8 Easy Embroidery Projects
These easy embroidery projects are perfect for stitchers of all levels. Beginners will be able to do them successfully and improve their skills, and experienced needleworkers can enjoy a stress-free project.
Embroidery is a rewarding and relaxing hobby that can be enjoyed by all ages. One of the great things about embroidery is that it doesn’t have to be complicated to be beautiful. Even simple stitches can give pretty results.
These projects all use surface embroidery.
Click on the links for more information about the projects. There are tutorials listed at the end to help you get started.
Freestyle embroidery project
Freestyle embroidery is done with very little marking on the fabric. It is almost like doodling. This style of embroidery is free of rules, so you can experiment and show your creativity.
An embroidered piece is always nice to display on the wall as art. It can be framed in a hoop or a picture frame.
This project shows a ring of simple flowers and a verse in the middle. The step by step tutorials show not only how to stitch this project, but how to use those skills to design your own project.
Freestyle Wreaths
Embroidery is not only to hang on the wall. It is also a nice embellishment for your other quilting and sewing projects.
This quilted table runner is embellished with freestyle wreaths. The wreaths are stitched with freestyle embroidery. The only thing marked on the fabric is a circle.
This is a fun project that is a way to use your favourite embroidery stitches.
Placemat
Even just a few lines of stitching can add add a lot of interest and personalize your decor.
These store-bought placemats have a few diagonal lines of stitching in the corner. That really dresses them up.
It is a quick and easy project and would make a great gift.
Napkin
Everyone likes things with their name or initials on it, so monograms are always popular.
Hand embroidering a monogram onto a napkin doesn’t have to be time consuming.
This easy embroidery is perfect for everyday items. Kids might even want to embroidery their own. They will never wipe their fingers on their pants again.
Pumpkins
Straight lines of stitches can be made to fit any shape.
These pumpkins are a good example of this technique, but it can be done with any recognizable shape. Try seasonal shapes or your country, province or state.
Since you choose what stitches to include, you can just use your favourites or make a chance to practice new stitches.
Tea Towel
If you want a more structured and defined embroidered project, iron-on transfers are a nice option.
This fun design is stitched on a cotton tea towel.
It is a nice way to add beauty to everyday tasks. Even doing the dishes will be more fun with a hand embroidered towel.
Motif sampler
A great way to practice stitches is to take a simple motif and stitch it with different stitches.
This flower motif is beautiful even just stitched with back stitch. It makes a pincushion that is pretty but also functional.
That same motif can be stitched with other stitches as well.
These acrylic coasters have insets that are made with the flower motif stitched with different stitches.
Grouping motifs together make a great sampler piece.
This framed picture has the same flower stitched with four different stitches. It is a nice way to practice and experiment.
You can have as many different stitches as you like.
This sampler has nine stitching options for the same flower. You can see more information and tutorials for each stitch.
A pillow is another nice option for finishing embroidery. Pillow covers can be switched out through the year for seasonal decor.
House embroidery
You can even create your own embroidery design.
This project used a photograph to make a line sketch for embroidery.
I experimented with different stitching options and they all looked nice.
Any line drawing will look good if it is simply stitched with back stitch. This is always a good choice.
But if you have the time and enthusiasm, you can always use line drawings for more elaborate stitching.
The sky is the limit once you get started with simple embroidery stitches.
Tutorials
If you are new to embroidery, these tutorials will help you get started.
Beautiful handwork, Elizabeth!