What type of embroidery should I do?

So you’re looking for a relaxing hobby and you think that embroidery would be a good choice. So you google how to start embroidery and suddenly you realize that “embroidery” is not one thing. It seems like there are hundreds of different types of embroidery. Some use different materials and the look different.

Where do you start?

Before you give up, here are a few questions that you can answer to help figure out where to start.

Start with just one type of embroidery. Once you are comfortable with that, you can decide if you want to go on and try another style.

Watch the video or scroll down to see the questions.

Questions to answer

These questions will help you think about your preferences and exactly what you are looking for.

What do you want your finished project to be?

Do you want to make a piece of art to hang on the wall? Do you want to embellish clothing or household items?

Some types of embroidery are more suited to specific items, so thinking about this might eliminate some options.

Do you want a geometric design or a picture?

Embroidery can be abstract lines and shapes and it can be pictures, sometimes quite realistic.

How much colour do you want?

Some embroidery techniques tend to be monochromatic and some use many colours.

Are you a rule follower?

This might seem like a strange question, but some embroidery techniques have exact rules that you have to follow and others have a lot of room for individuality and creativity.

If you find the structure of following steps comfortable, that will lend itself to certain techniques. And if you think instructions are just loose suggestions, then there are other techniques that are good for you.

Do you want a predictable outcome (looks like the picture)?

With some embroidery techniques, you know exactly what your piece will look like when you are finished. You have a pattern and when yours is done it will look just like the picture in the pattern.

Other techniques are more of an adventure and you will have a one of a kind item.

Decide what you are comfortable with and use that in your decision.

Once you have thought about these questions, use that information to decide on an embroidery style.

Embroidery techniques

I have included the most popular embroidery techniques, but of course there are more. This is just the tip of the iceberg.

And remember, the technique you want might change from day to day depending on your mood. Feel free to try more than one.

Surface embroidery

Surface embroidery is free stitching with a variety of stitches like back stitch, lazy daisy, etc. You might have learned some of these in guides or scouts as a kid.

The stitches can be either freestyle, with little or no marking, or they might have everything marked on the base fabric.

This is a very versatile option.

• Can be done on a lot of base fabrics, so good for art to hang or on clothing, table linens, towels – pretty much anything you want
• Can be geometric designs or pictures
• Any number of colours
• Lots of room for creativity
• Takes practice to look like the picture, but eventually possible

Cross stitch

Cross stitch is a technique that uses little “x” shaped stitches like pixels to make a design. It is stitched on special fabric that has holes in it to stitch through.

Many people like cross stitch because once you’ve chosen the pattern, it doesn’t require a lot of decision making. Everything is laid out for you to follow.

It can also be very relaxing because the stitches are all the same, so it is a meditative action.

• Good for art to display, limited options for stitching on other things
• Can be a geometric design or a picture, you can get a pattern for anything (or make your own)
• Any number of colours
• Requires following a pattern exactly
• Finished project will look like the pattern, even for a beginner

Hardanger

Hardanger is an elegant type of stitching that makes holes in the fabric and fills them with lacy stitches.

It looks difficult, but if you follow the basic steps, it is not too hard.

• Can be displayed as art or used for table linens
• Geometric designs
• Monochromatic or very few colours
• Must be a rule follower, little room for creativity in the base stitches
• Predictable outcome – piece will look like the pattern picture

Bargello

Bargello is made up of straight stitches in lines that move up and down in waves. It is worked on a base fabric that has holes to stitch in like canvas or Aida cloth.

If you choose to use plastic canvas, it can be made into 3-D objects like bowls or boxes.

It is another relaxing technique that is easy to do.

• Finished projects can be art to hang on a wall or make into a pillow unless you use plastic canvas
• Geometric designs
• Usually uses a limited palette of a few colours
• There are a few basic rules, but it’s easy to design your own pieces
• If you follow a pattern, your piece will look like the picture, even for beginners

More techniques

Besides what I’ve included here, there are many other embroidery options. Once you get started in the world of hand stitching, the possibilities are endless.

If you want to keep researching, here are more options:

• Needlepoint
• Blackwork
• Stump work
• Pulled thread
• Huck weaving
• Chicken scratch

No matter what technique you try, I’m sure it will be an enjoyable hobby. Even if it doesn’t work out the first time, you can always try again with a different technique.

Be sure to #epidastudio when you share your projects on social media!