Embroidery for beginners - Stitches, knots, needle threading & more - Complete Basics Series

Embroidery For Beginners is an easy to follow tutorial, introducing you to all the essential stitches and techniques using simple, step by step instructions. Tying a knot, threading a needle, separating thread, back stitch, running stitch, stem stitch, chain stitch & more.
This is Sarah’s complete Embroidery Basics Series that teaches everything you need to know to get started with hand embroidery.
0:17 loading your hoop
1:37 separating your thread
2:30 threading your needle
3:25 tying a knot
5:47 back stitch
8:18 running stitch
10:28 stem stitch
12:01 chain stitch
15:59 French Knot
18:14 lazy daisy stitch
20:36 satin stitch
Website, shop & free downloads: www.iheartstitchart.com
Etsy shop: www.etsy.com/ca/shop/iHeartSt...
Instagram: @i.heart.stitch.art
Sarah Milligan has been designing, creating and teaching hand embroidery for over a decade. Her kits and designs have been featured in publications such as Better Homes and Gardens DIY, Cross Stitcher, and Casa E Jardim, as well as on the Holderness Family KZbin channel and on Toronto’s City TV morning show. Her Etsy shop has been open since 2014 with her shop and designs being featured regularly by Etsy.
#handembroidery, #embroideryforbeginners, #embroidery101, #beginnerembroidery, #embroiderytutorial, #embroiderystitches
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[@libragirl4471]

Finally someone who understands what a true beginner is. Some of us need ALL the instructions

[@iheartstitchart]

I am one of those people who needs all the instructions, so that's how I tried to teach this! I'm glad to hear it was helpful for you. Thank you for your feedback!

[@Jennifer-bs6oy]

Yes. Many thanks Absolutely wonderful tutorial!

[@stefanie006]

YAY!! Finally, true instructions for beginners like me!! Thank you!!🧵🪡🪢

[@user-ib7wy4oq9e]

Could you help me please? Ha... I'm so confused. There's only a knot at the end and not the other end near the needle?

[@iheartstitchart]

Exactly what I was aiming for, so I'm glad it's helpful to you! You're so welcome!

[@suzettefaircloth5037]

No not at the end near the needle.​@@user-ib7wy4oq9e

[@maryviti6799]

I needed a “refresher” lesson! I was concentrating and didn’t notice the music. Thank you for the CLEAR instructions. 🍀

[@iheartstitchart]

Thank you Mary! I'm glad my instructions were helpful for you! It seems some devices play the music louder than others; I'm glad to know you found it OK, and thank you for sharing that too!

[@hydronicrocker]

Thankyou for getting down to business in less than a minute. So many other videos have so much introductory fluff but this is perfect - I appreciate you! :)

[@iheartstitchart]

Ah, thank you! I feel the same way, so I tried to have a concise start. I'm glad you enjoyed!

[@nmcil]

Just joined a mixed media art group and need to learn how to do simple stiches - perfect for what I need to learn. Excellent instructions and outstanding visuals that clearly show the techniques. Now on to my project - thanks ever for your vids.

[@iheartstitchart]

Ah, this makes me so happy to hear! I'm so, so glad my video has been helpful to you. Good luck with your project! :)

[@heisticles4122]

I can tell how passionate about this you are by the quality of video you produced. I bet your house is full of the coolest embroidered decor

[@angelamallery6501]

I appreciate that you talk. I have been searching starting from a starter I got on Amazon, and the only directions are a video w no talking!

[@iheartstitchart]

Thanks for this feedback Angela! It's actually much harder to make a video with talking (so I've learned) - but for me it is always most helpful to have the explanation of *why* certain things are done, so that was my goal here - show AND tell. I'm glad you found it helpful!

[@nancyswanson8645]

Great Video! So patiently explained and showed at different angles.

[@iheartstitchart]

Thank you Nancy! I'm so glad you found it helpful.

[@BeeGeey]

Liked this vid better than most. Really like the tips, gives much more detail not talked about in other vids, esp when you have no one with experience you can ask.

[@iheartstitchart]

Your comment made me so happy... I try when teaching to address those little details I wondered about when I was learning, so it's great to hear that you're finding that helpful!

[@jennyp4934]

I love the clear way you've shown us how to do things right from the start, so we don't have to go back to correct mistakes we make. Thank you.

[@iheartstitchart]

Thank you so much for this feedback! I am so glad my video is helpful to you. :)

[@Ladythyme]

Wish you were doing more…these videos are EXCELLENT! Thank you for what you’ve done!

[@iheartstitchart]

Thank you! I'm so glad to know you've found them helpful! I do plan to do more, and have a bunch half-filmed, but it's summer and my kids are home so... harder to work on that! Hopefully soon though.

[@ohio1914]

Excellent video, don’t sweat the music folks. I just turned on the captions and appreciate the clear and well presented information! I’m just starting to embroidery and this video is very helpful.

[@heathermacdonald7854]

Thank you, thank you, thank you. Sensible, down to earth and easy to understand instructions. Now, if I could only master the cast on stitch. 😄

[@kyralee534]

So SO helpful!!! As mentioned by others, really appreciate the no nonsense straight to the stitching!! My first time trying and your videos were very clear and helpful!

[@iheartstitchart]

Aw, yay! Thank you so much for this feedback - I worked hard to make my instructions clear and I'm glad you found it helpful!

[@Top2tow]

This is great! I haven't done any embroidery since I was in junior school and that was nearly 70 years ago!! I had forgotten most of it. Many thanks for sharing.❤

[@iheartstitchart]

I'm so happy it was helpful! Happy stitching. :)

[@RobertViani]

Super tutorial. Researching for my wife and found myself watching way longer than i needed to.

[@iheartstitchart]

That's great feedback, thank you! :)

[@vrobaldo]

This has gotten me truly interested in learning embroidery! Thank you for your very clear instructions!

[@iheartstitchart]

You are so welcome and I'm glad it was helpful!

[@nilminisiyambalapitiya1560]

Very clearly guided video, it was very useful for a beginner. Thanks for sharing 😊

[@TjC_3124]

I wanted to thank you for such clear directions! I really liked when you did the close-up side view. The most difficult part for me is when you come back or go down into the previous hole. I wasn't able to understand this with the daisy until I saw it close up. I'm just starting embroidery and making little notes about each stitch. Your tips in the upper left corner are very helpful! Thank you ❤

[@iheartstitchart]

Thank you so much for this feedback! It's good to know what you find helpful about the way I'm teaching it. Best of luck with your stitching!

[@betterinthyme]

Oh my goodness thank you! I was striggling to learn the stem stitch from the kit I bought. The video of you doing it makes it seem so simple. Thank you!

[@iheartstitchart]

Honestly I feel like a lot of kits don't explain things very thoroughly and I was very confused when I first started, so I'm glad this is helpful to you! Also to be honest, stem stitch still trips me up sometimes, I have to really concentrate on it! :D

[@shaallen8412]

Thank you for creating the tutorial. I found some vintage transfers while shopping @ an antique store and I wanted to pick the hobby back up again. It has been a very long time and I forgot all the basic stitches. Now thanks to your video, I can make the tea towels for my kitchen that I wanted!

[@iheartstitchart]

You're so welcome Sha, and I love that you are reviving this hobby using vintage transfers! They have a special charm... I hope your project goes very well!

[@Viktorya007]

I think your video was extremely helpful and informative. I didn't mind the music one bit. I was too busy learning to care or notice. Thank you so much for making this.

[@iheartstitchart]

That's such a kind comment, Victoria! I'm so glad you found it helpful, and thank you for taking a moment to say so.

[@jenxhopeful]

Great video, I could have done without the music also. Everyone has this music in the background it drives me nuts.

[@TheQueenE2]

I love this video! It's great for a beginner and for a person who needs a refresher in hand embroidery (ME). I haven't done this in years.

[@iheartstitchart]

Thank you so much! I'm so glad you are finding it helpful! :)

[@kdoubell6610]

Thank you for the simple and clear tutorial on all the stitches. You really helped me a lot :)

[@iheartstitchart]

You're welcome! I'm so glad to know my video was helpful to you! :)

[@delia9371]

This is so well explained. Thank you!

[@joan-mariacbrooks]

While I do tatting and macrame, my mother did embroidery and I can remember seeing her do French knots on a pillowcase when I was a child. Now I have time to indulge in more creative endeavors. and your video is the easiest one I've seen. I especially appreciate the way you clearly photograph your stitches; as a visual learner, that helps a great deal. Thank you and I've subscribed!

[@iheartstitchart]

Thank you so much for your kind feedback, and I'm so glad my video is helpful to you! I love that you can remember your mother doing French knots. :)

[@mandyl9450]

Thank you thank you! This is one of the best videos I’ve watched and it is very detailed also! I have been wanting to do embroidery for years and now that I finally got a chance to, this is a great video to start 😊

[@iheartstitchart]

Thank you for the feedback! I'm so, so glad my video was helpful in starting your embroidery journey! :D

[@xRainbowFroggy]

How is it going?

[@lindadean6909]

I like the music and my Blue and Gold Macaw loved the music and distracted her from aggravating me while learning something new. Thank you

[@iheartstitchart]

I love it! Doubly helpful. :)

[@ma9sai]

Really nice tutorial loved it thank you so much!!❤

[@yolandadeleon9774]

Thank you so much for this great video. The close ups, tips, and speed was such a great teaching process. My embroidery will have a clean look from now on. Thanks again!!

[@shllewis9]

Thank you so much the back hand stitching is easy to me

[@iheartstitchart]

You're most welcome!

[@priyakumawat4474]

Your video really helped me. Thank you miss

[@ILSESTEENKAMP1]

Thank you, as a beginner this was a very helpful and informative video😊

[@iheartstitchart]

I'm so glad it was helpful, thank you for the feedback! :)

[@Marginallyflailing]

Thank you so much for making this video- so many beginner videos don't explain how to the thread should be on the needle. I'm still so certain it will fall off while I'm working, but we can figure it out eh!?

[@iheartstitchart]

This is how I felt when I first started - so I tried to make it very clear! It takes a bit of practice but you can do it!

[@LittleMysTeries3786]

Ty soo much this helped me to both embroider and give me a basic idea of regular stitches for hand sewing

[@iheartstitchart]

Thank you for your comment, Amanda! I'm so glad to know you found my video helpful. And yes, useful stitches for hand sewing as well!

[@user-wu4hw4kr6b]

❤ video. So easy to understand!

[@brendafore7554]

Great instruction; clear and concise. Thank you!

[@iheartstitchart]

Thank you Brenda! I'm so glad to know you found it helpful.

[@darlene5216]

I'm very new to embroidery so I need all the help I can get. I like how you go slow and show the basics.

[@iheartstitchart]

I'm so glad you found it helpful Darlene, and thank you for your comment!

[@user-jn1kg5hs9p]

This was perfect! Thank you so much!

[@iheartstitchart]

You're welcome Nancy, I'm so glad it was helpful!

[@FrostyJava]

This is absolutely the best tutorial I've ever seen! Thank you!

[@iheartstitchart]

That's such a nice comment! Thank you and I'm glad it is helpful! :)

[@curiositydidntkillme]

This was incredibly helpful, thank you! ❤

[@iheartstitchart]

I'm so glad!

[@malihapary5324]

Before I was afraid of staching clothes because I couldn't after you teach me then I can thank you for teaching me

[@iheartstitchart]

I'm so glad!

[@judithsperling1599]

This is a very good tutorial and a nice refresher for those picking up stitching again. One question: I was always taught not to use knots in embroidery as they are very difficult to hide and create lumps and bumps, particularly when framing a finished piece. With a sufficient tail held down by your finger, you can always cover the thread with subsequent stitches and it holds really well. I end on the backside by inserting the needle under previous stitches (not the fabric) for about an inch to inch and a half and then snip the thread closely so that tail end does not show through to the front side. I have never had these threads finished in this way pull out or unravel and no bumps!

[@air2air786]

Yes, exactly my tought. In the embroidery lessons it was emphasized over and over again NEVER EVER use knots because they mess up your finished work.

[@iheartstitchart]

Thank you for your comment Judith! You're right, of course; the traditional method has been to avoid knots, and I definitely think that is still valid if creating a finer piece or something that is going to be framed against a flat background. But I teach beginners to start with knots because it's far easier when learning. When I started stitching, I was really frustrated trying to learn the stitches as it was; and starting without knots seemed like one more obstacle that made me less interested in stitching. I gave myself permission to not worry about it at first, and then after awhile I practiced that, but I also realized it is only essential for some situations. If displaying in the hoop, as is my typical preference, the knots aren't an issue because the back of the piece isn't laying flat on a board; and even if I am framing a piece, depending on the method, it also can be done without the knots being an issue. These days in my own work I almost always just start with a knot and for my purposes it is fine. So I suggest for those learning, don't worry about the knots at first; focus on the stitching, and after that feels natural you can always experiment with learning knot-free methods if desired! I'll do a video on some different ways to do it at some point... sounds like you have learned a beautiful way, and if you are happy doing that I think it's wonderful!

[@iheartstitchart]

It can definitely be a beautiful result! Personally I use knots and I'm OK with it; I also think it's much, much easier when starting out, so that's how I teach beginners. But, it's definitely a technique one can choose to learn/practice and I think it's admirable!

[@barefacedquestions]

It's the same with old hand sewing method. I took a Bernadette Banner course and she said that people in the Victorian era detested knots. To avoid knots, they would back stitch in place several times. I frequently do this with hand sewing and never have threads unraveling. However, I think tying a knot is much easier for beginners so if one feels okay with knots, then all bets are off.

[@astra1382]

Wonderful tutorial, thank you so much, blessed be!

[@iheartstitchart]

I'm so happy it was helpful! Thank you!

[@ginakendrick2581]

❤ BEST VIDEO YET FOR we BEGINNERS THANKYOU

[@iheartstitchart]

Wow Gina, so glad to hear that. Thank you so much! I'm glad it was helpful!

[@wendymok4429]

Thank you for the video. It's very easy for a beginner like me to follow. 🙂

[@iheartstitchart]

You're welcome Wendy! I'm so glad you found it helpful! :)

[@anastasia-tu9ns]

This was amazingly well explained and taught!!! Thank you :)

[@iheartstitchart]

Thank you so much! I worked hard at making it clear and easy to follow, glad it was helpful!

[@yashashivhare6863]

After alot of search I finally found good tutor hope I will learn this soon

[@iheartstitchart]

Thank you, I hope this is helpful!

[@rebeccabuck8716]

Just found you! Thank you for great camera angles and showing different methods to tie and thread

[@iheartstitchart]

So glad those angles were helpful, thanks for the feedback! :)

[@stormyswann6177]

Very informative for beginners

[@rachelleberven8485]

Thank you... I'm excited to get started...

[@iheartstitchart]

Thank you Rachelle - please reach out if any questions!

[@lauralynx_]

a perfect step-by-step video!

[@iheartstitchart]

Thank you Laura, I'm so glad you enjoyed it!

[@hellokofo]

Thank you very much for this detailed tutorial!

[@iheartstitchart]

You're welcome, I'm so glad it was helpful!

[@annebator950]

I really believe you could teach me anything! Excellent!

[@iheartstitchart]

Thanks Anne, that's such a nice compliment! I'm very glad you're finding it helpful! :D

[@edithzapata1883]

Beautiful explanations, beautiful lesson, seems very easy to do, as you do!! I'll try!!

[@iheartstitchart]

Thank you Edith! I'm so glad you found my video helpful!

[@melindakhristine9417]

I received my first embroidery kit today. This is my first time. Your video is very helpful. I like the different camera shots and close ups. Music a bit loud and unnecessary. I will be coming back for more videos. Thank you!

[@iheartstitchart]

Thank you for the feedback Melinda!

[@saragarddiner9244]

Great! Thank you for this, it is so easy to follow, as I am a beginner. I like your style, nice and slow. Sara x

[@iheartstitchart]

Thank you Sara, I'm so glad you find it helpful! :)

[@terrimills8609]

Thank you! Needed a refresher tutorial. 😊

[@iheartstitchart]

So glad it was helpful! :D

[@Lanmn]

Excellent instructions 👍

[@iheartstitchart]

Thank you, so glad it was helpful!

[@vmsanthoshini3450]

This video is fabulous I am happy to have learnt the basics now. Everything is explained so clearly and i was able to learn the basics from scratch. Thank you so much for this wonderful video :)

[@iheartstitchart]

Thank you for your kind comment! I'm so glad to know my video was helpful to you!

[@deadchannel2837]

so helpful!!!! thank you!!

[@iheartstitchart]

You're so welcome! I'm glad you found this helpful! :D

[@monikumari7363]

Beautiful embroidery

[@iheartstitchart]

Thank you Moni!

[@echoez_]

Wow, that was fantastic tutorial! Thank you very much!

[@iheartstitchart]

Glad you enjoyed it!

[@FuschsLittleFarm]

That was so helpful! Thank you!

[@iheartstitchart]

So glad it was helpful, thank you!

[@Impulse_Photography]

I have bee's wax (from my leather work) and it is great for a beginner when threading a needle !!!

[@iheartstitchart]

That's a great tip Robert! I have worked with beeswax a little and need to experiment more. I can certainly see how it would make the thread ends more co-operative!

[@subasounthararajan6947]

I liked the way you explain

[@iheartstitchart]

I'm so glad! Thank you for the feedback.

[@jenniferwaugh8796]

Excellent video, easy to follow.

[@iheartstitchart]

Thanks Jennifer, I'm so glad it was helpful!

[@breeno4377]

she is the reason i’m getting a 100 in my art class rn

[@iheartstitchart]

That makes me so happy to hear! :D

[@alexanderbarcina3737]

thank you so much for very clear and helpful tips when tying a knot, helped me out a bunch!

[@iheartstitchart]

Alexander, thanks for your comment! I'm so glad to know the video was helpful!

[@Okieagle73]

Amazing tutorial and video! Now I am ready my first time to do with my learning and practice. I'm 69 years old. :)

[@donnapatterson8433]

You ahead of me I'm 71! Just when I think I have it down pat I pick up my material and everything goes out the window. Maybe I learned something this time.!

[@iheartstitchart]

I love this Vicki! I'm so happy you are discovering embroidery; and so happy my video has been helpful on your journey.

[@iheartstitchart]

Keep at it Donna! I definitely found certain stitches very awkward at first but with time and practice they will become natural!

[@bosyhegazy7305]

I realy thank you for this beautiful video 🥰 thanks from Egypt

[@iheartstitchart]

Thank you so much! So glad you enjoyed it! :D

[@KnittenPurlHotMama]

Thank you for this great video. My first love is knitting. I also recently learned Tunisian crochet and a little crochet. I wanted to add another craft, and this will help me gain new knowledge to start my journey to embroidery. I went to your website and the beautiful layout, quality photographs, and clear concise tutorials are great. I was able to see exactly the various technics you demonstrated. Best regards.

[@iheartstitchart]

Thank you for this! I'm so very glad you found my video and website helpful... I try to make things clear in teaching and it is so good to know my efforts are helping you learn embroidery! Tunisian crochet sounds amazing! :D

[@ramaabdulkafi1494]

Thaaaaank you for your amazing explanation :) it helps me alot.

[@iheartstitchart]

I'm so happy to know it was helpful to you! :)

[@michelleadams1212]

Great tutorial! Love the visibility.

[@iheartstitchart]

So glad you found it helpful Michelle, thank you!

[@bgvarra1]

This video is so easy to understand for beginners! Thank you so so much and happy holidays to you and your family!! :)

[@iheartstitchart]

Thank you so much! This feedback means a lot to me because I really try to make my lessons clear and helpful, as we all need as beginners! Happy holidays to you as well.

[@angelfire8427]

Decided this year to learn some new hobbies. Absolutely love this video, so helpful. The music didn’t seem to bother me at all

[@iheartstitchart]

I'm so glad to know my video was helpful! Learning new hobbies is always worthwhile. And thank you for the feedback on the music.

[@niharikapawar8051]

thank you for making such an elaborate tutorial

[@iheartstitchart]

You're most welcome! I'm glad you found it helpful!

[@Paranormalfan_24]

The music is fine! I can hear you clearly and have just subscribed to your site. I am excited to start embroidery for the first time ❤

[@iheartstitchart]

Thank you so much, I'm glad to know the music was OK for you!

[@loririvera5747]

Great teaching skills, very helpful, thank you 👍

[@iheartstitchart]

You're very welcome! I'm so glad you find my videos helpful, makes my day! :D

[@Shanubotheju471]

Such a great video ,this is my very first work for my university assignment

[@iheartstitchart]

Lovely, I hope it is helpful! Have fun!

[@vaishaliwani8135]

Very Detailed explanation 👏🏻

[@iheartstitchart]

Glad it was helpful!

[@MarilynPF]

Very helpful. Thank you for this.

[@iheartstitchart]

You're welcome, I'm so happy to know it was helpful!

[@mrsmacca22]

Thank you for this great video. I’ve done cross stitch in the past but am about to try hand embroidery for the first time. Your video made all the stitches easy to understand, both your explanations and your clear visuals. Will definitely be following your channel! ❤

[@iheartstitchart]

I'm so happy to know it was helpful to you! Thanks for taking the time to leave a comment. Happy stitching and please reach out if you have any questions!

[@AnasKhan-zd1gn]

This video is so help full for me I do it on my home Thanks you

[@iheartstitchart]

I'm so glad to know it was helpful for you! Thank you!

[@Bruheran]

Thank you so much ❤

[@iheartstitchart]

You're most welcome Carol!

[@dhiemhiecraftdiy]

very skilled. amazing

[@iheartstitchart]

Thank you so much!

[@swatishengale7632]

Very detailed n informative video... Finding very easy to embroider......

[@iheartstitchart]

Thank you so much 🙂

[@diannaneufeldt7764]

I agree, no music, I want to learn, not be entertained. Thanks for your examples.😊

[@iheartstitchart]

Thank you for the feedback!

[@user-hz7sn6lp5n]

This video is exactly what I was looking for. Thank you

[@iheartstitchart]

You're welcome! I'm so glad it was helpful!

[@user-fd5zm5jz4z]

Thank you so much I’ve wanted to learn embroidery for a while but I’m slow witted so I never understood other videos but yours is just perfect

[@iheartstitchart]

I'm so glad it was helpful!

[@user-mm6bv6ht9l]

Thanks for this. I didn't hear verbal instructions on the stem stitch it was only music. Can you post a video on that

[@iheartstitchart]

I'll try to make one soon!

[@sandyjeroszko8966]

Thank you ,very clear explanation

[@iheartstitchart]

You are welcome! I'm so glad it was helpful.

[@plannerbrittany]

I’m not even done listening and I’ve learned so much! Love the background noise too as I felt it inspired me even more and got me excited! Thank you so much!

[@iheartstitchart]

Thank you Brittany! I'm so glad you found my video helpful. Happy stitching! :D

[@aminakaja6465]

this is awesome, the video really helped! Thank you

[@iheartstitchart]

I'm so glad to know it was helpful! Thank you!

[@abocado121]

This video definitely needs more views, The editing cooked the video 🔥, Thank you for this video because due to the fact it helped me with TLE embroidery in school, Thank you.

[@iheartstitchart]

Glad it was helpful, thank you!

[@zeldafisher3493]

Wow☆ i hav to commend you for excellent teaching skills, i am so happy i came across your site especially as i am a beginner so well done☆

[@iheartstitchart]

Thank you for such a kind comment Zelda! I am glad you find my teaching videos helpful! :)

[@elsarineck3331]

I loved your video and detailed explanation

[@iheartstitchart]

Thank you so much! I'm so glad you found it helpful. I'm a fan of detailed explanations!

[@Simplelifeofme.]

From kerala. Loved it

[@iheartstitchart]

Hello and thank you so much!

[@gailgaddy5340]

👍very good instructions.😊

[@iheartstitchart]

Thank you, so glad it was helpful!

[@biatch4596]

This was sooo much helpful really thank youuuu 🎉❤❤❤❤❤🎉🎉❤🎉🎉❤❤❤

[@iheartstitchart]

I'm so glad it helped, thank you!