Embroidery is joyful! It doesn't have to be fussy or precious, reserved for special garments or linens that never see the light of day because they're "too good." Instead, embroidery deserves to be enjoyed every day—on shirts and dresses, pants and shorts, bags, hats, toys—all the things we use and appreciate in our daily lives.
Embroidery transforms ordinary items into treasures infused with personality and care. Each stitch represents creativity and intention, turning everyday pieces into wearable art that carries a bit of your heart.
Embroidery on garments
On the back neckline of a top, the hem of shorts or trousers, peeking out of a pocket, on a sleeve or collar - don't be afraid to add embroidery in unexpected places. Even just a tiny, unexpected pop of colour and pattern can make all the difference.
Personalised accessories
If you're hesitant to embroider garments, useful accessories are a wonderful way to enjoy embroidery. Look for patterns that feature "natural canvases" like the flap on the Foraging Satchel, which is perfect for larger-scale embroidery. The projects in the Gifting and Making eBooks are designed with embroidery in mind and offer plenty of options for featuring your hand stitching too.
Clockwise from top left: a Foraging Satchel features repeating seashell motifs, by Margaret Doten; a stack of embroidered bookmarks, perfect for gifting, by Rose Lewis; an embroidered patch adds a neat detail to a Sunny Hat, by Angela Schade; an embroidered needle book is an indispensable sewing accessory, by Chiew Mei Law.
Stitch a message
Clockwise from top left: A zippered pouch with a message of peace, by Shifara Shakeel; a personal reminder to seize the day stitched on the inside of a Meadow Skirt waistband, by Emma-Lisa McGhee; a loving tag stitched into the waistband of Scout Pants, by Lorna Parker; a favourite quote stitched to a hot water bottle, by Chiew Mei Law.
Other ideas...
- Celebrate interests: honour a loved one with embroidery that represents their passions, like a favourite animal or hobby.
- Mend: transform holes or stains into something beautiful by covering up the "oops" moments with embroidery.
- Rejuvenate forgotten garments: Give yourself a good reason to reach for boring garments that tend to languish in the back of the wardrobe by sprucing them up with some cheerful embroidery.
Keen to add embroidery to your next sewing project? Have a look at the Twig + Tale embroidery collection, where you'll find plenty of patterns and inspiration. Let's celebrate the magic of embroidery as joyful expressions to brighten our everyday lives!
