Embroidery

Inspiration & Exploration

Embroidery is the art of decorating fabric with needle and thread — and it's having a huge creative comeback! Start by exploring styles on Pinterest and Instagram using hashtags like #modernembrodiery and #handembroidery. Check out the r/Embroidery subreddit to see what people of all skill levels are making. Visit a local fabric or craft store in SLC — JOANN Fabrics on State Street is a great starting point — to look at thread colors and hoops in person. Watch a quick "what is embroidery" intro video on YouTube to see the basic process from start to finish. You're ready for the next step when you can describe three different embroidery styles and name the materials a beginner needs.

Tools & Techniques

Gather your starter tools and learn the basics. You need: an embroidery hoop (5–6 inch is ideal for beginners), embroidery floss (thread), a needle with a large eye, and a piece of light-colored cotton fabric. Watch the free beginner series from "Peacock & Fig" on YouTube — they cover how to thread a needle, separate floss strands, and start and end your thread cleanly. Learn these foundational stitches: the backstitch (for outlines), the satin stitch (for filling), and the French knot (for texture and dots). Practice each stitch on a scrap of fabric before moving to a real project. You're ready for the next step when you can do all three stitches without tangling your thread or leaving a messy back.

First Creations

Now stitch your first real design! Find a free beginner pattern on Etsy (search "free embroidery pattern PDF") or draw a simple shape — a flower, a word, a small animal — directly onto your fabric with a water-soluble pen. Transfer your design to the hoop, thread your needle, and start stitching. Don't rush — embroidery rewards slow, careful work. Use the backstitch to outline your design first, then fill in with satin stitch if you want solid color. It's okay if your first piece isn't perfect — you're training your hands. You're ready for the next step when you've completed one small design from start to finish and the stitches are even enough that you can see the pattern clearly.

Style Development

Now find and develop your personal style! Explore different embroidery aesthetics: botanical designs, modern geometric patterns, folk art motifs, or pop culture references. Try mixing stitch types in one piece — use long-and-short stitch for shading or add beads for sparkle. Watch speed-embroidery videos on YouTube to get ideas. Check out Craft Lake City festival in August in SLC, which features local fiber artists whose work can spark ideas. Start building a small collection of thread colors that feel like "yours." You're ready for the next step when you've completed two pieces that look noticeably different but both feel like your personal style.

Refine Your Craft

Time to level up your technique. Learn how to read and follow a full embroidery pattern with a color key and stitch guide. Practice consistent tension — your stitches should lie flat and even, not puckered or loose. Try a new stitch you haven't used before, like the chain stitch or the woven wheel. Pay attention to the back of your work — a tidy back means cleaner front stitches. Join the r/Embroidery weekly thread and share a work-in-progress photo for feedback. Work on a slightly more complex design than anything you've done before. You're ready for the next step when you can complete a multi-color, multi-stitch piece with consistent tension throughout.

Portfolio Piece

Create your portfolio piece — an embroidery you'd be proud to frame or give as a gift! Choose a design that challenges you and shows off your best stitches. Take your time: plan your colors, transfer the pattern carefully, and work in good light. When it's finished, stretch and frame it properly (there are great free tutorials on YouTube for finishing your hoop) or back it as a patch. Photograph it with natural light and share it on Instagram with #SLCcraft or post to r/Embroidery. You're ready for the next step when your finished piece is photographed, finished cleanly, and you've shared it somewhere with a caption describing your process.