How to Start an Embroidery Project -Design, Transfer and Stitch An Embroidery Pattern

A step-by-step photo guide to starting your embroidery project.

What you’ll need:

• Embroidery Hoop
• Fabric
• Embroidery Needle
• Embroidery Floss
• Scissors
• Paper, pencil, and a dark marker
• Transfer Marker or Pencil

Making an Embroidery Pattern

Trace the inside of your hoop onto the piece of paper and draw your design with a pencil. Once you’re happy with your design, trace over it with a dark marker.

If you have a drawing tablet or an Ipad, I have a blog post about designing a pattern with procreate and an iPad here!

Don’t have a design in mind? I have a bunch of printable pdf patterns in the shop!

How to Use an Embroidery Hoop

Take the inner and outer rings apart. Place the inner ring underneath the fabric and seat the outer ring on top. Pull your fabric tight and twist the wingnut tight so that the fabric doesn’t loosen.

How to Start An Embroidery Stitch

To prepare your thread, thread the embroidery floss through the needle and tie a knot at the very end of your thread.

Transferring an Embroidery Pattern

Tape your embroidery design onto a sunny window. Place your embroidery hoop with the top facing the sunny window and trace!

For other transfer ideas, you can read them in this article: How to Transfer Embroidery Patterns to Fabric.

Beginner Embroidery Stitches PDF

Now you’re ready to start stitching! If you’re unsure of where to start, I have a free PDF of 6 of the most beginner friendly embroidery stitches that you can use to stitch your design!

More Resources for Beginner Embroidery:

Embroidery 101

How to Transfer Patterns to Fabric

Lazy Daisy Stitch Flower Tutorial

My Favorite Hand Embroidery Online Classes

My Favorite Hand Embroidery Books

Hand Embroidery Resources

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