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My tips for choosing your ideal design
How many times have you felt that there are so many wonderful patterns that you don’t know which one to start with? It’s happened to all of us, and I’m sure you’re not surprised that we all have more patterns in our drawers than we can embroider. However, when we’re looking for something specific, we always go back to searching for the perfect pattern, and the truth is that choosing the right design can transform the experience into something relaxing, creative and very, very personal.
Below, I share some tips—from my perspective as an embroiderer and designer—to help you find that pattern that will excite you from the first stitch to the last.
1. Start with your skill level
It may seem obvious that your level of experience is a very important factor when embarking on a project, but we must consider that for a beginner, distinguishing between easy and complicated, without any reference, is not so simple.
If you are just starting out, I recommend beginning with small designs, with few colours, large blocks of colour and no special stitches: just cross-stitch. A well-explained pattern makes all the difference and will give you the confidence to enjoy every stage of the embroidery. Once you gain experience, you can venture into patterns that contain linear stitches, isolated cross stitches (also called popcorn stitches) and other more complex stitches. Just make sure that the pattern explains how to do these stitches and remember to practise them on a piece of scrap fabric before transferring them to your fabric.
If you already have a lot of experience or are an adventurous needleworker who doesn’t mind taking risks, you can try more elaborate patterns: fine details, fractional stitches, metallic or special effect threads, or beads and sequins… the list is endless. The key is no longer your level of experience, but whether the design suits what you feel like embroidering right now, the excitement it inspires and how you feel about the project.
2. Choose according to the purpose 🎁
Do you want to embroider something for your home? For that special corner? As a gift? To use?
If it is the purpose that drives you to look for a design, think about the environment of that purpose. If you want a decorative motif, think about the colours of your home, that room or the space where you want to see it finished. Play with those colours, use similar or contrasting colours so that it fits in well with its surroundings.
If the project is practical, such as a biscornu, a scissor holder or a Christmas ornament, go for the one you love and make sure the pattern includes assembly instructions.
And if it’s a gift, think about the person: their style, their tastes, their colours. Embroidering with someone in mind transforms the design into a soulful keepsake, and there are no better gifts than those!
3. Check your materials… and make use of your leftovers! 🌿
Before you start choosing a design, check what you already have and look for a pattern that suits them. Above all, consider your scraps of fabric and threads. Make use of what you have; don’t discard leftovers from previous projects. With small scraps and leftover threads, you can create treasures: a charming biscornu, a personalised bookmark… you don’t need large quantities of anything, just love and creativity, and you’re sure to have plenty of that! You’ll also have the satisfaction of knowing that reusing materials is not only practical, but also a loving and sustainable way to embroider.
4. Adapt the design to your time availability ⏳
If you’re short on time these days, looking for a quick break between two major projects, or planning a project to take with you on holiday, choose a small project. Seeing it progress in just a few sessions is especially satisfying.
If, on the other hand, you prefer to start with a more extensive project, choose a pattern that fulfils you and select one with a higher level of detail to keep you entertained, but above all, plan ahead. A comfortable place to embroider, a comfortable frame, good organisation of the threads or the use of digital tools will make the process much more enjoyable.
5. Escucha a tu estilo personal 💖
Bordar es, sobre todo, una forma de expresarse, una manera de contar quién somos. Sigue tu gusto: si te atraen las flores, los colores intensos o los pasteles, los motivos geométricos o paisajísticos, déjate llevar por eso.
Un diseño que conecta contigo, no te cansará, y te mantendrá ilusionada durante todo el proceso. Y si estás bordado para otra persona, pensar en su mundo y personalidad hará que ese bordado sea aún más especial.
Are you ready to start your next project?
I hope these tips have helped you clarify your ideas. If you’re looking for inspiration, you can visit my shop, where you’ll find patterns organised by project type, style and difficulty level
Happy embroidering and thank you for being here!
