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the beginner desk • file no. 01

new to embroidery? start here.

no embroidery experience is required. these are the kits i personally recommend for a first project—or for finding your rhythm again after a long break.

find your first project

a little reassurance

never stitched before? that is completely fine.

embroidery can look much more complicated from the outside than it feels once you begin. you do not have to understand every stitch, tool, or embroidery term before opening your first kit. your guide focuses on what you need for the project in front of you.

chosen with intention

what makes a kit beginner friendly?

these recommendations are selected by me—not automatically pulled from every kit in the shop.

  1. 01

    approachable stitches

    nothing here requires advanced embroidery experience.

  2. 02

    manageable detail

    enough to feel satisfying without making a first project feel endless.

  3. 03

    a clear plan

    color placement and stitching order are easy to follow inside the guide.

the beginner edit

choose the design you actually want to stitch.

these are all safe starting points. there is no ranking and no one “correct” first project—the best choice is the one you are excited to spend time with.

after you choose

your kit will not leave you guessing.

you do not need to memorize any of this before ordering. the guide for your design walks you through the project-specific plan while keeping the full instructions where they belong—with your purchase.

before you begin

a few quick answers

do i need embroidery experience?

no. these recommendations are selected specifically for true beginners and stitchers who want a gentle return.

what comes in a diy kit?

your kit includes the project supplies listed on its Square product page, plus access to the guide for that design. check the individual listing before ordering for its exact contents.

what if i don’t remember how to do a stitch?

that is completely okay. your project guide identifies the stitches used and points you toward the help you need for that specific design.

how do i choose?

start with the design you are most excited to make. every kit in this edit is a safe place to begin, so you do not need to choose the one that looks the simplest.

are all of your kits true beginner projects?

not every design in the full shop is intended as a very first project. that is exactly why this smaller, personally selected edit exists.

from my embroidery desk

supplies i use & love

a few of my favorite little tools and stitching essentials, collected from my own embroidery desk. you don't need everything to get started, but these are the supplies that make my stitching days a little easier.

john james needle assortment

john james is one of my favorite needle brands, and an assortment is lovely to have on hand for different stitching projects.

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needle threaders

a tiny tool that makes threading your embroidery needles so much easier.

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my favorite embroidery scissors

my favorite embroidery scissors! they stay sharp even with all the stitching i do.

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water-soluble stabilizer

one of my favorite ways to transfer embroidery designs onto fabric without tracing every little line.

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extra-strong needle minder

the strongest needle minder i've personally tried. a little favorite for keeping my needle close while i stitch.

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magnetic needle storage cases — 2 pack

a handy little two-pack for keeping embroidery needles organized and safely stored.

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plastic floss bobbins

simple little bobbins for organizing embroidery floss and keeping colors easy to find.

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binder rings for floss bobbins

my favorite trick for keeping the floss bobbins for one project together instead of scattered everywhere.

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project storage bags

i keep multiple works in progress organized with these bags. each project gets its own hoop and ring of floss bobbins, all tucked together.

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floor/lap hoop stand

helps hold your hoop steady so your hands have a little more freedom while stitching.

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magnifying glasses with light

i actually reach for these more for the built-in light than the magnification. extra lighting is so helpful for detailed stitching.

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ready when you are

you can do this.

pick a design you love, open your guide, and take the first stitch from there.

choose your first project