Improve your hand embroidery! My 10 tips and mistakes to avoid to help you be a better stitcher.

[@Robin-qc4gn]

I needed this, especially be kind to yourself, don't aim for a perfection, finish your embroidery...

[@SarahHomfrayEmbroidery]

You got it Robin....

[@leeloooooooooo]

Such great advice! I had no idea petting your work will flatten it! Of course it makes sense... this will be difficult to resist 😭

[@Nana-Opa]

❤ I enjoyed the picture of you in the chair , lamp over your shoulder and with a cat on your lap! Because I am sitting the same way! Cozy!

[@jakevizcarra4072]

I like to make a few threaded needles ahead of time before i sit in front of the TV to embroidery. Best lighting in my house is next to the sliding glass. I've got kids so I keep all my materials tidy on a closed room.

[@doczoff5655]

Finishing and being kind to yourself are the two tips that really strike a chord with me. I started one very intricate embroidery with very high ambitions, but when progress was slow due to the intricacy and the results didn't meet my expectations I got disheartened and put it to one side. I've now picked it back up and it is finally nearing completion, and ironically the points that had disappointed me didn't take long to rework and put right. It's looking great now and I'll be really pleased to finally complete it, not least because the design is adapted from an album cover that had just been released at the time... in 1982!!

[@robertfindlay8166]

I learned a long time ago to let go of the idea of perfection. I left a lot unfinished. It's merely an illusion, learn to let those thoughts pass. Compare the finished work to those fantasies and you'll always be pleased that you came pretty close and you'll now have the confidence and motivation to carry on. The fingers are the enemy of the floss, stroke a cat instead. I love your videos. Thanks

[@joselynsphar1905]

Thank you for sharing! This has helped quite a bit, especially your number 1, “Be kind to yourself”. I’m a new stitcher for a year at age 63! It’s nice to watch other stitchers and their amazing work, like yours, but I now need to remind myself of your number 1 advice! So thank you again!

[@SarahHomfrayEmbroidery]

Do the best you can do Joselyn and you can't ask any more of yourself than that!

[@cat999991]

My first petal is usually not as good as the next and the next. Its like my stitching improves over the course of the design. Thanks for the reminders.🙂

[@SarahHomfrayEmbroidery]

It will do Cat999991! But don't go back and take out the first bit or you will be on a neverending cycle!

[@user-yf7sr6rg5v]

Thank you for your clear explanation and demonstration of using curved needles - I'm hand tying a child's quilt and I think the curved needle will be easier to use than a straight one. I'm going to used the curved needle now, feeling some confidence about what I need to do!! :) Jen

[@mbibi5784]

I can't take my eyes of the lovely scarf. The one in the background as well as the scarf around your neck.

[@lindamarsden8024]

Outstanding advice, thank you

[@kaffeine4357]

I’m very new to stitching and this video was lovely. Thank you for sharing!

[@tempe_winterbearsong9624]

thanks for share top tips of stitching! Something I always know, but things always forget.😭

[@MinReyLin]

Sarah, I can't thank you enough for making this important video! It addressed many of the beginner mistakes I've been experiencing.. All of the information you've included will make a huge difference in the quality of my work. And luckily because of this video, I won't have to spend years of trial and error learning these tips. I'm anxious to apply these tips immediately! Thanks again, Melinda

[@SarahHomfrayEmbroidery]

Glad it helped Melinda!

[@sallyhpenny5795]

I loved this Sarah, thank you. From what you have suggested, I think I'm doing okay in the main. It took me a long time to realise the importance of shorter threads. It's amazing how much wear and tear threads suffer from, particularly wool. However, there is one suggestion I just know I'm going to have trouble with, and that is number 1, be king to yourself. My problem is, when I make a mistake, I immediately know it's a mistake, and usually (fortunately) I know where the problem lies - so it gets unpicked and re-done, sometimes several times until I am happy with it. This can impact on number 10 (keep it clean) and most definitely number 5 Finish Things . It's a good thing I don't get fed up with unpicking, and never let it put me off. Once I have hit the sweet spot and I'm happy, I then make notes so I know for next time. Thanks again Sarah.

[@SarahHomfrayEmbroidery]

It's okay to unpick things Sally if you know it isn't right, it's when you are doing more unpicking than you are stitching that it becomes a problem as you start going backwards! As in life it's all about balance...:)

[@aruvielevenstar3944]

I am embroidering much and now busy with my replica of a 1790s embroidery ‘ Hollandse Schone’ which means Dutch Beauty. The origin is Made by a 13 year old girl in 1790. I love it when the weather is cold outsider and I am cosy in my room embroidering at the fireplace. Love your channel, it inspires a lot! And thanks for all the tips!

[@SarahHomfrayEmbroidery]

Thank you Aruviel Evenstar! I like the winter too for that reason...

[@marywheeler8724]

Thank you Sarah..your demonstrations are beautifully clear & easy to understand.

[@ashleyadams6803]

Thank you Sarah! Everything you said I knew because my mom made the same suggestions or I picked up after years of experience. I am looking forward to watching your video about threading a needle, the one thing I hate to do which is constant in this work! I love your videos and feel like I have learned so much just in the few weeks since I found you!

[@SarahHomfrayEmbroidery]

Definitely check out the needle threading video Ashley, it's a game changer!

[@ndbyers23]

Wonderful video Sarah! I need to write this down. I really need to start an embroidery journal and binder!

[@DianaStitching]

Thank you Sarah! All those tips were both helpful and inspiring x

[@designersaroj9041]

Thanks for sharing

[@CB-vt4ic]

Thank you for the helpful tips! One thing I discovered for lighting was a headlamp with an adjustable strap, the ones commonly used for camping. I found one here in Canada for around $5 at my local Canadian Tire store. Super cheap! And incredibly handy for lighting up my projects! Sometimes I even forget I'm wearing it after I'm finished stitching 😅

[@mariek.474]

Great tips Sarah. After removing the embroidery from the hoop to place it in a regular picture frame, I often had the issue of seeing puckering despite having used a backing fabric. I learned about blocking the embroidery very recently (wetting then drying the fabric with tension with pins on a board), tried it for the first time today, I'm looking forward to see if it'll help improve my final results !

[@SarahHomfrayEmbroidery]

Blocking works well on needlepoint pieces but this kind of embroidery shouldn't need it. Try loosening your tension just a little and keep your fabric tight in the frame

[@ChoochooseU]

RE: Tip 10: ...why is it that anytime I hear a lovely Brit describe tea, coffee, and biscuits 🍪 ☕️ ... It sounds SO GOOD!! and I want some now 🤭 Thanks as always for sharing so freely your vast experience, I always take at least a few goodies away. I LOVE #10! Great reminder, I always need that. I tend to think that this one has a lot to do with folks having an overwhelming amount of WIPs. I started recently a Toccata (1) pattern, and it has lots of different stitches, being that’s the point of a toccata. I am enjoying this SO much but will struggle off and on when I encounter a new one that’s more complicated So this is where I believe in having a couple wips at the same time because I’ll set it down and go to something else for a bit and return. Then I seem to be more able to process the instructions and implement the intended design. But I have several “mistakes” in this one that probably no one but me will know, however, *I did the best I could at the time.*

[@SarahHomfrayEmbroidery]

No one will see your 'mistakes' I promise! And if you did the best you could then you have succeeded!! Having several pieces on the go is fine because yes sometimes you need a break from one or you need one that you can carry with you etc, I have several going that I do in different places and depending on my mood! Aim to finish two everytime you start one!

[@dawnpybus9728]

Thank you for the great tips & guidance. I especially love the quote "Perfection is the enemy of progress" . I've beaten myself up for not creating perfect pieces but when I compare my current work against my first piece I can see a massive improvement (started embroidering again after 40 year gap). And you are absolutely right about completing work even though it's not up to the standard you want. LOVE YOUR CHANNEL!

[@SarahHomfrayEmbroidery]

Thank you Dawn! Glad you are enjoying x

[@rebeccat5738]

Thanks so much for that Sarah, really helpful and good advice, and so nice to know that all my "mistakes" can actually be a learning experience to help improve next time!, I feel most inspired, thank you.

[@magdastar2249]

Catching up with past videos. Thank you. ❤👍

[@patytrico]

Guilty! Specially #5 :p many (not a lot) of works in progress... But there are so many nice colors and so many wonderful patterns... And a couple of AMAZING TEACHERS! Thank you!

[@karintolbert7452]

Excellent video. ❤Very helpful advice! Thank you!

[@NannyOggins]

I do all these tips with the exception of the last one! I constantly compare my work unfavourably with stitcher’s like yourself Sarah! However, for me it works as an incentive, it doesn’t depress or discourage me it inspires 😃

[@SarahHomfrayEmbroidery]

As long as it does inspire you!

[@carolkinney1327]

Basic instructions. Having said that, I THINK that they are important to hear and think about. Most of all Practice them. Thank you Sarah for having put these tips so succinctly. Carry on!

[@barbarajones7931]

Thank you, I also wondered what the wooden block is for 🤔

[@SarahHomfrayEmbroidery]

That's a wing nut tightener Barbara to tighten up the embroidery frame. It saves straining your fingers! www.sarahhomfray.com/myshop/prod_6515251-Wing-nut-tightener.html

[@barbarajones7931]

@@SarahHomfrayEmbroidery lol thank you for replying, love your calming videos, I’ve learnt a lot x

[@cherylrice3049]

Good advice.

[@vanessabuck165]

These are really good tips. Thank you, Sarah. I think I’d better go and finish something off,,,,, 😊

[@SarahHomfrayEmbroidery]

Finish two things start one Vanessa!

[@karenlancaster1461]

Some really good tips here. Thank you Sarah. 😊

[@judydyer]

Love these tips! Sarah, there is a stitch I can not master. It's a form of turkey work called "Malta" in my book: Marie-Noelle Bayard's EMBROIDERY Techniques & Patterns Page 166. It's like a tassel. Very cute and hardly shows on the back because all the ends are in the front. I stitched a couple a while ago but how I did it is a mystery. I can not understand the directions...because they are NOT clear. This stitch does not appear in the many library books I have perused. I will watch any new video you put up and hope to see you demonstrate it. I am just restarting embroidery at 82. I have lots of material due to recent purchases and a load given to me 60 years ago. A friend's grandmother died; it is mostly European threads. Some USA that were 5cents!

[@SarahHomfrayEmbroidery]

I can't say without seeing the isntructions Judy; if I Google this nothing comes up matching your description. If you can email me a picture of the page I can probably work it out. Photograph it and send it to me at [e-mail]

[@christineheslin5702]

thank you Professor Homfray

[@RuchisThreadWork]

Amazing Very easy to Learn thanks ❤

[@goodtimegwyn]

I was thinking of this as I listened with a cat on my lap and a coffee. 😊

[@goodtimegwyn]

What I would like is a programme suggesting uses for my embroidery. I can only do so much hoop art. I’ve been embroidering my clothing but even that is getting too much now. I’m doing a door plaque. But idea for finished items would be good

[@helenai13]

Your tips are most helpful. Thank you!

[@lauraferrara2735]

You are so encouraging. Thank you.

[@windlessoriginals1150]

Thank you

[@witchywoman4139]

Very insightful and helpful tips, Sarah! And I loved the reference to the Moody Blues song in tip 6...a fellow Moodies fan here. ;)

[@ritabrandow1318]

Thanks for the Great tips

[@brendasolanki8424]

Most of this advice is applicable to all areas of our lives. I especially liked the finish it even if there are flaws...do the best you can and then learn from it. Thanks.

[@SarahHomfrayEmbroidery]

Yes, perhaps it should be 10 tips for life Brenda!

[@rsaariworks8374]

Thank you your ideas

[@mbibi5784]

Thankyou for your tips.

[@cleanslatekate6367]

Love your channel! I’m a newbie and these were really helpful. Especially the part about not taking out the parts I don’t love over and over 🤣

[@SarahHomfrayEmbroidery]

Thank you Clean Slate Kate!! These tips were all learnt the hard way so if I can help someone not learn the hard way my job is done!

[@lakhistg7559]

Hi,thanks ...very good tips and motivating too.Regards.

[@snehaguria7780]

You are so kind and have a great personality!❤️ You motivate me to do my embroidery projects!

[@SarahHomfrayEmbroidery]

Thank you for watching Sneha!

[@Emikomusic1]

Wonderful video! :) Thank you, Sarah!

[@ViolaMedolli]

Wonderful Sarah♥️

[@kristinaperez9723]

Thank you so much Sarah for your tips. Number 1 was the best😍😍

[@SarahHomfrayEmbroidery]

I've seen stitchers in tears because they can't meet their own expectations! As adults we are the worst for that, I think we have forgotten how to learn! :)

[@homeschoolreaders9598]

You’re so inspiring ♥️

[@Swan361000]

Wise advices! Thank you!

[@tamhminaahmed2990]

Great tips, thanks

[@user-vr8cp7zd3f]

Hello Sarah, I've recently started embroidery and wanted to know do you wash finished. Project, please, really enjoying what I'm doing.

[@susananderson9619]

If I discover very early in the project , I might rip out a few stitches. Or sometimes , I go with the flow.

[@lindahulse5734]

Good words!!

[@mopedgubbe1059]

Thank you so much for all this nice advice ❤️ you're so kind and helpful 😌 This is going to help me a lot as a beginner!

[@naja2314]

great tips to follow. by the way i like your scarf, nice embroidery

[@Broken_robot1986]

Great advice, but i will never not snack and embroider at the same time. My stuff is a mess, cat hairs everywhere, I'm fine with that. The snacking is the second best part. I'm lost with needles. I can't tell them apart.

[@marciacrosby6170]

Every one of these have mattered. Thanks for the tips; it's going to change my work from today on. And btw, I have been stitching all through covid-even when I am supposed to be working from home. Love the way you teach. Excellent. signed a retired teacher.

[@SarahHomfrayEmbroidery]

Glad it was useful Marcia! You mean working from home doesn't mean stitching?!

[@marciacrosby6170]

@@SarahHomfrayEmbroidery ha ha. best meditation in the world. I'm a writer; it's so good to just stop, and look at thread, colour, ideas, small projects. I'm watching you! My daughters will too.

[@LightchaserAV]

Regarding number 1, my white swans started looking grey despite hand washing. I was scratching my dogs here and there while embroidering and although they were clean, they weren’t clean enough!,

[@SarahHomfrayEmbroidery]

Lesson learnt the hard way! :)x

[@cindyfrischer6136]

Thank you.❤

[@elmo1999elmo]

Thank you 💜💜🇦🇺🇦🇺

[@daisysew1417]

Oh what a helpful video. Thank you. What type of light would you suggest for your needlework.

[@SarahHomfrayEmbroidery]

That video is coming Sandra!

[@TheJessica44023]

Hello, Sarah! Thank you so much for your videos. I have learned lots. I would love to know what kind stand hoops you use to do your embroidery. I'm about to acquire one and know that you can guide me to a great one. Thanks again. With love, Jess : )

[@SarahHomfrayEmbroidery]

Check out my KZbin set up video Jessica to see what I use! The frames and the versatile table clamps are available from our shop here: www.sarahhomfray.com/myshop/

[@robinprice6879]

When you’re talking about having all your supplies ready what is that wooden block in the photo for?

[@SarahHomfrayEmbroidery]

It's a wing nut tightener Robin to tighten up my embroidery frame. It saves the fingers! www.sarahhomfray.com/myshop/prod_6515251-Wing-nut-tightener.html

[@velvettatum3173]

Thank you for sharing, I don't have one to go away. But we'll organised at home.is it talc powder that is in the strawberry? Well done thank you.

[@SarahHomfrayEmbroidery]

Do you mean the needle cleaner strawberry Danielle? It has a specail abrasive filling to clean the needles

[@mayolson2]

I loved this video. One more is put the cat away or stitch while he is napping. Somehow cat hair floats right to my project ! Tweezers please !!!

[@SarahHomfrayEmbroidery]

Problem is he likes to nap on my stitching May! But yes ideally don't have cats near your stitching!

[@londonhodnet4079]

The no. 2 one, learn to thread the needle - many times slurping on the end of the thread hoping no one sees, off to check out your video ☺️

[@SarahHomfrayEmbroidery]

Ha ha ha! A teachers worst nightmare, picking up someones soggy chewed thread! And the teacher always notices....:)

[@donnaregis-cato2253]

Where do I get preprinted fabrics for my embroidery

[@angelavitale9663]

Awe it's so sad that I don't think I have followed any of those tips 😞. I would like to ask a few things please. Could u use bees wax to help ur threads from knotting up? I have a problem even at the beginning on the first or second stitch that I will get a knot even when my thread is only as long as my wrist to my elbow. Another thing is I have been working on this project for over a month. Yes I've had to stop and do other projects in between but it should b done. I just don't think that I really want to do it. How do u get motivated enough to work on something that u don't want to do? Do u ever have to move ur embroidery hoop? And how do u keep the hoop from messing up what u already did? Is buckram a good stabilizer for embroidery?

[@SarahHomfrayEmbroidery]

I don't suggest using beeswax on your threads as it will change the look of the thread. Make sure your needle is the right size and your thread lengths are nice and short. If you do't really want to make a piece I suggest moving on to something you do want to do! Having a reason to finish something helps, such as making if for someone...

[@angelavitale9663]

Ty so much. U r very helpful

[@Hadidctrl]

I try this because I have one week to finish an embroidery of a huge butterfly and it’s stressing me out because my teacher thinks I’ve been doing this my entire life and pushes me to do it perfectly and I’m stressed and this video really helps but I’m literally panicking because of my teacher

[@SarahHomfrayEmbroidery]

Do the best that you can do Corethetiq, you can't do any more than that. Meet your own goals not other peoples...x

[@Hadidctrl]

@@SarahHomfrayEmbroidery alright :) 🥰 thank you so much, I’ll try my best

[@Bakhtiar454]

Ok

[@majuuorthrus3340]

What a handsome feline assistant!

[@Ninjamom4]

❤️❤️❤️

[@icegelofficial]

😍😍😍

[@marshwetland3808]

What's wrong with paper scissors? Curious.

[@SarahHomfrayEmbroidery]

They tend to be less sharp with thicker blades; paper scissors for paper, embroidery scissors for embroidery, fabric scissors for fabric....you will need lots of pairs!

[@kattat919]

I have to remind myself that nothing is perfect and I strive for that and it's not perfect.

[@SarahHomfrayEmbroidery]

Do the best you can, can't do any more than that Kat!

[@tamhminaahmed2990]

Why do you have sarees, hanging next to you? Not that I have problem with it! Just curious!

[@SarahHomfrayEmbroidery]

They are't Sarees Tamhina, but very pretty stoles!

[@Digitalhunny]

Do you personally wash each & every floss (or thread) that you use _before_ hand? Do you wash every project after completion? How to you insure to thread dyes don't run, especially reds to whites? If you want to run with this as a video, be my guest. Just ask & I'll delete my comment here.🤗🇨🇦

[@SarahHomfrayEmbroidery]

Use good quality threads Digitalhunny and there is no need to do any washing! All good makes are colourfast but if you have an old thread or an unbranded/labelled one you can check it by putting a bit under the tap to make sure. It's also not a great idea to wash your embroidery if you don't need to although if it's on an item of clothing you will need to so again make sure you are using good quality threads that are colourfast (makes like Anchor, Madeira and DMC or all washable at 40 degrees C I believe).

[@Digitalhunny]

@@SarahHomfrayEmbroidery - Thank you so much. Personally, I've always used DMC brand floss, for all of my projects. So far, so good but I thought I'd ask, cause we never stop learning in this hobby of ours. Have a wonderful day.😊

[@BBnSam1215]

I just got a needle threader. Ain’t nobody got time for that nonsense. 🤣🤣