Embroidery for Beginners: What You Actually Need to Get Started

Hi friend!

If we haven’t met yet, I’m Ally. I’ve been embroidering for over five years, and like many people, I really found my way back to making during the pandemic. I picked up a few embroidery kits back then—and I haven’t put my needle or hoop down since.

Over the years, embroidery has taught me a lot. Some lessons were happy surprises, others were complete flops. But the biggest thing I’ve learned is this:

You don’t need a lot of stuff to start embroidering.

There is so much out there that’s fun, cute, and exciting—and it’s easy to feel like you need all of it before you can begin. You don’t. Let’s simplify it.

Here’s what you actually need to get started.

The Very Basics

Fabric
Choose something that isn’t stretchy. Cotton or linen is ideal and easy to work with, especially for beginners.

Embroidery Floss
You don’t need expensive floss to start. Pick a few colors you love and resist the urge to buy everything at once—you can always add more later.

Embroidery Hoop
Wood or plastic both work just fine. The best hoop is the one that holds your fabric snug and feels comfortable in your hands.

Needles
A basic embroidery needle is all you need. If it threads easily and moves smoothly through fabric, it’s doing its job.

Scissors
Any small, sharp scissors will work. They don’t need to be fancy—just sharp enough to cut thread cleanly.

A Quick Reminder Before You Begin

Your first project doesn’t need to be perfect. Your stitches don’t need to be even. And your supply list doesn’t need to be long.

If you can thread a needle and make one stitch, you’re ready.

Happy stitching,
Ally