to finally do art again and just created a stamp today and tomorrow will do embroidery.. then go on to other medias ! I think embroidery is one of the few that I may want to continue tho, so I am excited to check out your other videos 🥳 praying great things for ya journey

[@2xdrews]

Thanks for the tips. if you make embroidery to be hung up in a hoop. you can make embroidery in a quality hoop. And later put it in a cheap one when it is hung.

[@lodgechant]

Thank you for this wonderful tutorial. With greetings from Cape Town!

[@speedy7869]

Hi Miss, thank you very much for your embroidery tips. Watching from the Caribbean.

[@crewelghoul]

You’re welcome, happy stitching!!

[@barhoque]

You've answered all my concerns! TYSM for the tips

[@crewelghoul]

No problem!!

[@teresarn1965]

Excellent instructor!!! Thank you for the information. VERY HELPFUL!!! I am subscribing.

[@crewelghoul]

Thanks so much!

[@sophia-mh4tr]

I was your 1000th subscriber!!!!!!!

[@crewelghoul]

Ahhh thank you so much! How exciting, thanks for subscribing 😊

[@anngutierrez]

Thank you for creating this splendid video.. It has been years since I've worked on a project so reviewing stitches was a help. I subscribed to

[@Ellaberrry]

Tnx^.^I just bought the embroidery stuff N imma learn alot from your channel 🤗

[@crewelghoul]

Wonderful!

[@ld5287]

Very informative and thorough video, full of great good information and tips. Highly recommend this video for beginners and the experienced. Aloha and Thank you, I learned so much.

[@amanar1220]

Thank you for the video. I like your recommendations for various items that are good quality. Also the embroidery kits you are selling , I can tell you spent a lot of time putting them together. I am thinking of taking one (or more) embroidery class. I learned a lot from the video. Thanks a bunch!

[@crewelghoul]

You’re welcome! 😊 and thanks so much for the positive feedback

[@miriambelanger7292]

Very nice video. And I noticed your charming studio, it looks really cozy and inviting. Thanks.

[@janiewilliams1871]

Great tips and good for beginners! Thanks!

[@crewelghoul]

You’re welcome! 😊

[@25donkeys]

Hi, I really enjoyed your video. Thanks. I found a really cool book from my library that I think you might like. It's called The Embroidered Garden by Kazuko Aoki. She shows her beautiful work and how she does it. Thanks again for your very good video.

[@malu2746]

Gracias por la explicación, muy buena la información de telas, hilos etc.... Un saludo desde Bogotá - Colombia😉🇨🇴👍🏼🙋

[@wvawelcomesyou]

thank you just getting started.

[@heidishappenings1014]

Thanks for this video. I am a newbie and this was very helpful

[@deeberryhill5656]

Thank you for such great tips!!

[@riona7597]

I'm so glad I found this channel! Thank you for all the tips and advice 💞

[@crewelghoul]

You’re welcome! 🥰

[@edithzapata1883]

I am starting, thank u for sharing

[@janaesdaze]

Q: what’s the difference between using the pearl strand and just separating one strand from the dmc and practicing with that?

[@crewelghoul]

I usually only use one strand for stitches like the long and short stitch. Pearl thread comes in a couple different sizes/thicknesses, but all of them are a bit thicker than one strand! And the main difference between the two is the texture they create ☺️

[@avicennitegh1377]

Impressive kits, lovely stitch variety -- nice to have everything to go :) Also a clear, friendly delivery 🌻🌼🌸🌺 keep up the good work.

[@jasminebambury5841]

Thanks this video really helped. Cheers

[@crewelghoul]

I’m glad. You’re welcome! 😊

[@MenezesMarta1]

Thank you so much for share these tips. Please, let me know the best needles to embroidery. Hope you understand what I wrote, english is not my first language. Xo from Brazil. 🥰

[@crewelghoul]

Dmc or clover embroidery needles are good to use!

[@rl1947]

Thanks for share your valuable information🙏

[@j.sharma9640]

Ur new subscriber Jst want to start hope will know more about embroidery from u

[@erinryan4277]

Hi! I have done a few projects in quarantine, and I was wondering if you have any ideas for finished projects other than just displaying them in the hoop.

[@hayleypoppins2374]

@Erin Ryan You can make patches for clothes, embroider the collars on your shirts, I'm currently working on adding embroidery to the pockets of a denim jacket. Your main option are to embellish your clothes or make artwork :) I think Annika Victoria has a few videos on quirky clothing Embroidery.

[@goldengryphon]

To add to the previous poster, Pillows are good for large projects, or an actual frame like any other artwork. Small projects could be used as a sachet, framed art (at the end of the video when you see Crewel Ghoul , she has a bunch of very lovely framed art pieces that are embroidery). @Hayley Poppins suggested decorative patches and outfit pieces which are both excellent ideas. I'm currently making quilts for two new0ish family members: I have seen some truly lovely work done for use as a quilt square/piece, or just an accent. An internet search should give you all kinds of ideas. I hope you find the perfect idea so you can proudly display your handwork.

[@hayleypoppins2374]

@@goldengryphon What a thoughtful response :) You've given me a few ideas now too! I had great notions for an embroidered patchwork quilt but my sewing skills aren't up to scratch yet. Best of luck with your projects :)

[@goldengryphon]

@@hayleypoppins2374 Thank you for the encouraging support! I had stalled out after realizing that the simple "I'll just make a couple of easy quilts for the munchkins"(after finding a quilter's panel that had a similar focus in another panel that was in the same color-way by the same designer and was therefore perfect for the "equal work for each child" I have been trying for), had turned into a project involving two twin sized quilts (I think that's where my last estimation of the tops, should I start on them any time soon), with a matching wall quilt, one set for each child. I had been thinking "sewing is faster than crochet. This won't take *any* time". (LOL) My new goal is to get the two baby quilts and their matching wall quilts done, out of my stash (which isn't as quilt friendly as I had hoped), before they graduate from high school. As far as handwork goes, an idea about testing new techniques, was suggested by one of the books I have - namely, shoot for the stars (try to make the Big Project), because the worst that happens is that you end up with a really beautiful pillow (or other smaller and more reasonable handmade thing). Always try. Always push yourself. But also always remember that you are making art, sharing a piece of your time, effort and skills. If a pillow is more realistic? Make a pillow. Or an eyeglass case, or a pin-on pocket or patch. (And thank you for the kind compliment.)

[@goodolearkygal5746]

I make pillows for every new baby in our family...

[@elizabethclaiborne6461]

Excellent! Thank you, great video.

[@MoonLight-bu9hz]

Thank you 😊 very helpful video 👍🏽

[@crewelghoul]

You’re welcome! Glad it was!

[@maarianisula463]

Hi! Thank you for posting! In the beginning of the video you can see an amazing embroidery of a ginger cat that looks pretty much like ours😍Is that one of your patterns or do you know how to get hold of it? Would be much appreciated🙏🏼

[@solarwinds-]

Thank you, you are right on the money. I would add, the only time you need to spend the extra money on an even weave, meaning the same amount of threads per inch vertically and horizontally, is when you're doing a counted stitch embroidery process, i.e. cross stitch, hardanger etc. If you are doing crewel embroidery or a non-counted stitch you don't need to spend that kind of money on an even weave fabric. Yes the conna cotton is perfect, linen, ah yes, and calicos cotton and muslin is nice to work on. Watch out for the cheap even weaves. They are not even weaves at all. Your work will look distorted. I put in a couple of hours of work on a cheap even weave and the design was larger on one side than the other. Awful. You buy cheap, you'll get cheap. Careful with those dollars girls.

[@crewelghoul]

Thanks for sharing! Yes, it's the worst feeling when you realize a particular material isn't very good!

[@cassandratadaya2766]

This is very helpful, thank you very much

[@crewelghoul]

You’re welcome!

[@luzmindamondejar7267]

Thanks very excellent video for me

[@earthysavanna3612]

All of these tips are super helpful!✨

[@crewelghoul]

I’m so glad! Thank you!

[@tasneeemabbas]

This video was super helpful thank you ❤❤

[@crewelghoul]

I’m so glad, you’re welcome!

[@aleidadiaz2261]

What is the best online store for embroidery? I would like to be able to buy specific color of cotton or thread without having to purchase a set of twenty half of which I won’t use. What is the brand of hoop you suggested?

[@crewelghoul]

You can usually find sellers on Etsy that sell floss by the skein and if you search beechwood embroidery hoops those are what I like to buy. Also you can buy thread directly from DMC.com

[@debracastro1073]

Thank you

[@dawn1607]

Great video. But where do you start on a pattern? Top? Bottom, certain sitches in the center? Does it matter?

[@crewelghoul]

Thanks! I think this has a lot to do with preference and it depends on what kinds of stitches you are using. If there is a chance your stitches will get in the way of another area you are stitching, I would plan out what order you want to stitch the design in first. If you're following a particular pattern I would suggest following it in the order it is written.

[@tracybrewer3377]

I do have a question ❓ Do i put a backing behind my fabric. Meaning a batting or wadding like we do with quilting. And is calico a good fabric to use.

[@crewelghoul]

It depends on the fabric you are using, but you can definitely double up the fabric or add batting if the fabric is fragile or thin. And yes calico is fine to use!

[@judymcdougall]

Great video 🎉

[@frusstom]

Any tips on knowing what needle to use thats the most challenging part for me 😭

[@n.w.414]

You covered lots but what about the needle? What sized needle do I look for? I don't think my regular sewing needles will work with embroidery thread.

[@cvr4419]

Hello... love your channel... I am a beginning and looking for the hoop you mentioned "Stay Home Stitches"... can't find that company. Do you have other recommendation for hoops?

[@Kaily.smith_]

Is hand embroidery on a hoodie okay without anything underneath?

[@crewelghoul]

It depends on how stretchy or thick the sweatshirt is. You can’t go wrong with using some sort of stabilizer!

[@CreativeStitchingwithAnn]

Time Stamp 6:06; I looked up the hoop mentioned and it looks like they may be out of business?? I bought some cheap hoops that I don't like. I learned nearly 45 years ago on hoops that my grandmother had given my Mom so they were made very well. I just didn't keep up with everything.

[@crewelghoul]

Yes, I think they did unfortunately! You can find similar hoops on Etsy and Amazon if you search for beechwood hoops

[@allisonali3439]

Thanks! I don't have any experience of embroidery I stich without hoop and draw in bond paper for pattern and I use stretchy fabric I failed it

[@crewelghoul]

I did all of that too! Definitely try some of these tips out and I’m sure they’re bound to make things easier :)

[@melissaroberts2299]

Do you like wood hoops better than plastic?

[@crewelghoul]

I personally use wood hoops more often! I think it’s more because I like to frame them in wood once I’m finished and I have found that beechwood hoops and darice wood hoops are easiest to work with 😊

[@clearminded40]

Thank you awesome video

[@dawnkurtz9541]

I have bought my first kit for Crewel embroidery. No instructions!! My question is: basically what to do first. My background is a black cat. There are lines and french knots on the black. If I do all the black first, it may be hard to see the lines for detail. If I do the detail and floral parts first, I will have to work black around things like lines or french knots. I am not sure how to go around a small detail like a french knot. I have cross stitched and the details usually are after finishing project. Advice?

[@crewelghoul]

Hi! It’s tricky because i don’t quite know what the design looks like but from what you are describing I would say outline everything first, then fill in everything and do French knots last.

[@rabiahabib7139]

Is there a place where you can buy ready made embroidery patterns bc I'm really bad at art

[@No_Named_Nobody]

I personally really like the plastic hoops. Extra grip

[@janiceeburrage7624]

Great viewing.

[@witchywoman4139]

Very helpful advice, thank you!

[@osirisojeda2457]

Muchas gracias linda. Las imágenes son muy claras.

[@emmadraws14953]

I really wanna get started as a newbie, but first I wanted to ask y'all, how much embroidery floss do I need? How much do you use on average on one of your projects?

[@nicoles7126]

What a bummer that no one answered you! I don't embroider. I am just getting ready to learn. But I do know that since you generally only use 2 or 3 strands of the 6 strand floss just one package of a color will probably go a loooong way.

[@isabelarroyo6355]

Hii!! I am new to embroidery and am doing a project right now. But for future reference, would you recommend doing the filling in process first or the outline first?

[@crewelghoul]

I think it depends on the design and personal preference! I would say I probably fill in first before outlining most of the time but it depends on if the fill stitches will get in the way or make it harder to stitch the outline later.

[@cuthbertdrakes6278]

Thanks for sharing

[@crewelghoul]

You’re welcome!

[@lamerson771]

Thank you!!!!!