What do I really need to start embroidery? An essential kit list
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Before I found embroidery, I was a bit of a serial hobby-starter. I’d see a new craft on Instagram and think, This is it, this is the one for me. But then one of two things would happen:
- I'd get too confused about what tools I actually needed and never start, or
- I'd buy all the tools, even the advanced stuff, and then have no idea how to actually use it.
So, I wasn’t even really a hobby-starter. I was more of a hobby voyeur and an avid shopper. But I don’t want that to happen to you. So here, in its simplest form, is a list of the tools and equipment you really need to get started with embroidery.
A beginner's essential equipment checklist!
- An embroidery hoop – I recommend a 6-inch wooden hoop. My go-to brand is Elbesee. (Check out my full post on what I look for in a hoop here.)
- A piece of cotton fabric – I suggest medium-weight calico cotton. Avoid anything silky or stretchy to start with. My first hoops were all stitched onto an old bright orange table cloth I cut up!
- An embroidery needle – Or any needle with an eye large enough to fit your embroidery thread.
- Embroidery thread – Start with DMC 6-stranded cotton (or any similar brand).
- Scissors – Any sharp pair will work for trimming your thread.
- A pattern or design – All my downloadable embroidery patterns come with a stitch guide that walks you through the process step-by-step.
- A pencil for tracing – Fancy fabric pens are optional. A regular pencil will do the trick when you're just starting out.
- A light source (optional) – If you need extra help tracing your design, you can even make your own lightbox with a glass dish and the torch on your phone!
Ready to Get Started?
If you don’t want the hassle of sourcing all the tools yourself, check out my DIY embroidery kits—they come with everything you need in one box. Or, if you've already got all the kit, but just need some ideas and direction, try out one of downloadable embroidery patterns!
Happy stitching,
Stephie x