Embroidery not only creates beautiful art but it's also a super fun hobby. So, to inspire you to take up a new craft, we've gathered together the best inspo pics that'll persuade you in an instant.

Artist Helen Ahpornsiri (previously) continues to explore the possibilities of pressed plantlife in her ongoing series of wildlife illustrations that depict insects, animals, and other creatures. The England-based artist has recently begun experimenting with gold leaf that she applies to ferns and then incorporates as accents into various pieces. You can see more on herContinue reading "New Pressed Fern, Algae, and Gold Leaf Illustrations by Helen Ahpornsiri"

Before we start, an important announcement! I'm having a SALE in my Etsy shop: everything is down 15% until the end of March. Hurry up to make your purchase, especially if you already have my designs in the cart! Now, let's get back to the topic :) When you work long and short stitch, one of your main goals should be the correct direction of your stitches. As long as you achieve that, the surface of your stitching will be smooth, and the blending will be easier. Here are two examples. On the left is what my long and short stitch looks like nowadays, and where I'm paying attention to the direction of stitches. On the right is the result of me channeling my former confused beginner self, where I would easily put stitches in the wrong direction. To get my point across better, here are both of the examples with “guiding lines” drawn over the stitching. Take a closer look yourself, first, and try to see the difference in stitching. {ay attention to the direction of my stitches in both examples. Now, a large part of the improvement is due to practicing, of course. But even when you are a beginner and don't have big baggage of worked long and short stitching, there are still some tips for you! Tips for correct direction of stitches 1. Drawing guiding lines First of all, you can draw the guiding lines right on the ground fabric. Often times, authors of embroidery designs already provide you with directions of stitches in their diagrams. But you can also draw it yourself. I usually draw them myself with a standard pencil because it leaves me with more freedom – I can draw as many guiding lines as I need. And sometimes, the way I “feel” the shape, would be slightly different than how the author sees it so I may draw them differently. And I think that's valid too. If in your mind the “strokes” of stitches lie differently, I would recommend following your guts. It would be easier for you to work because otherwise, you would have a slight dissonance between what you see on the diagram and in your mind. 2. Guiding stitches When you gain a bit more experience, you will probably start choosing only one: either drawing guiding lines, or working guiding stitches. However, in the beginning, you might make use of both, actually. The more detailed is your “planning” of stitching, the less confused you will be about the direction of stitches. Then you start filling the space between the guiding stitches. You can make the guiding stitches for each of the rows of long and short stitching. Another way of working guiding stitches is to use running stitching as your guiding lines. It works just as well. Except, that it would be more convenient to work in 1 color, of course. And if you plan to use several colors to create a blending effect, that might be a problem. Otherwise, if you're using long and short stitch as a filler in 1 color, or if your blending is more “vertical” and you don't mind throwing some colors here and there, then there is no harm at all. 3 Pulling the working thread to find the right direction When you are confused about where you should insert the needle for your stitch to lie perfectly in line with the one from the previous row, you can pull the working end of thread and then insert the needle at the suitable point. I constantly use this method, it's like a norm. And because of that I don't always draw guiding lines on the fabric. This way of pulling thread is quite enough. However, there can be different situations. This method largely suits the situation when you need to lay your stitches along straight lines. But the shape could have some curves, it can be round or oval, and then this method would be less helpful. Nevertheless, it is still a great habit to develop and make use of! So here is the finished result of the heart with “correct” direction of stitches. How about seeing the process of working the other one? Here is me, not using any guiding lines, but just working some stitches over the outline. At first glance, it might not seem too bad. But if you look closer and try to continue the lines of the stitches in your mind, you would notice how some of them are bound to cross. Which is not very good. When you start working the second row, the problem becomes more evident. You see how the direction of stitches is changing all the time? Well, I put myself a goal to complete the shape no matter what, while still imagining myself a confused beginner stitcher, and here is the result. Take a closer look at the stitches' direction to understand the difference with another heart. I mean, it actually isn't that bad. The shape is complete and the colors are there. If you look at it from a distance you might not even notice any problem. But there is still room for improvement too. So, I hope today's tips will be helpful in your next project! Check all the previous posts under the tag “needlepainting tips” for more advice!

Before we start, an important announcement! I'm having a SALE in my Etsy shop: everything is down 15% until the end of March. Hurry up to make your purchase, especially if you already have my designs in the cart! Now, let's get back to the topic :) When you work long and short stitch, one of your main goals should be the correct direction of your stitches. As long as you achieve that, the surface of your stitching will be smooth, and the blending will be easier. Here are two examples. On the left is what my long and short stitch looks like nowadays, and where I'm paying attention to the direction of stitches. On the right is the result of me channeling my former confused beginner self, where I would easily put stitches in the wrong direction. To get my point across better, here are both of the examples with “guiding lines” drawn over the stitching. Take a closer look yourself, first, and try to see the difference in stitching. {ay attention to the direction of my stitches in both examples. Now, a large part of the improvement is due to practicing, of course. But even when you are a beginner and don't have big baggage of worked long and short stitching, there are still some tips for you! Tips for correct direction of stitches 1. Drawing guiding lines First of all, you can draw the guiding lines right on the ground fabric. Often times, authors of embroidery designs already provide you with directions of stitches in their diagrams. But you can also draw it yourself. I usually draw them myself with a standard pencil because it leaves me with more freedom – I can draw as many guiding lines as I need. And sometimes, the way I “feel” the shape, would be slightly different than how the author sees it so I may draw them differently. And I think that's valid too. If in your mind the “strokes” of stitches lie differently, I would recommend following your guts. It would be easier for you to work because otherwise, you would have a slight dissonance between what you see on the diagram and in your mind. 2. Guiding stitches When you gain a bit more experience, you will probably start choosing only one: either drawing guiding lines, or working guiding stitches. However, in the beginning, you might make use of both, actually. The more detailed is your “planning” of stitching, the less confused you will be about the direction of stitches. Then you start filling the space between the guiding stitches. You can make the guiding stitches for each of the rows of long and short stitching. Another way of working guiding stitches is to use running stitching as your guiding lines. It works just as well. Except, that it would be more convenient to work in 1 color, of course. And if you plan to use several colors to create a blending effect, that might be a problem. Otherwise, if you're using long and short stitch as a filler in 1 color, or if your blending is more “vertical” and you don't mind throwing some colors here and there, then there is no harm at all. 3 Pulling the working thread to find the right direction When you are confused about where you should insert the needle for your stitch to lie perfectly in line with the one from the previous row, you can pull the working end of thread and then insert the needle at the suitable point. I constantly use this method, it's like a norm. And because of that I don't always draw guiding lines on the fabric. This way of pulling thread is quite enough. However, there can be different situations. This method largely suits the situation when you need to lay your stitches along straight lines. But the shape could have some curves, it can be round or oval, and then this method would be less helpful. Nevertheless, it is still a great habit to develop and make use of! So here is the finished result of the heart with “correct” direction of stitches. How about seeing the process of working the other one? Here is me, not using any guiding lines, but just working some stitches over the outline. At first glance, it might not seem too bad. But if you look closer and try to continue the lines of the stitches in your mind, you would notice how some of them are bound to cross. Which is not very good. When you start working the second row, the problem becomes more evident. You see how the direction of stitches is changing all the time? Well, I put myself a goal to complete the shape no matter what, while still imagining myself a confused beginner stitcher, and here is the result. Take a closer look at the stitches' direction to understand the difference with another heart. I mean, it actually isn't that bad. The shape is complete and the colors are there. If you look at it from a distance you might not even notice any problem. But there is still room for improvement too. So, I hope today's tips will be helpful in your next project! Check all the previous posts under the tag “needlepainting tips” for more advice!

Explore Your Crochet's free patterns blog and discover inspiring ideas to ignite your creativity. Read our post, 'Crochet Flower Edging Free Pattern'.

Like most all of you, our Easter plans won’t be moving forward as traditionally planned this year. But in a wonderfully touching gesture, our neighbors have planned a virtual egg hunt for the littles in…

Before we start, an important announcement! I'm having a SALE in my Etsy shop: everything is down 15% until the end of March. Hurry up to make your purchase, especially if you already have my designs in the cart! Now, let's get back to the topic :) When you work long and short stitch, one of your main goals should be the correct direction of your stitches. As long as you achieve that, the surface of your stitching will be smooth, and the blending will be easier. Here are two examples. On the left is what my long and short stitch looks like nowadays, and where I'm paying attention to the direction of stitches. On the right is the result of me channeling my former confused beginner self, where I would easily put stitches in the wrong direction. To get my point across better, here are both of the examples with “guiding lines” drawn over the stitching. Take a closer look yourself, first, and try to see the difference in stitching. {ay attention to the direction of my stitches in both examples. Now, a large part of the improvement is due to practicing, of course. But even when you are a beginner and don't have big baggage of worked long and short stitching, there are still some tips for you! Tips for correct direction of stitches 1. Drawing guiding lines First of all, you can draw the guiding lines right on the ground fabric. Often times, authors of embroidery designs already provide you with directions of stitches in their diagrams. But you can also draw it yourself. I usually draw them myself with a standard pencil because it leaves me with more freedom – I can draw as many guiding lines as I need. And sometimes, the way I “feel” the shape, would be slightly different than how the author sees it so I may draw them differently. And I think that's valid too. If in your mind the “strokes” of stitches lie differently, I would recommend following your guts. It would be easier for you to work because otherwise, you would have a slight dissonance between what you see on the diagram and in your mind. 2. Guiding stitches When you gain a bit more experience, you will probably start choosing only one: either drawing guiding lines, or working guiding stitches. However, in the beginning, you might make use of both, actually. The more detailed is your “planning” of stitching, the less confused you will be about the direction of stitches. Then you start filling the space between the guiding stitches. You can make the guiding stitches for each of the rows of long and short stitching. Another way of working guiding stitches is to use running stitching as your guiding lines. It works just as well. Except, that it would be more convenient to work in 1 color, of course. And if you plan to use several colors to create a blending effect, that might be a problem. Otherwise, if you're using long and short stitch as a filler in 1 color, or if your blending is more “vertical” and you don't mind throwing some colors here and there, then there is no harm at all. 3 Pulling the working thread to find the right direction When you are confused about where you should insert the needle for your stitch to lie perfectly in line with the one from the previous row, you can pull the working end of thread and then insert the needle at the suitable point. I constantly use this method, it's like a norm. And because of that I don't always draw guiding lines on the fabric. This way of pulling thread is quite enough. However, there can be different situations. This method largely suits the situation when you need to lay your stitches along straight lines. But the shape could have some curves, it can be round or oval, and then this method would be less helpful. Nevertheless, it is still a great habit to develop and make use of! So here is the finished result of the heart with “correct” direction of stitches. How about seeing the process of working the other one? Here is me, not using any guiding lines, but just working some stitches over the outline. At first glance, it might not seem too bad. But if you look closer and try to continue the lines of the stitches in your mind, you would notice how some of them are bound to cross. Which is not very good. When you start working the second row, the problem becomes more evident. You see how the direction of stitches is changing all the time? Well, I put myself a goal to complete the shape no matter what, while still imagining myself a confused beginner stitcher, and here is the result. Take a closer look at the stitches' direction to understand the difference with another heart. I mean, it actually isn't that bad. The shape is complete and the colors are there. If you look at it from a distance you might not even notice any problem. But there is still room for improvement too. So, I hope today's tips will be helpful in your next project! Check all the previous posts under the tag “needlepainting tips” for more advice!

Before we start, an important announcement! I'm having a SALE in my Etsy shop: everything is down 15% until the end of March. Hurry up to make your purchase, especially if you already have my designs in the cart! Now, let's get back to the topic :) When you work long and short stitch, one of your main goals should be the correct direction of your stitches. As long as you achieve that, the surface of your stitching will be smooth, and the blending will be easier. Here are two examples. On the left is what my long and short stitch looks like nowadays, and where I'm paying attention to the direction of stitches. On the right is the result of me channeling my former confused beginner self, where I would easily put stitches in the wrong direction. To get my point across better, here are both of the examples with “guiding lines” drawn over the stitching. Take a closer look yourself, first, and try to see the difference in stitching. {ay attention to the direction of my stitches in both examples. Now, a large part of the improvement is due to practicing, of course. But even when you are a beginner and don't have big baggage of worked long and short stitching, there are still some tips for you! Tips for correct direction of stitches 1. Drawing guiding lines First of all, you can draw the guiding lines right on the ground fabric. Often times, authors of embroidery designs already provide you with directions of stitches in their diagrams. But you can also draw it yourself. I usually draw them myself with a standard pencil because it leaves me with more freedom – I can draw as many guiding lines as I need. And sometimes, the way I “feel” the shape, would be slightly different than how the author sees it so I may draw them differently. And I think that's valid too. If in your mind the “strokes” of stitches lie differently, I would recommend following your guts. It would be easier for you to work because otherwise, you would have a slight dissonance between what you see on the diagram and in your mind. 2. Guiding stitches When you gain a bit more experience, you will probably start choosing only one: either drawing guiding lines, or working guiding stitches. However, in the beginning, you might make use of both, actually. The more detailed is your “planning” of stitching, the less confused you will be about the direction of stitches. Then you start filling the space between the guiding stitches. You can make the guiding stitches for each of the rows of long and short stitching. Another way of working guiding stitches is to use running stitching as your guiding lines. It works just as well. Except, that it would be more convenient to work in 1 color, of course. And if you plan to use several colors to create a blending effect, that might be a problem. Otherwise, if you're using long and short stitch as a filler in 1 color, or if your blending is more “vertical” and you don't mind throwing some colors here and there, then there is no harm at all. 3 Pulling the working thread to find the right direction When you are confused about where you should insert the needle for your stitch to lie perfectly in line with the one from the previous row, you can pull the working end of thread and then insert the needle at the suitable point. I constantly use this method, it's like a norm. And because of that I don't always draw guiding lines on the fabric. This way of pulling thread is quite enough. However, there can be different situations. This method largely suits the situation when you need to lay your stitches along straight lines. But the shape could have some curves, it can be round or oval, and then this method would be less helpful. Nevertheless, it is still a great habit to develop and make use of! So here is the finished result of the heart with “correct” direction of stitches. How about seeing the process of working the other one? Here is me, not using any guiding lines, but just working some stitches over the outline. At first glance, it might not seem too bad. But if you look closer and try to continue the lines of the stitches in your mind, you would notice how some of them are bound to cross. Which is not very good. When you start working the second row, the problem becomes more evident. You see how the direction of stitches is changing all the time? Well, I put myself a goal to complete the shape no matter what, while still imagining myself a confused beginner stitcher, and here is the result. Take a closer look at the stitches' direction to understand the difference with another heart. I mean, it actually isn't that bad. The shape is complete and the colors are there. If you look at it from a distance you might not even notice any problem. But there is still room for improvement too. So, I hope today's tips will be helpful in your next project! Check all the previous posts under the tag “needlepainting tips” for more advice!

Explore lili_popo's 508 photos on Flickr!

Вышивка гладью невероятно популярна, поэтому многим рукодельницам так хочется овладеть этой техникой. В нашей статье мы постараемся дать несколько

Hello everyone Hope your week is going well. For several months I have been working with the idea of providing tutorials on my website – am still tinkering with the idea of uploading some vi…

This time, it has nothing to do with a beetle but with the beatles :p "Octopus's garden" is smaller than the others but it has its 8 tentacles.

Hello everyone Hope your week is going well. For several months I have been working with the idea of providing tutorials on my website – am still tinkering with the idea of uploading some vi…

Hello everyone! The third part of our Stitch Along has arrived and today we are working on the rest of the green leaves! So, take your needle and thread and let's get some stitching done! Foreword I didn't get as much feedback on the previous part as on the first part. Was it too much? Was it too hard? Tell me if things are getting too overwhelming for you so that I can help with something, okay? Also, thank you, everyone, for sharing your progress, I appreciate! You are doing great, let's keep up the good pace. Those who just started because of the circumstances – looking forward to seeing your results as well, enjoy the process and share your impressions! If you feel burnt out, it is okay! Take a break to recharge your batteries and come back to us. I'm telling you this because I tend to get burnt out from stitching similar things too, and it was hard for me to keep working the green leaves non-stop. If I wasn't in charge of the Stitch Along and just stitched purely for my heart's delight, I would take a break from the leaves and get some other areas done and then come back to the leaves. That's my usual pattern of working designs with repeating elements. If you relate, then maybe you can take a break till the next part where we are going to work the flower, and then get back to the leaves. Well, noone knows your stitching habits better than you do, so you do you! Just be comfortable and make sure you enjoy the Stitch Along and don't stress about things :) You still have time to catch up :) If you missed the previous parts, follow these links: Magnolia Stitch Along Part 1 Magnolia Stitch Along Part 2 There's not much else to say, so shall we start now? Green Leaves Part 2 Last time we worked 4 leaves, starting from the one closest to the flower on the right and proceeding clockwise. Today we are going to work 4 more leaves until we complete this part of the design. Just like last time, we are using threads A, B, C, D, E, F from the index page, with 1 strand in the needle. And we will apply satin stitch and long and short stitch techniques. Leaf #5 1. For this leaf we have two patches of thread B and C on one of the sides, so first we can work these areas. 2. Then add the darker E color. Complete the whole first row in this color, leaving a bit of free space closer to the central vein. 3. And now we can complete this side of the leaf by throwing in color F along the whole side of it. 4. For the other side, work a row of stitches in color D first, avoiding the tip of the leaf. And then add the second row of color C there, including the tip of the leaf. 5. I am not sure if color B is present there, but I think it would do no harm adding it first and then laying the lightest A color on top of it. That's what I did. It might not be as distinct, because the row of B thread was not really complete, there were scarce stitches thrown here and there just to tone down the inclusion of the whighter color. Leaf #6 1. This leaf reminds of the 4th one a little with its angles. We work one of the sides in the threads B and A first. 2. Adding scarce stitches in thread C first, and then completing this side of the leaf by working long and short stitch in thread D. 3. There is a spot of thread D in the corner of the other side of the leaf, so work it first and then start adding thread C to continue the first row of stitches. 4. Complete the leaf by working a row of long and short stitches in thread B. Leaf #7 1. On the right side, work the area closer to the tip of the leaf in satin stitch turning it into long and short stitch as you go further, using thread B. 2. Add sporadic stitches in thread C here and there. 3. The common behavior of color on this side of the leaf is that we continue the first row of stitches with a new color and then it washes over the previous one. So, after the steps 1 and 2, you need to add thread D to the first row and then add long and short stitches over the B+C duo. Then do the same with color E: continue the first row for a bit and then add long and short stitches over the area of D color. 4. In the end, use thread F to complete the first row and then work long and short stitching on top of the whole first row of the stitches. Along the whole side. 5. For the other side, make a row of slanted parallel stitches in thread E. 6. Then proceed with the second row of long and short stitches in color C. 7. The view of the completed leaf. Leaf #8 1. You can work the “independent” areas of colors first: C and D on the left side and B and E on the right side. 2. Next, on the left side, add a row of long and short stitches in thread E starting at the tip of the leaf and going down to its base. 3. Sorry for the messed up angle of the picture, but hope it is clear enough to see the areas of color, haha. So, that's it! The green leaves are complete now, next stop is the Magnolia bloom! It's going to be preeetty :) By the way! You might notice that I omitted some details for now, like working the veins of the leaves and the folded parts – it is because I worked them in the very end. If you don't want to leave these things until last and feel like completing it now, go ahead! Hope to see more feedback on this part :) Write me how things are going for you, where you are standing at currently, how difficult it is and if you need anything, even if it is just some moral support, okay? I love how you guys support each other here and on Instagram, it is really heartwarming :) Part 4 Part 5

Free hand embroidery project: easy rose embroidery pattern and tutorial

Before we start, an important announcement! I'm having a SALE in my Etsy shop: everything is down 15% until the end of March. Hurry up to make your purchase, especially if you already have my designs in the cart! Now, let's get back to the topic :) When you work long and short stitch, one of your main goals should be the correct direction of your stitches. As long as you achieve that, the surface of your stitching will be smooth, and the blending will be easier. Here are two examples. On the left is what my long and short stitch looks like nowadays, and where I'm paying attention to the direction of stitches. On the right is the result of me channeling my former confused beginner self, where I would easily put stitches in the wrong direction. To get my point across better, here are both of the examples with “guiding lines” drawn over the stitching. Take a closer look yourself, first, and try to see the difference in stitching. {ay attention to the direction of my stitches in both examples. Now, a large part of the improvement is due to practicing, of course. But even when you are a beginner and don't have big baggage of worked long and short stitching, there are still some tips for you! Tips for correct direction of stitches 1. Drawing guiding lines First of all, you can draw the guiding lines right on the ground fabric. Often times, authors of embroidery designs already provide you with directions of stitches in their diagrams. But you can also draw it yourself. I usually draw them myself with a standard pencil because it leaves me with more freedom – I can draw as many guiding lines as I need. And sometimes, the way I “feel” the shape, would be slightly different than how the author sees it so I may draw them differently. And I think that's valid too. If in your mind the “strokes” of stitches lie differently, I would recommend following your guts. It would be easier for you to work because otherwise, you would have a slight dissonance between what you see on the diagram and in your mind. 2. Guiding stitches When you gain a bit more experience, you will probably start choosing only one: either drawing guiding lines, or working guiding stitches. However, in the beginning, you might make use of both, actually. The more detailed is your “planning” of stitching, the less confused you will be about the direction of stitches. Then you start filling the space between the guiding stitches. You can make the guiding stitches for each of the rows of long and short stitching. Another way of working guiding stitches is to use running stitching as your guiding lines. It works just as well. Except, that it would be more convenient to work in 1 color, of course. And if you plan to use several colors to create a blending effect, that might be a problem. Otherwise, if you're using long and short stitch as a filler in 1 color, or if your blending is more “vertical” and you don't mind throwing some colors here and there, then there is no harm at all. 3 Pulling the working thread to find the right direction When you are confused about where you should insert the needle for your stitch to lie perfectly in line with the one from the previous row, you can pull the working end of thread and then insert the needle at the suitable point. I constantly use this method, it's like a norm. And because of that I don't always draw guiding lines on the fabric. This way of pulling thread is quite enough. However, there can be different situations. This method largely suits the situation when you need to lay your stitches along straight lines. But the shape could have some curves, it can be round or oval, and then this method would be less helpful. Nevertheless, it is still a great habit to develop and make use of! So here is the finished result of the heart with “correct” direction of stitches. How about seeing the process of working the other one? Here is me, not using any guiding lines, but just working some stitches over the outline. At first glance, it might not seem too bad. But if you look closer and try to continue the lines of the stitches in your mind, you would notice how some of them are bound to cross. Which is not very good. When you start working the second row, the problem becomes more evident. You see how the direction of stitches is changing all the time? Well, I put myself a goal to complete the shape no matter what, while still imagining myself a confused beginner stitcher, and here is the result. Take a closer look at the stitches' direction to understand the difference with another heart. I mean, it actually isn't that bad. The shape is complete and the colors are there. If you look at it from a distance you might not even notice any problem. But there is still room for improvement too. So, I hope today's tips will be helpful in your next project! Check all the previous posts under the tag “needlepainting tips” for more advice!

9026 views on Imgur: The magic of the Internet

4793 views on Imgur: The magic of the Internet

Вышивка гладью невероятно популярна, поэтому многим рукодельницам так хочется овладеть этой техникой. В нашей статье…

I added a tutorial how to make the rose. I have made the roses by hand. Pattern

Mes broderies, mes ouvrages de couture, mes recettes, mes fleurs, mes trouvailles !