Online Embroidery Workshops

Starting hand embroidery does not require a lot of equipment or experience. With a few basic supplies and clear guidance, you can learn your first stitches and complete a simple project. The steps below outline a typical path from gathering materials to practising your first lines of stitching. In our beginner workshops we cover each of these steps in detail and answer any questions so you feel confident to continue at home.

1. Gather fabric, hoop, needle and embroidery floss in colours you like.
2. Secure the fabric in the hoop so it is taut but not overstretched.
3. Thread the needle with a comfortable length of floss (about an arm’s length).
4. Knot the end or use a waste knot; bring the needle up from the back where you want to start.
5. Practice a simple stitch such as running stitch or back stitch along a drawn line.
6. When you finish a length of thread, secure it on the back and start a new one if needed.

Once you are comfortable with one or two basic stitches, you can start combining them in simple designs. Many stitchers begin with motifs such as flowers, leaves or geometric shapes before moving on to more detailed work. The key is to practise regularly and to be patient with yourself; embroidery is a skill that develops over time.

Materials You Will Need

For most workshops we recommend: embroidery hoop (15–20 cm is a good start), cotton or linen fabric, embroidery needles (size 5–7), stranded cotton in a few colours, scissors and a water-soluble or fade-away pen for marking. We send a full list when you book. Choosing good-quality basics makes a real difference: fabric that is too loose or thread that tangles easily can frustrate beginners. We are happy to suggest specific brands or types of fabric and thread that work well for learning, and many of these are widely available in the UK. If you already have a hoop and some thread at home, you may be able to join a session with minimal extra shopping.