Discover calm, creativity and connection with hand embroidery. Stitching is fun and relaxing. There’s a technique for everyone, from cross-stitch and counted thread, to goldwork, needlelace and silk shading.
Easy to Start
- Fabric – cotton and linen are favorites, but anything works if you can put a needle through it!
- Thread – stranded cotton floss from DMC is a great starting point
- Needle – a size 5 works well for most hand stitching
- A hoop – A 5-inch wooden hoop is quite versatile
- Embroidery scissors
- Pattern and tracing supplies. We love drawing patterns onto fabric using Frixion gel pens, as their ink disappears with heat.
Join Us
Stitch-in-Public. Ask us about stitching when we Stitch-in-Public at libraries, major book stores, coffee shops, museums and other locations in Maine and New Hampshire. See beautiful work in progress, learn some basic stitches and take home a kit with instructions and all materials to get started.
In-person Workshops. We offer learn-to-stitch programs for youth and adults in Maine and New Hampshire. The beginner-friendly workshops provide step-by-step, hands-on instruction and all materials.
Acorn Thread Painting from The Crewel Ghoul
Heart Canvas Work by Catherine Jordan
Elephant from RikRak Embroidery
Click on an image to link to the project
Start Stitching
- Download a free project from the Embroiderers’ Guide of America
- View stitch diagrams and videos on the Royal School of Needlework Stitch Bank
- Sign up for a monthly email stitching newsletter with helpful tips, exciting classes, fun patterns and EGA updates
- Join an EGA stitch-a-long. New projects each month!
Enjoy your embroidery adventure! Let us know how it goes!
Last Updated 1/3/2026