Top Ten Embroidery Makes

#AD Not one but two teaser trailers for Bridgerton have been released ahead of the show’s return on March 25th! The last season inspired a staggering number of people to turn towards traditional ‘fireside’ crafts such as letter writing, flower pressing, crochet, and knitting. Unsurprisingly, here at Sew HQ, we were most excited to spot a growing interest in embroidery – a gorgeous discipline that will gift you hours of enjoyment, not to mention a selection of beautiful makes that will be perfect for treating your loved ones and decorating your home. Whether you want to join the trend or strengthen your existing skill set, this collection of embroidery makes is sure to help you on your way…

Kitted Out

NEW Korbond Embroidery Kits are fun craft projects for those who enjoy being creative and combine a variety of stitches. They are ideal for those looking to try a new hobby and embroidery enthusiasts alike. Available in two designs featuring a charming ‘Busy Bee’ or beautiful flowers in bloom, with all tools needed to complete each project included in the kit, they make wonderful additions to your home or gifts for a loved one.

All Heart

When it comes to sewing flowers, there are some fundamental stitches that crop up time and time again – two of our favourites being stem stitch and French knots. Stem stitch, as the name suggests, is perfect for embroidering stems, while French knots suit tiny buds or centres for smaller blooms. Here, Susie Johns has created a pair of heart-shaped lavender sachets. Get raiding your scrap bag to create your very own!

Creative Kits

Dizzy & Creative design playful, contemporary embroidery kits for all ages and stages. With stitch guides for Right and Left handers, even the tentative stitcher can be confident of a pleasing result. You will also be treated to quality materials, DMC threads and excellent customer care. Designer Jay will be showing the new Spring kits with live stitch demonstrations on The Craft Store TV, so be sure to tune in at 3pm, Wednesday 23rd February.

Crafty Coasters

Hardanger is a traditional Norwegian embroidery technique that combines drawn thread work and cutwork. It is worked on Hardanger fabric, an evenweave, using perle cotton. Geometric patterns are built up by stitching kloster blocks, which are made in a counted thread satin stitch. Exposed threads are then cut and withdrawn, and some of the remaining threads are overcast to create decorative bars that link the design together.

Found in Florence

Florentine work, also known as bargello, is a popular form of needlepoint. It forms zigzag patterns, referred to as flame stitch, and is always worked in lots of different colours. Though named after the Italian city of Florence, it is thought to have originated in Hungary. Florentine stitch consists of a series of stepped vertical stitches, worked on canvas, typically over four threads.

Happy Hour

Extend happy hour with this gorgeous yet simple design. Inspired by the famous mojito cocktail, you could customise this hoop to include ingredients for any of your favourite beverages! Using simple stitches, this is the perfect project for a beginner.

The Best of Beadsology

Fancy something slightly different on your embroidery journey? These incredible bead embroidery kits have been designed to be both: the perfect start for beginners or someone looking for a challenge. Each kit includes all you need to get going straight away: canvas, needle, thread, glass beads and patterns. With over 100 different designs and counting, there is something for everyone.

Sweet Dreams

Use fern stitch to create a stunning embroidered dreamcatcher. With lettering and a web of threads worked in split stitch, hang it above your bed for sweet dreams. Fern stitch is ideal for leaves, petals and feathers. Composed of a series of three straight stitches, it’s really easy and quick to do, but looks very effective. It forms a lacy appearance and can follow a straight or curved line.

Over the Rainbow

This stunning rainbow hoop by designer Sophia Palmer is the perfect sewing project for upcoming days cosied at home. Plus, it's great for those of us who want a simple make that the kids can get involved with and proudly display in the front window, or on their bedroom wall.

Create a Buzz

Romanian stitch consists of long stitches worked close together, each one secured at its mid-point by a smaller couching stitch. It is particularly useful for filling any regular shape that is too wide to be filled in satin stitch. Great for leaves and petals, it is also perfect for the body of Susie Johns’ embroidered bee, which makes a delightful brooch for snuggly jackets.