Spring Embroidery Inspiration Hi, Reader, Here in Rome, the mimosa trees have started to bloom, so it feels like spring is already here. I hope you feel it coming, too. These sunny days made me dream about the spring embroidery projects I'd like to stitch this year. And while I work on new patterns and tutorials, here are some older spring-inspired projects you might like to stitch: Spring Projects on the Blog: Floral Spring Felt Ornaments: DIY Tutorial and Free Pattern Download How to make...
19 days ago • 1 min read
Decorative Stitches Hi, Reader, Happy Valentine's Day! My latest embroidery tutorial - 13 Ways to Stitch a Heart - allowed me to revisit some of the stitches I do not use daily. The research guided me to some nice decorative techniques, and I want to share some of these embroidery stitches with you: Palestrina Stitch The Palestrina Stitch is an excellent option if you love a robust, bumpy, rope-like texture. It's fantastic for bold outlines or textured letterwork. Palestrina Stitch Heart...
26 days ago • 2 min read
The Healing Power of Slow Stitching 🧵✨ Hi, Reader, I’m an avid stitcher and like to embroider a lot, but I also knit, crochet, sew, and do many other textile crafts. After learning so many different techniques, I find that hand embroidery is the slowest of them all. And I like it! It’s so meditative and relaxing. According to science, hand embroidery isn’t just a craft—it’s a form of mindful meditation. The rhythmic motion of needle and thread calms the mind, reduces stress, and encourages...
about 1 month ago • 1 min read
JANUARY UPDATE Hi, Reader, On the last day of this month, I want to share a monthly overview of articles, guides, and video tutorials that landed on the Practical Embroidery blog and YouTube channel in January. Ready to Explore? How to Improve Your Hand Embroidery Skills Tips and Exercises Read Now Zodiac Embroidery Designs Astrology Inspired Hand Embroidery Patterns Read Now Zig Zag Coral Stitch Bi-Colored Fly Stitch Rhodes Stitch Burden Stitch Burden Stitch Rhodes Stitch Bi-Colored Fly...
about 1 month ago • 1 min read
How to stitch better, not harder Hi, Reader, I hope you are cozy and warm this winter. A couple of weeks ago, I wrote an article titled "How to Improve Your Hand Embroidery Skills." Some of the tips on how to improve embroidery did not make it to the list, as these are not exercises to improve the skills. Instead, they are small habits that can make your work smoother and improve your embroidery. Tips to improve your stitching Work with clean hands. Wash your hands before stitching, as the...
about 2 months ago • 2 min read
Valentine's Day Embroidery Inspiration Hi, Reader, Valentine's Day is just around the corner, and what better way to celebrate than by crafting something heartfelt and unique? Whether creating a gift for someone special or adding festive flair to your home decor, hand embroidery is the perfect way to show your love through handmade artistry. Valentine's Day gift ideas to make Keychain. Embroider a simple heart, monogram, or a cute image and frame it in a mini hoop. Add a ring for the keys....
about 2 months ago • 2 min read
Hand embroidery + Journaling = ♥ Hi, Reader, How is your first working week of the year going? Have you started something new this year? If you are still looking for a daily practice to add to your routine, consider journaling with stitches. It is a great way to merge daily stitching with journaling, gratitude journaling, or other daily mindfulness practices. Some years ago, I used to embroider one word daily as my gratitude journal. I used to embroider the words with a single strand of black...
2 months ago • 2 min read
Take Better Care of Your Embroidery Floss Hi, Reader, Christmas and New Year's celebrations are over, and I'm trying to return to my regular routine. Today, I was planning a new embroidery project, going through my floss stash, picking colors, and ordering new floss. Here are some tips on how to properly care for your embroidery floss. Proper care can save you time, frustration, and even money in the long run. Whether you're working on a masterpiece or dabbling in a quick weekend project, the...
2 months ago • 2 min read
DECEMBER UPDATE Hi, Reader, I hope you had wonderful Christmas celebrations! As we close another month, I want to share a summary of articles, guides, and tutorials on the Practical Embroidery blog and YouTube channel in December. Ready to Explore? Monogrammed Velvet Ribbon Bow DIY Hand Embroidered Ribbon for Holiday Decor Read Now How to Organize Embroidery Needles Needle Organization Tips and Storage Ideas Read Now How To Embroider Christmas Tree: 5 Simple Methods + Free PDF Pattern Cross...
2 months ago • 1 min read