Why Everyone Should Give Embroidery a Chance

It may come as a surprise if you haven't been stitching for long, but we're one of the very few sewing kit companies that creates both embroidery and needlepoint kits. Historically, that's been quite uncommon, with most companies choosing to specialise in one or the other. We see things a little differently - if it involves a needle and thread, we're interested!

This separation between needlepoint and embroidery is particularly evident in the US, where needlepointers don't usually do embroidery, and embroiderers don't usually do needlepoint. Those who happily cross between the two are considered a rare breed, to the point that you'll generally find the products sold in completely different shops.

Unfortunately, embroidery has gained a bit of a reputation for being too difficult, too fiddly or simply uninspiring. As much as we try our hardest to convince loyal needlepointers to give embroidery a chance, we know our efforts might seem futile. However, we'll never give up hope!

So in this article, we want to talk about why this is, and why we believe everyone should approach embroidery with an open mind.

We might be stating the obvious here, but if you've never tried either needlepoint or embroidery, there are a few key differences worth knowing about. Some are technical, some relate to the stitching process, and some are simply practical.

The main technical difference is the material you're stitching on, and the threads you use. Needlepoint is stitched on canvas, which is pre-holed and typically comes in 10, 13 or 18 HPI (holes per inch). These canvases are incredibly durable and hard-wearing, with evenly spaced holes that make it easy to place each stitch precisely. Embroidery, on the other hand, is stitched onto closely woven fabrics such as linen or cotton. Rather than following pre-made holes, you create each stitch by bringing the needle through the fabric wherever it's needed, giving you far more flexibility and freedom. Embroidery is usually worked with stranded cotton, while needlepoint typically uses wool or thicker yarns that provide fuller coverage of the canvas.

Also to note is that the needles are different, too. Embroidery uses a sharp needle, as it needs to pierce the tightly woven fabric without damaging it. Depending on the stitch you're using, the needle may have a smaller or larger eye, but it will always have a sharp point. Needlepoint, on the other hand, uses a tapestry needle with a blunt tip. The large eye accommodates thicker wool, while the blunt point glides through the pre-made holes in the canvas rather than piercing the material. It may seem like a small difference, but it's fundamental to how each craft is stitched.

The next difference is what you're stitching your design with. Usually needlepoint is stitched with wool, while embroidery is stitched with stranded cotton. Wool is thicker, with a slightly rougher texture, making it ideal for covering canvas quickly and creating durable, hard-wearing pieces. Cotton thread, on the other hand, is finer, softer and has a gentle sheen, allowing for much more delicate detail.

The process differences come down to the time each craft takes and the level of concentration required. Embroidery projects are often quicker to complete, but they do demand a little more attention. As there aren't pre-made holes to guide your needle, you need to think about where each stitch begins and ends. You'll also usually be working with a variety of stitches, each with its own technique. Needlepoint, on the other hand, is wonderfully repetitive. The canvas tells you exactly where each stitch should go, making it an incredibly meditative craft. Once you've settled into the rhythm, you can almost stitch on autopilot, with the biggest decision usually being which colour of wool to pick up next.

And we often think of embroidery as the perfect companion to an audiobook or the radio. It gives your hands something to do while your eyes stay happily occupied. Needlepoint, meanwhile, is ideal for an evening in front of the television or a film.

There are practical differences between needlepoint and embroidery, too. Needlepoint is incredibly hard-wearing, making it the ideal choice for functional pieces such as cushions, footstools and Christmas stockings that are designed to be used and enjoyed for years. Embroidery, on the other hand, is not so durable and as such, is better suited to framed art.

Over the years, embroidery has gained a bit of an unfair reputation. If you've never tried it before, it's easy to see why. For a long time, the market has been dominated by very simple kits with generic designs that are stitched, left in the hoop and... well, that's about it.

Embroidery can also seem intimidating. There are hundreds, if not thousands, of different stitches, endless thread combinations and no neatly spaced holes to guide your needle as there are in needlepoint. From the outside looking in, it can appear far more complicated than it actually is.

Then there's the fact that many stitchers simply don't feel the need to try something new. If you've found a craft you love, why venture into unfamiliar territory? Completely understandable!

Perhaps the biggest misconception, though, is that embroidery isn't particularly artistic. Many people picture the mass-produced kits sold by the thousand online, with predictable quotes and uninspiring motifs, and assume that's what embroidery is. Unfortunately, those kits have become the public face of the craft.

We can proudly say - that is NOT The Fabled Thread!

The reason we started the business was because we believed there was room for something different. We wanted to create embroidery kits that felt like genuine pieces of art rather than just something to keep your hands busy. Beautiful designs, carefully considered colour palettes and projects that you'd actually be proud to frame and hang on your wall. For us, embroidery isn't old-fashioned or naff - it's one of the most creative textile arts there is. And once you look beyond the clichés, it's full of freedom and expression.