Lesson 1

Supplies, Yarns and Tools


The process of embroidery has two basic tasks:

  1. Embroidery begins with pulling your needle and yarn up through the fabric and creating a stitch.
  2. Your needle and yarn should be on the underside of the hoop. Bring the needle up through the center of the stitch and continue stitching using the decorative stitches within the project.

Click each coloured tab to view information about the activity.



  • Using an embroidery hoop can allow both hands to be involved in this process.

  • Embroidery threads and needles are many and varied.

  • There are many embroidery designs including, hot-iron transfers, homemade designs, and store bought etc.
  • Embroidery threads are many and varied, they differ in texture, fiber content , number of piles and separable strands.

  • Working yarns and threads should be no longer than 40 to 45 cm so tangling will not occur.

  • Separate yarns into strands before beginning to embroider.

  • Secure the yarn at the beginning by holding 5 cm of the yarn end to wrong side. Work the embroidery stitches catching this yarn end firmly into work.

  • Never use a knot to anchor the thread when beginning or ending .

  • To end the stitching, take the needle to the wrong side and simply slide it under 5 cm of stitches.

  • Before starting study the design and decide which parts are to lay on top of other parts. Work the lower parts first.

  • Do not trail thread from one part of design to the other. This trail imprint may be noticeable on the right side. Secure yarn and start again.



Embroidery thread are many and varied. They differ in texture, fiber content, number of plies and separable strands.



A hoop or frame is necessary to hold fabric taut for stitching. To tighten a hoop, firmly wrap cotton bias tape around the inner ring.

Crewel needles are sharp, medium length needles with large eyes and are used for most embroidery work.
Chenilles are sharp, thicker and longer needles, and have larger eyes making them ideal for heavier yarns.
Tapestry needles are blunt and are best for cross-stitch.


These other tools help to make embroidery stitching easier.