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Crafts

Beginner embroidery.

Stitch a simple heart outline in a small hoop using one basic embroidery stitch.

Makes
1 small embroidered hoop
Hands-on
1–2 hours
Total time
1–2 hours
Effort
Some practice
Start the project ↓Buy premade ↓

GET WHAT YOU NEED

Your shopping list

For 1 small embroidered hoop.

Plain woven cotton

1 piece about 10 inches square

Unbleached 100% cotton muslin fabric, 63 in×2 yd

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Six-strand cotton embroidery floss

1 skein

Six-strand cotton embroidery floss, 50 colors

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Water-soluble fabric marker

A little for the outline

Mr. Pen Water-soluble Fabric Markers, 5 count

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Test on a scrap first. Remove marks with water before ironing; heat can set the ink.

Amounts are what the project uses, not package sizes. Compare quantities and product details before buying.

KEEP IT SIMPLE

Tools & supplies

6-inch embroidery hoop

Holds fabric taut.

Wood embroidery hoops, 6 inches, pack of 2

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STEP BY STEP

Put it together

  1. Draw

    Draw a simple heart about 3 inches wide on the fabric. Test the washable marker on a scrap first.

  2. Hoop

    Center fabric over the inner ring; fit the outer ring and tighten. Smooth it taut without stretching the weave.

  3. Thread

    Cut about 18 inches of floss. Separate three strands, thread the needle and knot the end.

  4. Backstitch

    Bring needle up on the outline and down one short stitch ahead. Come up another stitch ahead, then go back into the previous endpoint. Repeat around the heart.

  5. Finish

    Secure thread under stitches on the back. Remove marker according to its label, dry and re-hoop.

Good to know

  • Use shorter stitches on tight curves.
  • Do not pull hard enough to gather the fabric. A sampler is a good place to practice before clothing.

SAVE THE MAKING

Prefer it ready-made?

Compare these finished options with making your own.

Finished embroidered hoop art

Ready to hang; check that the listing is finished art rather than a kit.

Heartfelt Collection Two Hearts Embroidered Hoop Art, 8 inches

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This finished embroidered hoop was temporarily out of stock when checked.

Links go to the selected products. Availability and delivery vary by location; check the current listing and package size before ordering.

Sources & further reading

Independent instructions informed by the sources below. No affiliation or endorsement is implied. These instructions have not been kitchen- or workshop-tested by DIBuyIt.

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