Friends, there are a few mistakes that many beginning embroidery enthusiasts make when working on their embroidery projects.
1. Skipping a sketch and start embroidering right away.
Sketch is an important part of the plan. When you plan ahead, at least your color combination and general outlines on paper will save you lots of time and frustration not only when you decide on your materials, but also to ensure that embroidery goes smoothly without corrections nd ripping out stitches.
2. Choosing a large embroidery hoop or canvas.
Choosing a large embroidery hoop without practice can lead to a few frustrating mistakes, especially when you're just starting out. Here's why it might not be the best idea:
1. Too Much Space, Not Enough Control
A large hoop gives you a big surface to work on—but that also means more fabric to manage and more stitches to fill. Without experience, it’s easy to feel overwhelmed or lose track of proportion and detail.
2. Tension Troubles
Keeping even tension across a large area is tricky. Beginners might accidentally stretch some parts too tight or leave others too loose, leading to puckering, warping, or uneven stitches.
3. More Time, Less Motivation
Large hoops often mean bigger, more time-consuming projects. Without practice or confidence, it’s easy to lose motivation halfway through, leaving your work unfinished.
4. Harder to Hold and Maneuver
Large hoops can be awkward to handle, especially without a stand. Stitching becomes physically tiring, and you might strain your wrist or back trying to manage it.
5. Wasted Materials
If the project doesn’t go well, more fabric and thread are lost. Yarn and fabric are precious—so starting small is kinder to both your materials and your patience.
3. Not preparing your materials ahead of time and thinking you can "wing" it.
One common mistake in embroidery—especially with landscape projects—is not preparing your materials ahead of time and thinking you can just "wing it." While spontaneity has its place in creative work, diving in without a plan often leads to frustration, wasted materials, and unfinished pieces.
4. Use only one type of thread.
One common mistake in hand embroidery—especially in creative projects like landscapes—is using only one type of thread. While it might seem simpler, relying on a single thread type can make your work look flat, predictable, and lack the richness that makes embroidery truly engaging.
Why it matters:
1. Lack of Texture
Different threads create different textures. Using only one type—like standard cotton floss—misses out on the visual and tactile variety that makes embroidery come alive. In a landscape, you want soft skies, rough tree bark, fluffy clouds, or thick grasses—textures that tell a story.
2. No Depth or Dimension
Mixing threads like wool, silk, metallics, or even yarn adds natural highlights, shadows, and movement. Without that contrast, your piece can feel too uniform and uninteresting, especially when viewed from a distance.
3. Missed Creative Opportunities
Exploring different threads encourages creative thinking. You might couch chunky yarn for tree trunks, use soft mohair for misty hills, or shiny threads to catch the light. Sticking to one thread type limits your range of expression.
4. Repetitive Stitching
When using the same thread type throughout, you're more likely to use the same stitches over and over. Mixing materials often leads to discovering new techniques and playful combinations that keep the process exciting.
MY GOLDEN RULE: Thread variety = visual interest.
Combining textures, weights, and sheens brings your embroidery to life. Don’t be afraid to experiment—let your thread choices reflect the variety and vibrancy of the scene you’re stitching. It’s in that mix where the magic happens.
5. Not preparing your materials before beginning stitching.
Very often when you begin embroidering you may require certain materials and supplies that will make your embroidery unique and attractive, but instead you keep using the same thread and background. When you are constraining yourself to "what you have" you are lacking a "wow" factor which will make your embroidery sing. Spend time and carefully consider what you already have in your stash and what you need to add to add to it. It doesn't mean constantly buying new threads and beads, but consistently be on a "lookout" for those specific materials that will make your emboirdery stand out.
6. Using suitable materials.
Using suitable materials for your embroidery makes all the difference in how your piece looks, feels, and lasts. The right fabric, thread, needle, and hoop work together to support your stitches and bring your vision to life. Choosing quality materials that match your project—like sturdy fabric for yarn work or finer cloth for delicate stitching—helps prevent frustration, makes stitching smoother, and gives your embroidery a polished, long-lasting finish. Starting with the right tools sets you up for creative success.
7. Make yourself comfortable.
Embroidery is just like slow stitching - a comfortable and time-consuming process. Make yourself comfortable when embroidering—it's meant to be a calming, enjoyable experience. Like slow stitching, embroidery invites you to slow down, breathe, and sink into the rhythm of each stitch. It’s not about rushing to the finish, but about being present with your hands and your imagination. Set up a cozy space with good lighting, supportive seating, and everything within reach. Whether you're stitching to relax, reflect, or simply enjoy the quiet, let the process soothe you. This is your time—soft, creative, and beautifully slow.
8. Watch your thread tension and the fabric stretch in the hoop.
Paying attention to thread tension and keeping your fabric stretched tightly in the hoop are small steps that make a big difference in embroidery. Proper tension helps your stitches lay neatly and evenly, while a well-stretched fabric keeps your work smooth and prevents puckering or distortion. Skipping this can lead to messy results and wasted time redoing stitches or struggling with wrinkles. Taking a moment to check your setup before you begin ensures a more enjoyable stitching experience—and a beautiful, polished piece in the end.
xo xo, Elena
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