Add Hand Embroidery to Clothes and Shoes! It’s Easy!

Getting Started with Hand Embroidery: A Creative Journey You’ll Love

There’s something magical about the simple act of hand embroidery. It’s just you, a needle, and some thread, working together to create something beautiful. Whether you’re adding a delicate floral motif to a tote bag, stitching words of affirmation onto a shirt, or—my favorite—transforming a pair of plain canvas shoes into wearable art, hand embroidery is an easy and rewarding craft that anyone can enjoy.

These are some hand-embroidered shoes I made. The tan pair on the left came from my local thrift store and I jazzed them up. The white pair on the right, I purchased new. I used Missouri Star Peel & Stitch paper to draw my design onto and then stuck them to the shoe and stitched over the paper. When I was done stitching, I got the area wet and the paper dissolved. Easiest thing ever!

What Do You Need to Start?

Hand embroidery is wonderfully accessible—you only need a handful of supplies to get started:

• Embroidery Hoops: These keep your fabric taut and make stitching much easier. Start with a smaller size, like a 6-inch hoop, to keep things manageable.
• Needles: Embroidery needles come in various sizes, but a mixed pack will have you covered for different thread types.
• Fabric: Any fabric can become your canvas! Cotton and linen are great for beginners, but don’t be afraid to experiment with denim, canvas, or even shoes.
• Embroidery Floss: This is the thread of the trade. It comes in a rainbow of colors, so you can find the perfect shade for any project.
• Scissors: A sharp pair of small scissors will make cutting threads a breeze.
• Design Inspiration: You can freehand a design, trace one onto your fabric, or use an iron-on transfer to guide your stitching.

That’s it! With just these simple tools, you’ll be ready to create something beautiful.

This book, The Embroidered Closet by Alexandra Stratkotter is an awesome resource when it comes to adding hand embroidery to thrift store finds! You can find this book on Missouri Star Quilt Co. or click here!

A pair of Converse shoes that I embroidered for my daughter. I love how this pair turned out!

Endless Possibilities with a Needle and Thread

One of my favorite things about hand embroidery is how versatile it is. You can personalize just about anything! Want to elevate a plain pillowcase? Stitch on a floral border. Looking to turn a plain shirt into something special? Embroider a favorite quote or your monogram. Recently, I’ve been obsessed with embroidering on canvas shoes. (Yes, the ones in the photos are mine!) There’s just something so satisfying about taking something ordinary and making it extraordinary.

And let’s talk about gifts—hand embroidery is perfect for heartfelt holiday giving. Stitching someone’s name onto a handkerchief or adding a cheerful design to a tea towel makes for a thoughtful, personal present. Bonus? It’s something they’ll treasure forever because you made it just for them.

A Creative Outlet That’s Easy to Love

Hand embroidery is one of those crafts that’s as relaxing as it is creative. You can do it almost anywhere—on the couch, while traveling, or even during a coffee break. It’s also forgiving! Don’t worry if your stitches aren’t perfect; imperfections only add to the charm.

So grab a hoop, some floss, and your favorite fabric, and let your creativity take the lead. You’ll be amazed at how quickly you fall in love with the process—and at all the ways you can use your new skills to make everyday items extraordinary.

‘Til next time!

Beth

P.S. Don’t forget to check out the Nancy’s Notions homepage! That’s where you can find all of the categories leading you to hundreds, yes, hundreds of articles all about quilting and sewing! I think of our website as a super fun sewing magazine – it’s just online and it’s free! Click here!