If you’re looking for a new hobby, embroidery is a good one to consider. There are many reasons that embroidery is currently experiencing a surge in popularity
Embroidery Is Versatile
Almost any fabric surface you can think of can be embroidered. Pillowcases, towels, clothing, wall hangings, the possibilities are endless. You can stick to one or two basic stitches if you want to keep things easy, or branch out to stitch dictionaries with hundreds of stitches to try. Floss and thread for embroidery come in a rainbow of colors, or you can keep your stitching to only one color for an entire piece, such as red, blue or black.
Room for Creativity
There are many pattern books and websites selling single patterns with iron on transfers, it’s possible to replicate a given project very closely. If you’re a more creative type, you can turn your own pictures or designs into embroidery, or you can copy images from magazines or books and make your own transfers to embroider.
Embroidery Is Inexpensive
All you really need to get started with embroidery is some blank cloth, a few skeins of embroidery floss or thread, a few needles, and an embroidery hoop, if you choose to use one. If money isn’t an issue, you can invest more in your new hobby by purchasing hand dyed floss or more expensive hoops, but when just starting out, it’s possible to get started for less than 10 dollars if your budget is small.
Personalization
Learning to embroider allows you to add a personal touch to jeans, kitchen towels or baby items. You can stitch names, dates, designs or full landscapes or portraits. Some projects can be completed in an hour, while others can take weeks. There is truly an embroidery project for every taste.
Embroidery Is Portable
Unlike hobbies like painting or woodworking, embroidery supplies are easy to pack up and take with you when traveling or anticipating waiting time at appointments or meetings. Many craft stores and department stores sell organizers for home and travel to organize all of your embroidery supplies, or you can get creative and make your own organizer.
Easy to Learn
Those who have a family member or friend who embroiders are in the best position to learn this skill, as it’s often easiest to learn the stitches by watching someone else. If this isn’t possible, however, there are other ways to get the hang of it. Many websites have online video tutorials of different stitches, as well as how to set up your hoop and get started. Craft stores and libraries also usually have books about learning to embroider.
Embroidery is an easy to learn and relaxing hobby. It’s versatile and inexpensive to experiment with. Once you get started, you’ll find that you never look at a plain piece of fabric the same way!
Sources:
MarthaStewart.com. "How to Embroider" (accessed February 22, 2011).
SublimeStitching.com. "Patterns" (accessed February 22, 2011).
Kathy Gleason - Kathy Gleason is a wife, mother and writer living in rural northern New Jersey. She is a graduate of The Institute for Therapeutic Massage ...
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