How-to guide
What you need to start embroidery (the short list)
To start hand embroidery you need six things: a 6-inch wooden embroidery hoop, a 10-inch square of pre-washed linen, one skein of embroidery floss, a crewel needle in size 7 to 9, a way to transfer the pattern such as stick and stitch sheets, and small sharp scissors.
The short list
What to buy for a first project, and why
| Item | What to buy | Why |
|---|---|---|
| Embroidery hoop | A 6-inch wooden hoop, beech or bamboo, with a brass screw | Holds the fabric drum-tight. 6 inches fits a dog's head and shoulders with room around it. |
| Fabric | Oatmeal linen, about a 10-inch square, pre-washed (a linen-cotton blend works too) | A firm, even weave that holds stitches well and looks good left bare |
| Floss | One skein of black six-strand cotton floss | You stitch with 2 of its 6 strands, so one skein goes a long way |
| Needle | A crewel (embroidery) needle, size 7 to 9 | A sharp point and a long eye that takes 2 strands easily |
| Pattern transfer | Printable stick and stitch sheets, letter size, for a home inkjet printer | Puts the pattern on the fabric exactly, then rinses away |
| Scissors | Small, sharp embroidery snips | Clean cuts close to the fabric, without catching stitches |
Why these and not others
- Why black on oatmeal linen? Black thread on a warm, natural linen looks like an ink drawing. There are no colors to choose and nothing to match.
- Why pre-washed? Linen can shrink the first time it gets wet. If your finished piece gets a rinse at the end, unwashed linen can pucker around the stitches. Soak it, dry it and press it before you start. More in linen vs cotton.
- Why a crewel needle? Tapestry needles are blunt, made for counted work on open fabric. A sharp crewel needle pierces linen cleanly. Sizes are matched to strands in how many strands to use.
- Why stick and stitch? A detailed design with hundreds of stitch points is hard to trace by hand. See how to use stick and stitch.
- Why a 6-inch hoop? It's easy to hold in one hand and keep tight, and it's the size our dog patterns are made to fit. The hoop size comparison explains the rest.
Nice to have, not needed
- A needle minder: a small magnet that sits on the fabric and holds your needle between stitches, so it never ends up in the couch.
- Cotton twill tape to wrap the inner ring of the hoop. It grips the fabric better and protects it.
- Rubbing alcohol on a cloth, to wipe a needle that gets sticky from the stick and stitch glue.
- A small towel on your lap, to keep the linen clean while you work.
What to skip as a beginner
- Big floss sets. For a one-color portrait, you need one skein.
- Hoops without a screw. They're harder to get drum-tight.
- Stretchy or very thin fabric. T-shirt knits and sheer fabrics pucker easily. Save them for later.
- Thread conditioner or beeswax. Floss doesn't need it, and coatings can dull it.
- A big hoop. Larger hoops are harder to hold and keep tight. Start at 6 inches.
The cheapest way to start
Everything on the list is sold at most craft stores and online, and none of it is specialist. Buy the six basics and nothing else. You'll have floss, linen and sheets left over for a second hoop.
If you'd rather not shop for parts, a kit puts them in one box. Check that it includes genuine water-soluble stick and stitch sheets and a wooden hoop with a screw. Not sure which route suits you? Compare a kit, a course and a custom pattern.
Before you stitch, test your black floss: wet a snip and let it dry on a white paper towel. If no color comes off, it's safe for a piece you'll rinse.
Questions people ask
What supplies do you need for hand embroidery?
A hoop, fabric, embroidery floss, a needle, small scissors and a way to transfer the pattern. For a first project: a 6-inch wooden hoop, pre-washed linen, black floss, a size 7 to 9 crewel needle and stick and stitch sheets.
What's the cheapest way to start?
Buy only the six basics: one skein of floss, a small piece of linen, one hoop, one needle, a few sheets and small scissors. You'll have enough left over for a second piece.
Do you need a hoop?
For a beginner, yes. A hoop keeps the fabric tight so stitches lie flat and don't pucker. A 6-inch wooden hoop with a screw is the easiest size to start with.
What do you need for embroidery?
Six things: a hoop, fabric, floss, a needle, scissors and a way to transfer the pattern, such as stick and stitch sheets. None of it needs to be expensive or specialist.
Sources: Embroiderers' Guild of America: The Little Book of embroidery basics (PDF) · Needle 'n Thread: Keeping it simple on hand embroidery needles · Needle 'n Thread: Preparing linen for embroidery · Needle 'n Thread: What's a needle minder?