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This edition of The Stitch is for anyone who likes to try something new.

Starting a new craft can be intimidating, but thanks to the internet it’s easier than ever. If you can't learn it in person, chances are someone online can help! Today, I’m focusing on resources and patterns that will help you improve your embroidery and other stitching, from samplers to projects geared towards anyone with limited experience.

Scroll down for my favorite YouTube channels, essential embroidery supplies, as well as patterns for hoop art, quilts, and clothing.

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My first stop for learning how to do anything is YouTube. It seems like no matter what you need instruction on, someone on YouTube has made a video about it. This goes for embroidery techniques, too. Mary Corbet taught me how to stitch a French knot and a bullion knot!

But finding channels that actually have what you're looking for can be a challenge. So, I've sifted through them for you and share 7 of my favorites.​

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When you're first learning to embroider, there are basic tools you'll use: a hoop, needle, and thread. But there are many tools that aren't as obvious and can fly under the radar. Some of them you learn by chance, as was the case of stitch and stitch stabilizer and thread gloss for me.

I've compiled a shopping list of helpful embroidery tools that will make a project more manageable and organized.

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Stitch for Yourself

Embroidery Samplers

Samplers are a great way to practice new stitches. Even if you're thinking, "Yeah, but I know some stitches!" there are literally hundreds of them so I think we could all benefit from samplers. I know I could!

🪡 Learn stitches you'll need to embroider this tiny sweater.

🌀This sampler kit includes swirling florals and a 90-minute long online video tutorial.

🥧There are a lot of tiny stitches to experiement with when you make this "pie."​

🌱 Here's a very organized sampler with each basic stitch labeled, making it easy to refer to later.

☀️ Need to brush up on your basic embroidery? This is a very inexpensive sampler that provides a quick refresher. Plus, it makes a nice sunset-inspired pattern.

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Beginner Embroidery Projects

🏔 Inspired by a love of the outdoors, this mountain landscape kit comes with everything you need to create its abstract design.

🧶 Want to try stitching with yarn? Here's an all-inclusive kit that combines hand-dyed fabric and yarn (as well as floss) into a swirl.

🦥 From the same maker who brought you the sweater sampler, this adorable sloth kit will help you to put some of your stitching into action.

🌈 Perfect one of the most basic stitches, the satin stitch, with this colorful marble pattern. There are five color guides to choose from.

🌿 Go on an embroidery marathon with this four-pack of beginner friendly platterns. Each utilizes different types of stitches so you'll get a lot of practice.

🌷 Fierce and tender: combine cross stitch with free-hand embroidery in this easy-to-understand pattern.

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Beginner Quilt Patterns

▮ Get everything you need to make a quilt in the Olga Kit.

🔺 Intended to be an "approachable pattern," the New Mexico Queen Quilt includes in-depth tutorials on the quilting process.

❇️ This minimalist pattern uses only one quilt block, making it perfect for a newbie.

🌊 Inspired by the colors of the Atlantic ocean, the Atlantic Quilt is intended as "quilting 101" for beginners.

🌅 This pattern has an illustrative bend to it with a design described as "sundown." It comes in two sizes: crib and throw.

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Beginner Clothing Patterns

🧦 Get cozy when you sew a lounge set.

👚 Fact: I bought this sewing top pattern, intending to sew it up when it was still summer. But alas, I think I'll need to make the long sleeve version.

👗 What a super cute dress! This pattern is intended for an "advanced beginner" as you sew bust darts, inset sleeves, and more.

✨ Who doesn't love a great sweatshirt? The Jarrah sweater is meant for beginners and has options.

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And if you're looking for something to listen to while you work, I'm one of the hosts of the Top Artist podcast where we speak with amazing creatives about their work. I had the pleasure of talking with thread installation Gabriel Dawe about his awe-inspiring work, so be sure to check out our latest episode!

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