Is It Difficult To Learn Embroidery By Yourself? No – Here Is How

For people who are determined on learning the craft, they will find it easy and simple, particularly with the help of books that explain each step. 

There are also ways to follow on how you can hone this skill, and you only need the perseverance to pursue the interest with focus and confidence. 

Many people who have started with the hobby find it relaxing and have helped them de-stress and improve their mood. They also found out that it won’t take much time before you can learn the art with the help of available tutorials and self-help books purchased online. 

Learning will depend on the time you invest in studying the craft. Investment in the materials is also not much to be wary of, cause you can buy tools that are affordable and cost-effective. 

Can I Teach Myself Embroidery?

Anyone can teach themselves to do embroidery. They only need the determination to learn and having the exact materials to do embroidery. 

Here are some ways to teach yourself embroidery:

Video Tutorials

There are many tutorials online, and you need to choose only a few that will help you understand embroidery. The lessons will surely give you ideas on the basics and concentrate on the various stitches to use for embroidery. 

Most of the tutorials are quality videos, and you will surely learn a lot from watching them. 

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Embroidery Stitch Books

Beginners and enthusiasts alike prefer embroidery books cause they can open the book anytime they need a sample of the stitch and design.

There is no need to use electricity as in opening your computer and checking out the basics. 

Sampler Templates

You can download sample templates online that you can use as your specimen in trying out different stitches. When you need to remind yourself of the different stitches and how to do them, you have a sample within reach. 

Some stitches you need to practice on include the following.

  • Back Stitch
  • Satin Stitch
  • Chain Stitch
  • French Knots
  • Fish Bone Stitch
  • Blanket Stitch
  • Split Stitch
  • Stem Stitch

How To Learn Embroidery By Yourself

You will learn embroidery by following video tutorials, reading embroidery books, attending seminars, practicing with fellow embroidery enthusiasts, asking help from a family friend or a relative who knows the basics of embroidery.

Your weapon is learning the basic stitches. Know just a few to help you start with any small project, and you can just add to the list of the stitches you know once you are more experienced with this art. 

Practicing the first few stitches will pave the way for you to do the other more difficult stitches with ease. The first few stitches may disappoint you, but they should not discourage you cause this is a stage you need to pass before you can be better at it. As the saying goes, practice indeed makes perfect. 

When you have your fingers pricked and pierced by the needle, don’t let this stop you from getting better cause at the beginning, as you practice your stitching skill, this will be the hurdle you need to overcome. After a few tries, you will see neater and prettier stitches.

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Observe where you keep on getting mistakes and try to find out how to do better. Video tutorials will be helpful at this point, or you can also check why you are making the same mistake. It may be the floss, or the fabric you are using may bring it about. 

As you finish one project, keep it in an album or make sure that you don’t throw it when you find it not to your liking.

Make another project as you go along and see the progress that you obtain with every project. 

You need not start with a big project but make small samples first. Each trial will have a different outcome, and every person will have a unique experience with this art. 

The album will be your progress report to see the improvements you have made so far. 

You can jump into embroidery easily, but make sure that you have the supplies required for you to start the hobby.

Supplies Need To Get Started With Embroidery 

Fabric. Quilting cotton is preferred as well as even weave fabric. Although Aida cloth is usable, it is better for cross stitch projects. 

Then there is cotton, wool, linen, or even silk. Choosing the right fabric is vital to the outcome of your embroidery project. 

When you buy a piece of fabric, you need not buy the lot, but 1/4 yard will do for a start. 

Embroidery Needles. There are needles where embroidery floss won’t fit or will have difficulty getting through the needle hole. Choose the embroidery needle that has an eye large enough for the embroidery floss to get through. 

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You may choose different sizes of needles so you can have many options at hand. 

Embroidery Floss. There are various colors to choose from, and you will have fun picking out colors that are bright and colorful. 

Find affordable embroidery floss or stranded cotton that is affordable but of excellent quality. 

Some floss used includes Pearl Cotton, Rayon Floss, Crewel Yarn, Wool, Persian Yarn, Tapestry Yarn, fuzzy yarn, Silk Threads, Crochet Thread, and more. 

Avoid floss that you can buy at such a cheap price but a horror to work on. These types of floss will snap with a simple tugging and will not be worth the money. 

Embroidery Hoop. There are wooden or plastic hoops available for purchase. Usually, a 6-inch hoop will suffice for beginners, and it will get you started with ease. It will do for many projects as well cause they made most hoops durable. 

Water Soluble Pen. You will need this pen when you like to transfer a pattern to your fabric. The pencil is usable but has the risk of leaving stray marks. For those who want to be sure, they use a water-soluble pen. 

Scissors. You can’t embroider without the dependable scissor. It makes the task easier, especially when you need to cut the end of the floss. Some scissors are sharper than most and will give you clean-cut floss every time.