Embroidery Supplies Beginners Must Have

Embroidery is a timeless craft that blends creativity with precision. Whether you're a hobbyist stitching for fun or a professional running an embroidery business, having the right supplies is essential for success.

Having the correct tools not only enhance the quality of your work but also make the process more enjoyable and efficient. If you are a beginner who wants to know which are the must-have embroidery supplies for your hobby, the following supplies suit the needs of both hobbyists and professionals and must have them in their toolkit.

Choosing the Right Fabric

The first thing you’ll need for any embroidery project is fabric. The type of fabric you choose can greatly impact the ease of stitching and the overall look of your design.

Natural Fabrics – Cotton and Linen

Natural fabrics such as cotton and linen are the top choices for beginners. They are durable and allow needles to glide through easily. For your first project, you might want to stick to plain-weave cotton, which is smooth and stable, or linen, which offers a more textured feel.

Repurposing Old Clothes for Embroidery

One of the joys of embroidery is the freedom to get creative with where you stitch. Got an old blouse or pair of jeans you no longer wear? Consider adding some flair by embroidering a design onto them. This way, you can practice on something familiar and possibly give new life to your wardrobe.

Selecting Your Embroidery Threads and Floss

The thread you choose will bring your designs to life. There are various types of threads available, but beginners should opt for a simple, versatile option.

For a beginner, DMC floss is an excellent choice. It’s a six-strand embroidery thread, which means you can adjust the thickness of your stitches by using fewer or more strands. This flexibility makes it ideal for various styles and techniques.

Embroidery floss is available in a wide range of colors, textures, and materials, and choosing the right floss can improve  the quality of your design. You can choose to get cotton floss, which is the most common type. It consists of six strands that can be separated depending on the desired thickness of the stitches.

Other types include silk, which is luxurious and smooth. It is used for high-end projects where sheen and finesse are essential. If you plan to start a project that uses decorative and festive motifs, use metallic threads which add a touch of sparkle to the work.

And when it comes to the color variations in your threads,  don’t be overwhelmed by the rainbow of colors available. Start with a few basics that suit the design you’re working on, and as you get more comfortable, expand your collection. Soft pastel tones or bold primary colors are great for beginners as they are easy to see on most fabrics.

Using Embroidery Machines

While hand embroidery is a beautiful and relaxing craft, some beginners may want to explore the efficiency of embroidery machines. A machine for embroidery can be a great option for those who want to produce high-quality, intricate designs faster than by hand.

These machines are especially helpful for larger projects or for embroidering on items like towels, shirts, or bags. They can speed up the embroidery process, allowing you to take on larger projects.

Additionally, they enable the creation of intricate and consistent designs and open up new possibilities for customization and scalability in professional work. If you're new to using an embroidery machine, consider models like the Brother SE600 or Singer Quantum Stylist.

These machines are user-friendly and offer a range of stitching options that allow you to grow your skills as you become more comfortable with embroidery.

Picking the Right Needles

Now that you’ve got your fabric and thread, it’s time to pick the right needle. Just like with threads, different needles serve different purposes in embroidery.

There are various types of embroidery needles, but a general-purpose needle like the crewel needle is perfect for beginners. Crewel needles are long and have a larger eye, making it easier to thread the floss.

For your first project, a size 7 crewel needle is a solid choice. It is versatile enough to handle most embroidery threads and fabrics without causing any strain on your hands.

Embroidery Frames and Hoops

Embroidery frames and hoops help to keep your fabric taut while you stitch, making it easier to create neat and consistent stitches. When choosing an embroidery frame or hoop, you’ll want to look for one that is sturdy but easy to handle. Wooden or plastic frames are both suitable options. Just make sure the frame can hold your fabric firmly without slipping.

Frames come in various sizes, from small hand-held ones to larger hoops designed for bigger projects. For beginners, a medium-sized frame, around 6 to 8 inches, is ideal for practicing basic stitches.

Quality Scissors

Sharp, high-quality scissors are essential for embroidery. You’ll be cutting thread regularly, and clean cuts ensure your work remains neat. You should get scissors specific for embroidery, as they are smaller and sharper than regular scissors. Their pointed tips allow for precision cutting, which is necessary for intricate details in your designs.

You should keep your scissors sharp by using them exclusively for embroidery. Avoid cutting paper or other materials, as this can dull the blades over time.

Using Embroidery Stabilizers

Stabilizers are essential for professionals or anyone working on machine embroidery. These backing materials support the fabric, preventing it from puckering during stitching. Stabilizers come in three main types: cut-away, water-soluble, and tear-away. Choose one that suits your project best.

Premier Stitching Has All the Embroidery Supplies You Need

Embroidery is a rewarding hobby that allows you to unleash your creativity, and getting started is easier than you think. With just a few essential materials, you can begin creating beautiful, intricate designs.

And your partner in all your projects is Premier Stitching. Our embroidery supplies include an array of brands, models, and different materials, which makes it for any hobbyist or professional to complete any embroidery project.

Whether you love traditional hand embroidery or use an embroidery machine, you’ll find all the embroidery supplies you need at Premier Stitching.