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Bored Panda reached out to Sara, from the Kitschy Stitcher, who specializes in all sorts of cool embroidery, to learn more about some tips for beginners. First, we wanted to know, at least for embroidery, where someone should start: “I taught myself how to embroider by hand from youtube tutorials and by trial and error. PRACTICE! Practice, practice, practice. That's the only thing that you need to be successful with embroidery (and any new skill!).”

“There are also a large amount of embroidery technique books available online and at bookstores/libraries with a huge catalog of different embroidery stitches to learn. I also have uploaded a number of video tutorials for beginners on my Instagram: @thekitschystitcher.” While this page focuses on embroidery, the advice would be just as true for any craft, hobby, or skill, just keep practicing. 

Alongside practice, new “crafters” often have to consider the buy-in costs for materials, so we wanted to know how important it is in embroidery. “One of my favorite things about hand embroidery is that you don't need fancy supplies to get started! If you're just learning for yourself as a hobby, everything you need is at any local craft store. You can buy a hoop, fabric, and thread all for around $5. If you want to begin selling your work down the road, then you could invest in nicer quality embroidery hoops, etc.”

“Any basic embroidery hoop, embroidery needle, and cotton fabric will do, though! As for the thread, I've always used DMC brand thread which is at all the major craft stores. I've even used the 97-cent fat-quarter fabric samples from Walmart to create some beautifully stitched pieces. Just remember to stay away from stretchy fabric because it can warp your embroidery design as it moves when you stitch onto it! I always go for either a sturdy Cotton or a Linen blend fabric.”

When it comes to embroidery in particular, many people can sort of picture it, but it’s rare that they actually know what’s going on. So we also wanted to hear what are some of the more common misconceptions the experts have come across and let them set the record straight. “The number one misconception is calling it Cross Stitch If I had a dollar for every time someone called my embroidery pieces cross-stitch. They are similar though so I can see how they could be confused.”

“Cross stitching (also known as x-stitch) is a type of counted needlework that uses little crosses or 'x's to create a tiled pattern or design. Embroidery is more free-flowing needlework where you don't have to follow a graph or specific lines. I love the utter freedom of embroidery; you can go wherever your needle takes you! The possibilities and combinations of techniques are literally endless.”

“I'd say another misconception is that embroidery is something our grandmas did to napkins and tablecloths as its only purpose. Nowadays, there has been an explosion of new and modern twists on this ancient craft! The amount of innovation and creativity I have seen in the needlework community since I started 9 years ago is astounding. I am so glad the "embroidery bug" has caught on around the world! It's a very addicting and fun thing to learn and I highly suggest it to anyone who is interested.”