Learn how to crochet the beautiful Moss Stitch - A woven, textured stitch. Includes a photo and video tutorial, how to gauge, and an easy pattern!

How to Make 1 Left (M1L) and Make 1 Right (M1R) I’m going to show you how to M1L and M1R. These are increases made on the knitted side of your work. Not sure what I mean by “knitted s…

Hello, how are you today? Welcome to our blog About Knitting. We hope you are very well and looking forward to a new Free Knitting Pattern or Tutorial. Today we want to share with you

If you’re just joining us here on Needle ‘n Thread, we’ve been exploring five different ways to interpret wheat in hand embroidery. Last Friday, we looked at how to embroider wheat in two quick and simple ways, using daisy stitch and granitos on two different stalks. Before that, in Part 1, I posted the free ...

I have always been intrigued by the art of Sashiko, but I have never had a chance to learn more about it. This article from Koekoek was just what I was looking for. It is a nice introduction to th…

This crochet tutorial shows how to make the interlocking block stitch step-by-step. The tutorial includes detailed photo instructions.

Learn how to "pick up and knit" stitches from the edge of your work. This is a particularly useful skill for sleeves, collars, and edgings.

This crochet tutorial shows how to make the royal ridge stitch step-by-step. The tutorial includes detailed photo instructions.

Learn different ways to start and end your embroidery stitches without using knots. I show you various methods for different stitches!

As you probably know, I am very fond of the embroidery technique called long and short stitching, and I hope more and more people fall in love with it and see that it is actually not that scary and not that hard. Well, it is not that easy either and it requires some time and patience to get friendly with it. But it is totally worth it, isn't it? By today I actually have plenty of material on this blog about long and short stitch as well as needle painting. So I decided to gather it all up in this post for easy access! Save it to Pinterest or your browser bookmarks because if I ever write something new on the topic of needle painting or long and short stitch, I will be adding it here :) Long and short stitch tutorial Let's start with the basics. I recommend you going to the long and short stitch tutorial and trying to replicate every step from there. There are some tips at the end of the post, so make sure you check them out as well. Personally, I believe the two crucial points for your long and short stitch to take off are: keeping a consistent direction of stitches varying the "levels" where you start your stitches When there is a certain inconsistency in the direction of your stitches, it usually stands out and breaks the general “flow” of your stitching. Unless, of course, you make a conscious decision to break that flow for a certain artistic purpose. As for the second point... In my personal opinion (which kind of differs from many other artists) is that it is not the length of the stitches per se that should be varying. But rather, the “levels” at which you start the stitches. And this is something I have learnt on my own and found it much easier, to be honest. I speak about it in more detail in my online needle painting course since it is easier to explain in the video while actually showing you how it works. But in short, you can, in fact, keep the length of your stitches the same or they can end at the same level. It doesn't really change anything. The most important is where you start these stitches. And for your blending to be smoother, you need at least 2, but better 3-4 “levels” where you start these stitches. And then make them as long as you like, just make sure they end significantly below the mark for the next row (I will link a separate post on that below, called “getting your rows right"). Now, suppose you already worked the little petal from the tutorial. Congratulations if yours looks the same! If it doesn't that's totally fine, we all need some time to reach that point. I mean, I wrote that tutorial not at the beginning of my embroidery journey, you know what I mean? But let's be real, an exercise like that is quite an isolated practice. The real questions and issues will arise when you actually use it in your practice. And for your practice to go smooth, I have prepared a series of needle painting tips that I will also list below. Long and short stitch practice If you need some ideas on where to actually get this long and short stitching practice while not feeling too lost, I have several Stitch Alongs already completed and ready for you to start whenever you want! The benefit of these Stitch Alongs is that you have detailed step-by-step pictures for virtually every stage of working a design so the visual support is quite strong. (By the way, if you have any suggestions for a new Stitch Along, feel free to drop your ideas in the comments) I will list all the current Stitch-Alongs from this blog in the order of difficulty (from the easiest to the toughest): Cecelia Rose Trish Burr's Pansies Trish Burr's Magnolia If you want more guidance in your learning and prefer video material over pictures, make sure to check out the Needle painting for beginners course. There we work special exercises imitating various realistic situations you can encounter in long and short stitching and all of the material is presented in detailed video lessons. Long and short stitch tips And, like I said, while you start practicing your long and short stitching, inevitably, there will be new questions and confusing moments. I'm trying to cover them little by little and I made a special tag for these posts: needle painting tips. You can go to the tag and check them out there, but for better convenience, I will list all of the posts here (and I will be adding the new ones here too, that's why I encourage you to save it): Color blending tips (color theory and case study on which color combinations work better) Leaves practice (another case study on color combinations) Levels of long and short stitch (a case study on the “levels” of starting your stitches) Diagonal shading (step by step guide) Shading in patches (step by step guide) Shading on shading, is it worth it? (contemplating on one of the ways of multiple-row long and short stitching and looking at the pros and cons) Must watch Youtube tutorials (I wonder if you noticed how much I LOVE visual learning) Importance of correct direction (a case study with examples and tips) Filling a shape with long and short stitching (it can be used as a filler in a solid color too) Secret behind getting your rows right (how to make sure that your rows will correspond to the pattern) Youtube video of a process More layers = better shading? (does the number of rows and colors affect the result of your shading?) So here's your guide! I know this pile of information can be overwhelming but don't get discouraged, okay? Just learn it step by step and continue your practice. You will reach your goal as long as you move even if it is an inch a day. And, most importantly, enjoy! :)

Updated: Apr 28 T-shirts have become my go to. I love that you can dress them up or down and wear them for practically any occasion. My favorite t-shirt is on…

Really easy to knit, the Sand stitch pattern is ideal for beginners. It has an adorable texture to it, and it doesn't curl. A lovely option for knitting baby clothing.

First things first, before you dive into your embroidery project, I’d like to show you how you can start and finish your embroidery thread to secure it. Traditionally using knots to start and finish your embroidery thread is a big no-no. And there are several reasons for this. Firstly the knot can show through your

Here are 10 beautiful crochet stitches with links to detailed photo tutorials and links to free crochet patterns that use these stitches.

Learn how to do a stitch known as the hidden slip stitch, which is the perfect stitch to use when sewing bindings or doing hand applique.

The fisherman's rib stitch is perfect when you need a textured stitch that's reversible, doesn't curl, and is easy to knit.

Tracy is a self-employed embroiderer, specialising mainly in traditional embroidery including crewelwork, silk shading, and gold work.

Here are 30 beautiful crochet stitches with links to detailed photo tutorials and links to free crochet patterns that use those stitches.

Beautiful Tunisian crochet stitch patterns with video tutorials. Perfect for blankets, shawls, sweaters and more. Don't miss these unique Tunisian stitches!

When you knit through the back of the loop, the stitches are twisted at the base. Learn how to twist your stitches to knit the prettiest ribbing.

Whether you are learning the satin stitch for the first time or looking to improve your technique, these tips will help you advance your hand embroidery skills while creating beautiful satin stitches every time.

Also known as: Hungarian Braided Chain Stitch The braided chain stitch is worked almost the same way as the heavy chain stitch. There is only…

This chunky crochet raglan sweater is a cozy winter wardrobe staple! It is worked from the top down using #5/bulky yarn so it works up really quickly, and you can try it on as you go.

A simple explanation of the crochet griddle stitch. One of my favorite stitches! It looks the same on either side and gives you a great bumpy look without being too chunky.

Is your cross stitch project turning into a mess? Here are some quick, helpful tips and tricks on how to cross stitch neatly.

Also known as: bullion stitch, caterpillar stitch, coil stitch, knot stitch, post stitch, worm stitch, Puerto Rico rose, grub knot This is an interesting stitch used to make simple motifs. I would say that this is an ‘elongated’ knot which can be...

Learning to knit can be completely overwhelming but our list of 18 easy knitting stitches you can use for any project will have you knitting up a storm.

Find tutorials on various needlepoint stitches, including basic tent stitches along with more complex stitches such as the needlepoint basketweave stitch and th

How to crochet a tunisian stitch. Tunisian crocheting tutorial.

Sometimes we just want to crochet the Granny Stitch in flat rows. Here's a great tutorial on how to crochet the flat granny!

For beginners, advanced stitchers, and everyone in between, this page is full of hand embroidery stitches everyone should learn.

Blanket stitch is a fantastic edge stitch for sewing around felt and fabric. It is widely used in hand stitching and very popular but also t...

Find out 4 of the best embroidery stitches for script lettering. I'll tell you why each stitch works and why you want to use it.

The Thermal Stitch is by far the best stitch (that I know of) you can use to make a thick crochet potholder. Free pattern and video tutorial!