In Perth embroidery is a popular pastime. This craft dates back to ancient cultures the world over. Yarn or thread is sewn onto a fabric or base material with a needle, to produce a pattern. These days, embroidery is frequently used on decorative homeware and clothes. It is fairly straightforward to learn basic embroidery, however, it can take many years of practice, dedication and pricked pinkies to become a true expert.

The ancient Egyptians used various types of hand embroidery to beautify the hems of aristocratic robes. It was also used throughout the Victorian and Colonial periods in ladies’ samplers, and throughout the Middle Ages in tapestries. Today, it is still a well-loved form of art. Most people know about counted cross-stitching – an offshoot of hand embroidery — however, it appears as if counted cross-stitching has almost overtaken it. Nonetheless, lots of people still prefer hand embroidery, which features on pillowcases, wall hangings, table runners and quilts.

Typically, topstitch forms are the simplest kind of embroidery for novices to master. Using yarn or thread, any kind of pattern or design can be sewn onto a bottom-weight fabric. People who have sewn things by hand before should have no problem embroidering flowers, letters of the alphabet or simple shapes. While there are more intricate stitching methods, running stitches or basic whipstiches are fine for the majority of designs. Even novices can embroider handkerchiefs with flowers or monogram towels in a few hours.

People new to hand embroidery are advised to begin with small designs, which use cross, lazy daisy and outline stitches. These stitches are the quickest to learn. Satin stitches might feature on some items, however, this should be confined to small spaces. Experienced embroiderers might wish to work with items that use satin stitch predominately, however, this is only for people who have learned it. Although satin stitch is a straightforward concept, making it appear shiny and smooth, with no uneven stitching or gaps, takes time to learn.

Embroidery hoops can be extremely helpful to novice embroiderers. These basic wooden frames, which are usually round, consisting of two connectable rings. Material can be inserted between these rings to keep it taut, flat and still to facilitate embroidering. Also, bigger frames are available that can stretch whole pieces of material. This enables all the fabric to be accessed, instead of just a particular area, although these frames are not normally used by beginners.