The thing about embroidery…

The thing about embroidery is… it came back to me when I needed it most. I was an early teen when my mom taught me how to embroider. I remember sitting next to her, watching her hands move. Needle in, needle out, thread pulling through fabric. I learned the basics from her: how to thread […]

Detatched Chain

The Detatched Chain stitch (also called a Lazy Daisy stitch) is perfect for making petals, leaves, or small teardrop shapes. Each loop is anchored with a tiny stitch, giving it that gentle, raised look. Here’s a step-by-step guide using your images:

French Knots

The French Knot is a charming little stitch that adds texture and dimension to your embroidery. Whether you’re dotting the centre of a flower, adding tiny eyes to a critter, or creating a cluster of blooms, this stitch gives a lovely raised effect. You can use a single wrap for a smaller knot, or the more traditional double […]

Satin Stitch

  The Satin stitch is a smooth, solid filling stitch, used to cover a shape completely with long, straight stitches placed closely together.  It creates a shiny, satin-like texture that’s perfect for filling in small to medium areas like petals, leaves, or simple shapes.  The stitches lie flat and parallel, giving your embroidery a polished […]

Tying a Knot

Tying a good knot might seem like a tiny detail, but it’s one of those little things that make stitching so much smoother. Knowing how to start your threads with a neat, secure knot can make a big difference — less frustration, fewer tangles, and a much cleaner finish. Step 1: Hold the end of […]

Fishbone Stitch

  The fishbone stitch is a beautiful, textured filling stitch that’s perfect for leaves and feathers. It creates a subtle V-shaped pattern down the middle, giving your embroidery a lovely, natural look with a slight raised effect.  

The Waste Knot

    A waste knot is a way to start your thread without leaving loose tails at the back of your fabric. It anchors your thread neatly as you begin stitching and gets trimmed away after your first few stitches secure it in place. When you use a waste knot, remember that we will be […]

Stem Stitch

    The stem stitch is a classic embroidery stitch, perfect for outlining shapes and creating beautiful, flowing lines. It gives your embroidery a soft, rope-like effect and works especially well for stems, vines, and borders. Before you start: To keep your line smooth and even, always keep the working thread on the same side […]

My Struggles With Satin Stitch (And Why That’s Okay!)

  The satin stitch is my least favourite stitch. While it’s beautiful, it’s by far one of the more challenging ones for me to get right. Because I have a bit of a tremor, on days when my hands are shakier, satin stitch feels like a losing battle. This stitch highlights every little wobble and […]