29 easy embroidery ideas for beginners
Looking to start your embroidery journey or want a quick and refreshing project to make? These easy embroidery ideas are simple to make and can be completed in just a few hours. Perfect for beginners or those wanting a relaxing pattern to stitch.
Every project in our round-up is straightforward to access. You’ll find a range of projects from talented designers right here on Gathered and in the Gathered Shop, plus a few extra designs from our trusted crafty friends.
These simple embroidery ideas are suitable for complete beginners and should help you on your way to becoming an embroidery pro! Most of the projects focus on a single stitch, so you can master certain key stitches while creating beautiful patterns.
We’ve included a range of project types, so you don’t have to stick to the traditional hoop finish. Try your hand at updating tote bags and clothing, as even a small design can breathe life into an old item.
29 easy embroidery ideas to stitch this weekend
1. DIY cushion embroidery
If you love the idea of using your embroidery skills to transform your home, then this is the perfect quick project for you. Using only three stitch types, create this modern design to spice up your cushion covers!
Try the DIY cushion embroidery with Gathered
2. Rainbow pin badge
Spread positive vibes with a cute rainbow pin badge. It comes from the Top 50 Stitches Embroidery Special Edition, which was first published in Love Embroidery magazine issue 16 and is now available from the Gathered Shop.
In the collection you'll find easy-to-follow tutorials for 50 essential embroidery techniques – perfect to get you started with this fantastic craft!
Buy the Top 50 Stitches guide from the Gathered Shop
3. Easy embroidery ideas: cacti!
These botanical cuties can be whipped up in no time thanks to their small size. Choose from a trio of easy embroidery ideas, one of which will even help you get accustomed to applique. All of the designs use basic stitches that we have handy tutorials for here on Gathered.
Find this Mini cactus embroidery pattern on Gathered
4. Embroidery letters
You might feel intimidated by lettering, but this project is so simple even beginners can give it a try. The majority of the stitching is Satin Stitch, a really useful stitch which is easy to learn (we have a full tutorial for this too). You’ll create a lovely banner to decorate your space.
Stitch an Embroidery letters banner with Gathered
5. Sparkling spiderweb embroidery pattern
Add a new dimension to your embroidery with tiny twinkling beads. In this eye-catching spiderweb pattern from Jenni Davis they look just like dewdrops! This beautiful effect is easy to create – even for beginners.
Buy the Sparkling spiderweb embroidery pattern from the Gathered Shop
6. Lazy daisy stitch project
Each time you learn a new stitch, another creative door opens! The Lazy Daisy Stitch is an easy one to learn, and we even have a helpful video for you to follow. It’s one of only two stitches required for this cute project, the other being a little bit of Backstitch for the lettering.
Have a go at this Lazy Daisy Stitch project with Gathered
7. ‘Let’s do this’ motivational embroidery hoop
Need a little motivation to get going on your next embroidery project? Be one step ahead with this easy embroidery idea!
The focus of this project is Split Stitch, a handy little technique which is ideal for outlines and lettering (and a bit thicker than Backstitch).
Make a Motivational hoop with Gathered
8. Christmas tree decorations
Deck the halls with embroidered decorations! Georgie Emery's beginner-friendly pattern includes three gingerbread-inspired motifs for you to stitch in white thread on biscuit-coloured felt. They'd look lovely on your tree, or could be used as party favours, place settings and more.
Buy the Gingerbread biscuit style Christmas tree decorations from the Gathered Shop
9. Easy brooches
In this tutorial you’ll learn the Woven Wheel Stitch, it’s so easy yet so beautiful! It will allow you to create pretty details quickly, like roses. Once you’ve mastered the stitch you can use it on all sorts of projects.
Stitch these Easy brooches with Gathered
10. Firework display embroidery pattern
Try stitching on dark fabric for a night-time design that really stands out. Beads and sequins add a sparkly finishing touch to these fantastic fireworks from Jenni Davis.
Buy the Firework display embroidery hoop pattern from the Gathered Shop
11. Easy embroidered scarf
Refreshing old clothes with even simple embroidery patterns can create a whole new look. Embroidering your clothes is a fun way to use your skills in a practical way!
Find our Embroidered scarf tutorial on Gathered
12. Modern cat embroidery
Of course, we had to include a kitty in our round-up! This pattern is probably the simplest on our whole list. It uses only one stitch: Back Stitch. It’s a really easy embroidery idea but looks cute on a t-shirt or jumper.
Try this Simple cat embroidery by Swoodson Says
13. Simple floral t-shirt embroidery
If you’re looking for a stylish and modern way to add a touch of fun to your plain t-shirts, this is the pattern for you! A quick rose and leaf outline is so minimal yet so impactful.
This easy embroidery idea only uses one basic stitch (which works great for clothing), and there’s a quick video guide should you need it.
Learn how to make an Embroidered t-shirt with Cutesy Crafts
14. Romantic text embroidery pattern
Master embroidered lettering and send a sweet message to a loved one with these Valentine's hoops from Jessie Newton. They're easy to embroider with just one simple stitch – and you can also use metallic thread for extra shine.
Buy the Romantic text embroidery pattern from the Gathered Shop
15. Embroidery stitch hoop
Once you’ve stitched this design, keep it by your side for quick reference when working on a project! It will not only help you practise different stitches but jog your memory when it comes to using them.
Try this Embroidery stitch reference guide from Cutesy Crafts
Embroidery for beginners
Our beginner's guide to embroidery is a great way to get going with this fun craft. It contains everything you need to know about starting your first project plus lots of helpful hints and tips from the experts.
16. Modern plant embroidery
Celebrate your love of plants with this beautifully modern design. Although the design is larger than others on this list, it still uses basic stitches so is still suitable for a beginner.
Go green with this Plant embroidery design from Love Crafts
17. Koi pond embroidery
Quick, simple and modern. This minimal Koi design packs a punch and is a real head-turner in any home. Leave it in the hoop, mount it in a frame or stitch it onto a t-shirt.
Find this Koi embroidery design on Love Crafts
18. Simple mountain embroidery
Use black stitches to create a beautiful mountain and sun design. This easy embroidery idea requires the knowledge of only one stitch and is quick to make.
It looks fabulous on tote bags, cushions or even a t-shirt. DMC has lots more easy embroidery ideas for you to browse through too.
Make a Mountain embroidery with DMC
19. Wildflower embroidery motifs
These gorgeous floral and foliage motifs can be created using a mix of just six beginner-friendly embroidery stitches. Designed by Jessie Doe, they're perfect for decorating aprons, t-shirts and table linens to make lovely gifts for friends and family.
Buy the Wildflower embroidery motifs from the Gathered Shop
20. Constellation embroidery
Recreate the starry night in stitches. The design features all twelve star sign constellations in a simple line design. Update a tote bag to give it a new lease of life with this lovely pattern.
Show you’re a star with this Constellation embroidery from DMC
21. Daisy embroidery
Learning how to stitch flowers is a great skill. They are used in a wide variety of designs and can add an extra dimension to your work – plus they look so pretty! These delicate daisies are quick to stitch and will help you practise French Knots.
Try some Daisy embroidery with Crewel Ghoul
22. Cactus embroidery
Make your embroidery fun! This particular easy embroidery idea only uses one stitch type, so it’s really easy to have a go at. You’ll have the chance to practise both outlines and lettering.
Get all spiky with this Cactus embroidery from Flamingo Toes
23. Bumblebee embroidery
Have a go at this quick and simple embroidery design! This bee design only uses a couple of easy stitches and would look fab on a tote bag or t-shirt.
You can find this Bee embroidery from Bees Knees Industries
24. 9 animal-inspired easy embroidery ideas
These cute embroidery designs are the ideal starting point for complete newbies. They are so straightforward, even kids should be able to have a go. There’s a variety of animals to choose from, and you can even practise different stitch types if you are feeling adventurous.
Try these Cute animal embroidery designs from So What Simple
25. Stitch the clouds
Delicate, modern and simple. This beautiful embroidery pattern might be small but it’s so eye-catching. Once you’ve mastered this easy embroidery design, you can incorporate it into larger work, or update totes and clothing.
Use our how to make embroidered placemats tutorial and stitch your own sky
26. Embroider a case for your scissors
This sweet tutorial will show you how to master the fern stitch. It's much simpler than it looks and is perfect for decorative stitching. You can then use your new skill to create this lovely scissors case.
Master fern stitch embroidery and make a scissor case with Gathered
27. Practical and easy embroidery ideas
We love an embroidery project which has a practical purpose! Learn how to stitch these handy laundry bags right here on Gathered. This project only uses one stitch and can be embroidered onto any drawstring bags you already have.
Learn how to do satin stitch here on Gathered and make these bags!
28. Easy embroidery ideas using card
This is an incredible easy embroidery idea because it enables you to punch holes along your design, creating a template for you to follow.
Meredith Crawford shows you how to design the pretty notebook fronts, then fill your punched holes with a simple embroidery stitch. This is a great project for introducing kids to embroidery.
Learn how to make embroidered notebooks here on Gathered
29. Buzzing meadow bumblebee pattern
Ready to take on a bigger challenge? Try this pretty bumblebee design by Georgie Emery, which comes with in-depth instructions to help you master 9 essential embroidery stitches. With a bit of patience a beginner can easily accomplish it too!
Buy the Buzzing meadow bumblebee pattern from the Gathered Shop
Take your time and stitch our easy embroidery ideas
Being new to a craft need not be frustrating. Our easy embroidery ideas will give you a solid grounding in embroidery and get you familiar with the feeling of stitching.
Master the key stitches and techniques and you’ll be able to take on most beginner-friendly projects, before working your way up to more challenging embroidery designs.
Keep your stitch guide on hand!
One of the most helpful things to do when you are new to embroidery is to keep a stitch key on hand! You can quickly refer back to it when starting a project, and it will make you feel more confident in trying new stitches.
Our helpful guide to embroidery stitches covers all of the key stitches and gives you a handy guide to each one – we’ve even suggested some free projects to try them out on.
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