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Embroidery or Cross stitch recommendations please

Hi. I’m useless at using a sewing machine but do like using a needle and thread.


In these times of total isolation, I'd love to learn a new skill of embroidery or cross-stitching.


No idea where to start or get the materials I’d need.


Any recommendations?


Created By on 09/04/2020

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Sally - Silversurfer's Editor
9th Apr 2020 11:16:25
1
Thanks for voting!
Hello 🙂 Whilst we have many features and video tutorials on sewing and knitting here >>> https://www.silversurfers.com/best-of-the-web/hobbies-best-of-the-web/ <<< I don't think we have covered cross-stitching or embroider yet. I will see if we can add to our collection, but in the meantime, I am sure some of our crafters, and we have many, will help you if the can 🙂
Response from IOWsue Original Poster made on 10th Apr 2020 22:39:30
Hi Sally. I’ve had some good advice from members. I’m still finding my way round the website so it took me a while to find my way back to my post. But.....I’ve got plenty of free time just now to learn
[deleted]
6th Jun 2020 07:49:13 (Last activity: 6th Jun 2020 08:04:17)
0
Thanks for voting!
[deleted]
Response from Sally - Silversurfer's Editor made on 6th Jun 2020 08:04:17
Hi shirleymgrant,

Welcome and many thanks for your first comment in our Forum.

If you already know your way around, then we will leave you to it.

If you are looking for some lively discussions, head on over to the Forum homepage to see what's trending right now and feel free to join in the discussions, with all our friendly members, perhaps ask a question or even start your own post.

lyn183
24th Apr 2020 15:45:33 (Last activity: 24th Apr 2020 16:01:11)
0
Thanks for voting!
You could go on YouTube you can learn so much
Response from Sally - Silversurfer's Editor made on 24th Apr 2020 16:01:11
Hi lyn183,

Welcome and many thanks for your first comment in our Forum.

If you already know your way around, then we will leave you to it.

If you are looking for some lively discussions, head on over to the Forum homepage to see what's trending right now and feel free to join in the discussions, with all our friendly members, perhaps ask a question or even start your own post.

JE
11th Apr 2020 10:19:34
1
Thanks for voting!
I have a quick look at a couple of online sites and see what you mean. Either out of stock or a lengthy delivery time. Have you tried ‘ thehappy-stitcher.com’. They seem to have a good range, including bookmarks, and despatch within a week. Good luck. Jennie
JE
9th Apr 2020 17:38:06 (Last activity: 11th Apr 2020 09:21:09)
3
Thanks for voting!
I agree with Karen 66, cross stitch is probably the best to start with. You can get a beginners pack with a printed pattern on the material, needle, all the threads and instruction leaflet. It is fairly easy to do and quite rewarding but don’t be over ambitious and start smallish and with not too intricate a picture. I have found that an embroidery ring is not essential for smaller projects but necessary for larger ones. The kits are readily available online, including amazon. Good luck
Response from IOWsue Original Poster made on 10th Apr 2020 22:36:23
Thank you for your advice. I’ve looked on Hobbycrafts website a thought something as simple as a bookmark would be a start, but a number of kits are out of stock. I think a number of people who are self isolating are trying new hobbies!
Response from JE made on 11th Apr 2020 09:21:09
Thanks KarenN66 but I could set up a market stall with the amount of threads, wool etc that I have! I flit about between various handicraft activities and tend to hang on to all the bits because “you never know when you might need them”. As IOWSue is just starting out maybe she would appreciate them. Thanks for the thought anyway. Jennie
[deleted]
9th Apr 2020 16:54:30 (Last activity: 10th Apr 2020 22:37:09)
1
Thanks for voting!
[deleted]
Response from IOWsue Original Poster made on 10th Apr 2020 22:37:09
Thanks Karen
MollyUK
10th Apr 2020 15:52:52 (Last activity: 10th Apr 2020 22:32:49)
1
Thanks for voting!
Try searching the Internet for embroidery patterns and instruction books. EBay is good for books on all kinds of embroidery and other yarn work. I've just received a lovely little book of patterns for crochet squares (not a single boring granny square in it, hooray!). As for embroidery, cross stitch is relatively easy but the repetitive nature of it can get tedious. (My own passion is hardanger embroidery, which combines counted-thread work with needle-weaving and produces a beautiful lacy fabric at the end.) If you want something really challenging, try Lalla Ward's Countryside Embroidery Book. It's probably not for beginners, but that depends on how easy you find it to follow written instructions. Just a few suggestions. The main thing is, don't get disheartened when something goes awry - we've all been there, and all you can do is pick yourself up and start again....
Response from IOWsue Original Poster made on 10th Apr 2020 22:32:49
Hi Molly. Thank you for taking the time to reply. I’ll take a look at EBay and Amazon.
Gillhoward
9th Apr 2020 11:38:37 (Last activity: 9th Apr 2020 12:20:26)
1
Thanks for voting!
Amazon and go for stamped cross stitch (they are much easier and come complete with every thing you need bar a ring)
Response from Sally - Silversurfer's Editor made on 9th Apr 2020 12:20:26
Hi Gillhoward,

Welcome to our forum! If you're finding yourself lost, why not start by looking at our current topics. We look forward to getting to know you better.

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