Favorite Tools
There are so many tools out there for Stitchers so I encourage you to shop around and find your favorites that fit your style and needs. It always helps me to know precisely what other people are using as a starting point so I created this lit for that purpose. These are just the tools that I have found to be my current favorites.
Hoops:
To be honest, I just but a handful of hoops everytime I pop into Joanns or Michaels. If you are doing something really special though, there are some options of hoop frames that are really lovely.
I like Happy Hoolpla Hoops and Modern Hoopla and Auburn Hoops.
Fabric:
When I first began, I bought three yards of a cotton linen mix from Fabric Bubb, as per the recommendation of Lark Rising. I still haven’t run out of it! Otherwise I have embroidered on Jeans and a few remnants I have found at the fabric store. The sky is the limit here.
Needles:
This is a hard one since everyone needs and likes different needles. I personally use three different sizes.
Primarily, I use a big darning needle (I think), as my all around favorite. I have big hands (I’m 6 feet tall) and teeny tiny needles are really hard for me to use. It can easily hold 6 strands.
If I’m doing more detailed work, I use a smaller one that will easily hold 3 strands.
Lastly, for adding beads, I just found a needle that was the biggest one that could fit through my beads from a bunch of needles I had in my sewing box.
I wish I could tell you exactly what each needle is specifically but realistically, you need to hop over to a physical store and feel and size them for yourself.
Thread:
I use the old standby: DMC
Scissors:
I’m obsessed with my Kelmscott Designs 2.5" Putford Scissors in the Primitive color.*
For cutting my fabric, I just use an inexpensive pair I purchased at Michaels but I am very careful about only using it on fabric, to preserve its sharpness.
I also have these, and these. Both of which I use and love.*
Bobbins and Thread Organizers:
I use these to organize my thread. I have 3: one for cool colors, one for warm colors, and one for specialty threads like satin and metallic.*
Design Transfer Tools:
Black Erasable Pen and White Pen.*
Other Tools I use:
This embroidery stand, which is super helpful to combat elbow pain as well as assist in making much better french knots.
Hairdryer for removing my black ink when I finish my work.
iPad pro with Procreate for design and concepts.
Small flat magnets to hold my needles while I’m working.