Small Stitches, Big Joy: How to Start Embroidery Without the Overwhelm
Hello, my artsy friend! Have you ever scrolled through Instagram, seeing those beautiful embroidery hoops with intricate flowers and delicate details, and thought, "I could never do that"? I've been there too! If you've ever wanted to try embroidery but felt like it was too much—too many supplies, too many stitches, too much time—you're not alone.
The good news? You don't need hours of free time, a drawer bursting with colorful floss, or decades of experience to enjoy embroidery. You can start small and still stitch something absolutely beautiful!
I remember when I first picked up a needle – I was so intimidated by all those perfect stitches I saw online that I almost gave up before I even started. But then I discovered the magic of starting small, and it completely changed my relationship with embroidery. Now I'm passing those secrets on to you!
In this post, I'll walk you through simple, low-stress ways to begin your embroidery journey—with practical tips, tools you actually need, and a few mindset shifts that make a huge difference. Trust me, your crafty hands are about to get so happy!
Start Small (Like Really Small)
Here's what I've learned the hard way: starting small isn't just easier – it's actually more satisfying! Listen, I know it's tempting to dive into a massive botanical piece with 20 different stitches, but small projects equal big wins.
Choose a design that fits in a 3" to 4" hoop, or even smaller. There's something so gratifying about completing a small hoop in just a few sittings rather than having a half-finished project staring at you for months. Plus, smaller designs mean less commitment and more room to experiment!
Focus on mastering just one to three stitches instead of trying to learn 15 all at once. I promise your projects will still look amazing! Some of my favorite pieces use only back stitch and French knots.
Stick-and-stitch patterns are absolutely your best friend when starting out. These patterns transfer directly onto fabric with no tracing required – talk about a confidence boost! These are perfect for adding small embellishments to existing clothes, too.
And remember – even 10 minutes of stitching counts! I keep a small project by my couch and stitch during commercial breaks or while waiting for my coffee to brew. Those small pockets of time really add up!
Keep Your Supplies Simple
For the record, those massive embroidery supply collections you see online — nobody starts with all that! And you definitely don't need it all to create something.
Here's all you truly need to get started:
A wooden embroidery hoop (4" is perfect for beginners)
A few embroidery needles (I lean towards a 5 but the variety packs are great)
Cotton fabric (think old napkins, curtains, even an old pillow case!)
A small pair of scissors
A few colors of embroidery floss
That's it! Seriously! I started with just a few colors of floss and created dozens of small projects before expanding my collection. You can read more about supplies and snag my shopping list here.
Here's a bonus tip from my own messy craft corner: organize your tools in a zip pouch or small box so they're easy to grab when you have a few minutes to stitch. I use an old mint tin for my needles and small scissors – it's perfect for stitching on the go (an not poking yourself!).
Build Confidence with Easy Wins
Want to know the fastest way to fall in love with embroidery? Give yourself some easy wins right from the start!
Start with forgiving stitches that look great even when they're not perfect. My top three for beginners are back stitch for outlines and lettering, running stitch for texture and simple lines, and lazy daisy for sweet little flowers and leaves.
Simple line art or floral designs look absolutely stunning with just these basic stitches. And here's something I wish someone had told me earlier: those "perfect" stitches you see online? Most of them are just basic stitches repeated in different ways!
And please, please remember – what you might call "wonky" stitches, I call handmade charm! Those little imperfections are what make your work uniquely yours. I still have my first embroidery project with all its wobbly stitches, and it remains one of my favorites because it shows how far I've come.
Rethink What Counts as Progress
Let's have a heart-to-heart about progress, shall we? In our productivity-obsessed world, it's easy to feel like you need to finish an entire project in one sitting. But embroidery isn't about rushing – it's about enjoying the process!
You don't have to finish an entire hoop in a day or even a week! Some of my most treasured projects took months of stitching here and there when I had time and energy.
Stitching just two petals on a flower still moves you forward. Every stitch is progress! I keep a little journal where I note what I worked on, even if it was just adding a few stitches to a leaf. It helps me see that I'm still creating, even in small increments.
Try reframing embroidery as a relaxing break, not another productivity goal. This mindset shift completely transformed my relationship with stitching. Now, instead of thinking "I need to finish this," I think "I get to stitch for a while!" Feel the difference?
Celebrate the Small Stuff
You finished a small hoop? That's amazing! You learned a new stitch? High-five! You finally figured out how to thread your needle without getting frustrated? That's absolutely worth celebrating! Share your small projects proudly – post them on Instagram and tag us so we can cheer you on, gift them to friends, hang them on your wall.
Even small progress helps you develop important skills. Each stitch builds muscle memory and confidence. Remember, every expert started as a beginner, stitching one wobbly line at a time.
You're learning, creating, and making time for yourself—that's something to be incredibly proud of. In a world that constantly demands productivity and perfection, taking time to create something with your hands is a radical act of self-care.
Ready to get started?
I'd love to be part of your journey, so I’ve created a fun practice pattern that lets you learn everything from a back stitch to the french knot. Download your free pattern and guide to stitch along with me! The pattern has 15 different stitches for you to practice. And if you need help, I’ve got you! Hop over to my master stitch list or connect with me on YouTube to watch step-by-step videos for each of the stitches.
Happy stitching, my artsy friend! 🪡✨
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