Embroidery Kits for Beginners: What's in the Box and How They Compare
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Hand embroidery needs only a few tools. A kit takes the guesswork out of the first project. Here's what each kit lists in the box. We haven't stitched them.
What to look for in a kit
- A pre-printed pattern so you're not tracing on day one.
- Floss, needles and a hoop in the box.
- Instructions that teach stitches, ideally with video.
- A stitch sampler if your goal is to learn many stitches rather than finish one picture.
ChicTouches: 22 stitches in three stages
Three patterned fabrics that work through 22 stitching techniques from easy to challenging, with written instructions and videos, 3 bamboo hoops, 6 needles, floss, scissors and a needle threader, per the listing.
ChicTouches Embroidery Kit, 22 Stitches
- 3 patterned fabrics teaching 22 stitches in three levels, per the listing
- 3 bamboo hoops, 6 needles, threads, scissors and a needle threader
- Instructions and videos for each stitch
Bradove: video basics
Patterned fabrics, threads, hoops, needles and a seam ripper, with QR-code video tutorials covering hoops, separating threads, threading, knotting and basic stitches, per the listing.
Bradove Embroidery Learning Kit
- Patterned fabrics, threads, hoops, needles and seam ripper included, per the listing
- Written instructions plus QR-code video tutorials
- Covers hooping, separating threads, knotting and basic stitches
Clever Poppy: stitch sampler
A pre-printed sampler pattern with threads, a wooden hoop, fabric and needles, plus a reference card and video guide, per the listing.
Clever Poppy Stitch Sampler Embroidery Kit
- Pre-printed pattern, threads, wooden hoop, fabric and needles, per the listing
- Reference card and video guide
- Stitch sampler design
Building your own starter set
If you want to pick your own design, you'll need a hoop, floss and needles. DMC's floss is six-strand cotton in 8.7 yard skeins; a multi-color pack is an easy start. A mixed-size hoop set lets you match the hoop to the design.
DMC Embroidery Floss, Popular Colors (36 Skeins)
- 36 skeins, one each of 36 colors, per the listing
- 8.7 yards of divisible 6-strand thread per skein
- Double mercerized; listed as colorfast
Biaungdo Bamboo Embroidery Hoops, 6 Sizes
- One each of 3, 4, 5, 6, 7 and 8 in. hoops, per the listing
- Bamboo with stainless steel screws
- Double-layer, anti-slip design
Two DMC tips for your first session
- Separate the floss. DMC says you usually won't stitch with all six strands. Pull one strand at a time straight up, then recombine.
- Hoop it drum-tight. DMC says the fabric should sound like a drum when tapped, and not to leave work hooped for long.
Next: our how to embroider guide covers the first stitches.
FAQ
What do I need to start?
Patterned fabric, floss, needles, a hoop and small scissors.
Do videos help?
All three kits here list them.
How long should I cut floss?
About 18 inches, per DMC.