5 Things I Wish I Knew When I Started Embroidery
Introduction
Often, when we try a new craft, we want to be good at it immediately. And honestly? That wish stops so many people before they even start.
I've been stitching for years now, and there are a handful of things I wish somebody had sat me down and told me right at the beginning. Little things, mostly. But they would have saved me a lot of frustration, and a fair bit of unpicking!
So here are my five. Some are practical, some are more of a mindset thing – but all of them would have made my early days so much more enjoyable.
This blog will cover:
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Keeping your fabric taut
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How many strands of floss to use
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Why your hoop makes such a difference
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Unpicking (and why it's absolutely fine)
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The one rule about embroidery rules
1. Keep your fabric taut in the hoop
Here's the thing nobody warns you about: your fabric doesn't stay taut. As you stitch along, it gradually goes a bit loose and slack in the hoop.
So check it regularly, and pause to re-tighten as you go. Just give the edges of your fabric a little tug all the way around, and you'll feel it firm up again. Then give the clasp a re-tighten to lock it in place.
It's such a small habit, but it makes a real difference to your finished piece. Stitching on taut fabric is easier, more enjoyable, and gives you much more consistent stitches. When your fabric is slack, your tension goes wobbly without you really noticing, and that's when things start to look uneven.
Honestly, this one tip will make a big difference to your journey!
2. You don't have to use all 6 strands
This was such a lightbulb moment for me!
Embroidery floss comes as six strands twisted together, and when you're starting out it's very easy to assume you just... use it as it comes. But you can separate those strands, and doing so completely changes the look of your stitching.
Fewer strands gives you finer, more delicate lines – perfect for tiny details, little stems, or anything where you want a light touch. More strands gives you a bolder, chunkier, more textured result, which is gorgeous for filling spaces and making elements really pop.
Three strands is my everyday go-to. It's a lovely middle ground and it's easy to pull through your fabric. But do have a play! Stitch the same little shape with two strands, then three, then six, and you'll see straight away what a difference it makes.
A little tip: using less strands is easier for threading your needle (which can sometimes be the biggest challenge!). So go less if you want to make your life a bit easier on that front too.
3. The hoop you use matters. Seriously!
If there's one thing on this list I'd shout from the rooftops, it's this one.
A good quality hoop holds your fabric securely and makes stitching so much easier. A cheap one doesn't – and the frustrating part is that when your fabric keeps slipping and loosening, you assume you're doing something wrong. You're not. It's your hoop!
I really like a standard wooden hoop, and a 6 inch is a great multi-purpose size to start with. You can be quite gentle with how tight you close it, and the smooth rim is kind to your fabric. If you're struggling with a hoop that won't grip, it's genuinely worth upgrading before you decide embroidery isn't for you.
Rest assured this is one of those things that has nothing to do with your skill level. Even very experienced stitchers can't make a bad hoop behave!
4. It's okay to unpick and restart - or just ignore the wobbly bits!
Nothing is ever "ruined" unless you give up.
I know how disheartening it feels when a section isn't sitting right, or you've used a color that just doesn't work, or your stitches have gone a bit wonky.
But unpicking is not a failure. It's not starting over. It's just part of stitching. Every single one of us unpicks. I still do it all the time! You snip it out, you have another go, and nine times out of ten the second attempt is better because you've learned something from the first.
Or there is another totally valid and acceptable option - ignore the wobbly stitches and keep on going! I also do that all the time, and believe me - noone else is going to notice it like you do. I bet it looks so awesome overall!
Progress over perfection is more than just a motto here at Clever Poppy – it's genuinely how we all learn. Wobbly stitches and all.
So please don't put a project in a drawer because one bit went wrong. Grab your scissors, take it out, and carry on. Or ignore it and move on. You're doing great!
5. There are no hard and fast rules!
Everyone does embroidery a little differently, and that's part of the fun.
We've taken everything we've learned from years of experience and compiled it together to teach you embroidery the easy way.
But ultimately, there's no single "right" way to do any of it. The way I hold my needle might not be the way that suits you. The number of strands I like might not be your favorite.
This might sound silly, but can I remind you that the ‘embroidery police’ aren’t lurking around the corner, ready to pull you up for breaking the rules. Ha!
So take what works, leave what doesn't, and make it your own. Experiment. Try a stitch the "wrong" way and see what happens – you might invent something you love.
We're not about chasing perfection here at Clever Poppy. We're about you enjoying the process and making something you're proud of.
Conclusion
So there you have it, the 5 things I wish I knew when I started embroidery!
If I could go back and tell my beginner self just one of them, it would probably be number 4. So much of learning a craft is just giving yourself permission to be a beginner at it – and to unpick, and try again, and unpick again.
I hope these save you a bit of the frustration I went through. And most of all, I hope you feel excited to pick up a needle and just start!
What do you wish you'd known when you started? Come and tell us over on Instagram – we'd love to hear.
What's next?
Our beginner embroidery kits are a favorite among new stitchers for their simple, step-by-step instructions and beautiful designs that make learning easy and fun. Whether you've been wanting to learn embroidery or are just searching for your next creative hobby, these kits are the perfect introduction to embroidery.
Why people love our beginner kits:
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Everything you need is included: fabric, thread, hoop, and more!
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Clear instructions to guide you every step of the way
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Gorgeous designs you'll be proud to display
Our most popular beginner kits
