25 embroidery kits and patterns for beginners

If you're new to the world of embroidery then you're in the right place! We've chosen our favourite embroidery kits for beginners which are the perfect starting point for any new stitcher, as they often contain all the materials you'll need. If you prefer to build your own kit you'll find everything you need to get started right here, plus 10 free patterns for your to try (of course suitable for beginners).

Why start with an embroidery kit?

A kit contains all of the materials you need to start stitching, you don't need to faff around looking for the correct thread and needles. Embroidery kits are often designed with beginners in mind, so will contain helpful instructions and even tips and tricks. If you're brand new to embroidery, we have a helpful guide for you on embroidery for beginners.

25 Embroidery kits and patterns for beginners

If you want to make starting an embroidery project easy peasy then one of these embroidery kits for beginners will be perfect. They contain everything you need to start stitching as soon as it arrives!

1. Plant embroidery kit for beginners

Try your hand at this beautifully modern plant embroidery kit, it is stylish and on-trend and we absolutely love it. This lovely kit is suitable for beginners as it comes accompanied by an instruction manual for embroidery, illustrations of how to do each stitch, and of course everything you need to complete the finished hoop!

The fabric is pre-printed with the design, so you won't have to worry about transferring it yourself. Once you've completed the embroidery why not hang it up in your bedroom or living room or give it as a thoughtful gift to a friend?

2. Floral embroidery kit for beginners

Check out this simple yet elegant set of three embroidery designs. In this kit, you'll receive absolutely everything you need to complete all three designs, even scissors and a pin cushion! This kit will surely prepare you for other embroidery projects too. Each design is pre-printed onto the fabric ready for stitching, simply pop into the embroidery hoop and get going.

3. Cushion embroidery kit for beginners

This lovely embroidery starter kit is a great, simple project and comes with everything you need to embroider a floral cushion, from the embroidery threads and pattern to the cushion pad.

Buy it now from HobbyCraft,£43.25

4. Cat and embroidery kit for beginners

Hawthorn Handmade has created this beginner-friendly cat embroidery kit. It's the perfect starting point for somebody new to embroidery as it will help you to learn 15 key stitches all in one lovely design.

Buy it now, Love Crafts

5. Cat tote kit for beginners

This kit includes everything you need to create this embroidered cat tote. Stitch one as a treat for yourself or gift the kit to a crafty, cat-loving friend! The kit includes everything you need including a 100% natural cotton tote bag with a pre-printed design.

Buy it now from, Etsy

6. Felt embroidered pouch kit

This folk-inspired pouch would make a meaningful gift for a family member or friend. Suitable for stitchers of all levels and guaranteed to get you hooked on embroidery! Everything you need to make the pouch is included in the kit including felt, DMC embroidery thread, a needle, a button and an unpicker (just encase!).

7. Cherry blossom embroidery kit for beginners

This beautiful Cherry Blossom embroidery starter kit has a 3-D feel to it. The design is stitched on top of a printed panel for a life-like effect. The kit contains a 6-inch embroidery hoop, pre-printed fabric, padding, embroidery thread, needles and full instructions.

Buy it now from Etsy

8. Hummingbird embroidery kit for beginners

A DIY kit for modern hand embroidery. This unique paisley hummingbird design would make a great gift, either as a kit or stitched up and ready to display. Perfect for beginners, the design features ten embroidery stitches so you can learn new stitches while making a piece of art. Everything you need to stitch the design is included in the kit, including a working hoop and a display hoop.

Buy now from Etsy, £21.50

9. Woman with flowers embroidery kit for beginners

This ultra-modern floral artwork is the perfect starter kit for anyone looking to delve into the world of embroidery. This statement piece would look amazing hanging up in any modern home. In the kit, you'll receive everything you need to create three beautiful designs. Once you've finished display them as a set, or give to friends and family as a thoughtful gift.

10. Embroidery kit for beginners floral bunches

We cannot get enough of these botanical embroidery patterns! Containing two modern floral patterns, this kit is a fabulous starting point for beginners due to its straightforward nature and in-depth guide. Thanks to the pre-printed fabric you won't have to worry about transferring your design either.

11. Doodle embroidery kit

This modern doodle embroidery kit works well for beginners as it only needs four stitches, each of which you are able to practice in a fun and simple way. Not only does allow you to improve your technique but you're also left with a unique hoop to hang!

Buy it now from Love Crafts

12. Penguin embroidery kit for beginners

Stitch up this cosy penguin in his woolly jumper and you'll be hooked on embroidery. With pre-printed fabric and straightforward instructions even the newest of stitchers will enjoy this pattern.

Buy it now from Love Crafts

13. Geometric embroidery kit trio

Try your hand at geometric-style embroidery patterns. These patterns only use Satin Stitch, a simple stitch used for filling larger areas. The kit includes three patterns; a flamingo, a unicorn and a hummingbird!

14. Bee embroidery kit for beginners

This lovely unique bee design is perfect for beginners, simple yet modern. The bee embroidery would look fab in any home - and would make a thoughtful gift for any nature lovers. The kit comes complete with all the tools you need plus a pre-printed canvas.

Buy it now from Love Crafts

15. Sloth embroidery kit for beginners

Who doesn't love a sloth? Did you know because they move so slowly algae grows on their fur which is excellent for keeping them camouflaged? Well, now you can stitch your very own slow friend to keep you company. This pattern involves a wide variety of stitches which is ideal for practising.

Buy it now from Etsy, £19.00+

Free embroidery patterns for beginners

If you want to source your own kit (or already have done so) you can try out some of our lovely embroidery patterns for beginners. Find 10 free patterns below to get started on today.

What do I need to start embroidery?

You don't need a lot to get started on your first embroidery project. The four main tools you'll need are listed below:

1. Fabric
2. Embroidery threads
3. Embroidery hoop
4. Embroidery needles

For more information on tools and techniques, visit our embroidery for beginners guide.

16. Woodgrain embroidery pattern for beginners

If you’re new to embroidery and are looking for a project to get you started this is the one for you. Jeni Grissom from Clover Lane Boutique has created this free hand embroidery pattern for beginners which makes the perfect wedding gift for any brides-to-be.

The woodgrain effect gives an instant homely feel and Jeni shows you how her free-hand embroidery pattern can add a little spark to soft furnishings. It’s a classic romantic gesture – etching your initials or a message of love into the wood.

Her graffiti-free declaration can be adapted. Stitch the words “I do” for new brides, personalise it by adding names inside the heart or simply write “love” for a Valentine’s Day gift.

You will need:

• 33 x 33cm (13 x 13″) piece of fabric
• Washable fabric pen
• Embroidery floss
• Needle
• Embroidery hoop

Step 1

Draw the outline of the tree, the heart and tree knots and then the woodgrain. With woodgrain, inconsistency is the key - it doesn’t need to be perfect.

Step 2

With a few strands of floss, backstitch about 5mm (¼”) from your beginning point. Leave about 5mm (¼”) from the last stitch and come back up through the fabric. Carry on backstitching, making sure your stitches are snug against each other.

Step 3

When you’re getting close to the end of your thread (about 4cm/1.5″), tie it off on the underside of the fabric securely. Rethread and keep stitching.

Step 4

When the stitching is complete, rinse the washable pen from the fabric, iron out the wrinkles and you’re done! You’ve just completed your first embroidery pattern for beginners.

17. Fabric envelope pattern by Mollie Johanson

Ideal for beginners as this pattern only uses four easy stitches. You can use the pattern on anything too, but we'll show you how to make it into a sweet fabric envelope. The design features a seriously cute kawaii-style embroidered locket with blushing cheeks and a cute smile.

Find the Fabric envelope pattern

18. Constellation embroidery patterns

Try your hand at these constellation embroidery patterns, using only a few stitches, you'll be able to whip these up in no time at all. We'll even show you how to do each stitch within the pattern.

Find the Constellation embroidery patterns

19. Ice cream embroidery pattern for beginners

This super cute ice cream embroidery is perfect for beginners! It's tiny yet bold. It features eight miniature ice cream and ice lolly designs all a bright mixture of colours and stitches. You’ll see some firm retro favourites that will certainly bring you some nostalgia (and a craving for a 99), a twister, or maybe both!

Find the ice cream embroidery pattern

20. Lazy daisy pattern

Practice the lazy daisy stitch with this sweet pattern, perfect for the collar of a plain shirt! Once you've found out how to embroider a classic Lazy Daisy stitch. Try stitching our free floral design (by Zoë Patching).

Get the free lazy daisy pattern

21. Easy embroidered pin cushion for beginners

Create this cute pin cushion in no time with our easy tutorial. The project uses Pistil stitch which is an easy-to-learn embroidery stitch that is worked in a similar way to a French knot.

It’s called a pistil as it resembles the pistil of a flower. Learn how to master this clever little stitch, and whip up a cute pin cushion as you go, with our step-by-step guide.

Find the embroidered pin cushion for beginners tutorial

22. Plant bookmark tutorial

Learn fishbone stitch with Mollie Johanson's bookmark template and tutorial. If you've wondered how to embroider leaves, then fishbone stitch is for you! Botanical embroidery is particularly suited to it since you can not only fill in your leaves with colour but also give your stitches direction to make them look more three-dimensional.

Find the plant bookmark tutorial

23. Mug rug the cable chain stitch tutorial

Learn how to master the cable chain stitch with this sweet tutorial to create a mug rug! You'll find out exactly how to do the stitch, then you'll be able to practice your new skills with this fun project.

Find the Mug rug and cable chain stitch tutorial

24. Embroidered cloud placemat tutorial

Find out how to make these beautiful yet simple placemats featuring cloud stitch! We'll take you step-by-step through how to do the stitch, create the clouds and make them into a placemat. Before you know it, your home will be filled with homemade goodies.

Find the Embroidered clouds tutorial

25. DIY brooch embroidery tutorial for beginners

Stitch up these fabulous brooches with our beginner-friendly tutorial. Thanks to the Woven Wheel stitch, embroidering roses is actually surprisingly easy! Using this tutorial, you will learn the stitch, then use it to make some gorgeous DIY brooches - they make fabulous coat accessories or gifts!

Find the DIY brooch embroidery tutorial

Start your journey with an embroidery kit

An embroidery kit is a great way to. get started in this rich craft. Even receiving your kit in the post and opening it to find beautifully organised threads, needles and instructions is so satisfying!

They are a great way of getting a taste of the craft without splurging on an expensive full kit. They can also work particularly well as gifts if you know someone who is crafty but hasn't tried embroidery yet.

What's next in embroidery?

Choose your next project with Gathered in our helpful round-up of the best embroidery designs to inspire your stitching! We've found a huge variety of ideas for you, with projects suited to a range of skill levels.