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

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

This post is a part of a series about how to embroider for beginners.

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, check out this tutorial about designing a pattern with procreate.

When creating a pattern, you’ll want to brainstorm what kinds of stitches you’ll use for what parts of the embroidery. Sometimes patterns that are super intricate can be really challenging, so you can’t go wrong with keeping it relatively simple to start.

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 screw tight so that the fabric doesn’t loosen. Make sure the fabric is centered in the hoop and is tight like a drum.

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 more transfer ideas, check out this article: How to Transfer Embroidery Patterns to Fabric.

How to Start An Embroidery Stitch

To prepare your thread, thread the embroidery floss through the needle. You can tie a knot at the end of the thread or start embroidery stitches without knots.

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!

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