Embroidery

Beginner’s Guide to Embroidery: Essential Tools You Need to Start Stitching

5 Essential Tools for Beginner Embroidery

Embroidery is a timeless art form that’s as relaxing as it is rewarding. If you’re just starting your embroidery journey, you might be wondering which tools are essential to get started. With so many options available, it’s easy to feel overwhelmed—but don’t worry! I’ve compiled a list of five must-have tools for beginners that will set you up for success and make your stitching experience a breeze.

As you explore these essentials, I’ll include links to my favorite products on my Amazon page and my Etsy shop for kits and patterns to get you started. Let’s dive in!


1. Embroidery Hoops

An embroidery hoop is a beginner’s best friend! It keeps your fabric taut and makes stitching easier and more precise. Hoops come in various sizes, but I recommend starting with a 6-inch hoop—it’s the perfect size for most beginner projects. Wooden hoops are a classic choice, offering a sturdy grip and a natural look, but plastic hoops with adjustable tension are also great for beginners.

Pro Tip: Choose a hoop size that matches the dimensions of your pattern for better control and easier handling.

Check out my favorite hoops on Amazon or grab a ready-to-stitch kit, complete with a hoop, from my Etsy shop.


2. Embroidery Needles

Embroidery needles are essential for bringing your designs to life. These needles have a larger eye to accommodate embroidery thread and come in various sizes for different types of stitches and fabrics. For beginners, I recommend starting with a pack of assorted needles so you can experiment and find what works best for you. Sizes 5-10 and size 20 are versatile and cover most beginner projects.

Why It Matters: The right needle ensures smooth stitching and prevents frustration with threading.

You can find beginner-friendly needle sets on my Amazon page.


3. Embroidery Floss

High-quality embroidery floss is a must for creating vibrant and durable designs. I love using DMC floss because it’s soft, colorfast, and comes in a rainbow of shades to match any project. For beginners, a basic set with a range of colors is a great way to start without feeling overwhelmed.

Pro Tip: Keep your floss organized with bobbins or a floss organizer to prevent tangling and make it easier to find the colors you need.

Stock up on DMC floss through my Amazon page, or purchase a beginner embroidery kit with pre-selected colors from my Etsy shop.


4. Fabric

The type of fabric you use can make or break your embroidery experience. For beginners, I recommend starting with cotton or linen fabric—both are easy to work with and provide a smooth surface for stitching. Pre-cut fabric squares or fat quarters are ideal for small projects and allow you to practice without wasting material.

Pro Tip: If you’re using a pattern, make sure your fabric is big enough to fit in the hoop with room to spare for stitching.

Find beginner-friendly fabric options on my Amazon page or shop my Etsy kits, which include everything you need to get started.


5. Scissors

A good pair of embroidery scissors is a game-changer. These small, sharp scissors allow you to make precise cuts without fraying your thread or fabric. Look for scissors with a comfortable grip and a sharp point for cutting close to your stitches. Bonus points if they’re cute—a stylish pair can make your crafting sessions even more enjoyable!

I also like to keep a regular pair of fabric scissors, as well as pinking shears, handy for cutting fabric.

Pro Tip: Keep your embroidery scissors separate from regular household scissors to maintain their sharpness.

Check out my favorite embroidery scissors on Amazon.


Optional but Handy Extras

While the five tools above are all you need to get started, there are a few extras that can make your embroidery experience even better:

  • Thread Organizer: Keeps your floss tidy and easy to access.
  • Water-Soluble Pens or Chalk: Great for transferring patterns to fabric.
  • Needle Threader: Great for easily threatening your needles.
  • Stick-and-Stitch Patterns: Perfect for beginners who want to skip the hassle of pattern transfer—just peel, stick, and stitch! Find them in my Etsy shop.

How to Get Started

Now that you know the essentials, it’s time to dive into your first project! If you’re not sure where to begin, my Etsy shop has beginner-friendly kits that include everything you need, from the fabric and floss to pre-drawn patterns and a hoop. I also have tutorials on my YouTube channel to guide you through each step.

If you prefer to customize your tools, visit my Amazon page to pick and choose your favorite options. Once you have your supplies, set up a cozy crafting spot, grab a cup of tea, and let the stitching magic begin!


Why Embroidery?

Embroidery isn’t just a craft—it’s a relaxing and rewarding way to express yourself. With just a few simple tools, you can create beautiful art, personalize gifts, and even decorate your home. Plus, it’s portable and affordable, making it a perfect hobby for busy lifestyles.

I’ve been embroidering for years, and it still brings me so much joy to see a project come to life stitch by stitch. Whether you’re stitching for yourself or gifting your creations to others, embroidery is a hobby that keeps on giving.


Join the Community

Embroidery is even more fun when shared with others! Join me on social media @DaisiesAndDuke for tips, inspiration, and sneak peeks at new patterns. Don’t forget to share your progress using my kits or tools—I’d love to see your creations!

For more resources and tutorials, check out my YouTube channel and subscribe to my newsletter for exclusive patterns, discounts, and updates. Let’s make something beautiful together!


Embroidery is a journey of creativity and self-expression, and it all starts with the right tools. With these five essentials, you’re ready to begin stitching your way to beautiful creations.

Happy stitching!