Learn hand embroidery — the right course, the right kit, and a finished hoop you'll want to hang up.
We've taken the best beginner embroidery courses and put them head-to-head. Here's which one to start with — and the exact kit you'll need alongside it.
Embroidery courses
Best embroidery courses for beginners
We reviewed 15+ beginner courses. These are the three worth your time — each suits a different way of learning.
Contemporary Embroidery for Beginners
Adriana Torres · Domestika
The beginner embroidery course we'd send anyone to first. Adriana takes you from your first stitch to a finished botanical hoop with a remarkable amount of calm.
Embroidery Sampler for Beginners
Mollie Johanson · Skillshare
A classic sampler-based introduction. Perfect if you want to drill each stitch before committing to a 'real' project.
The starter kit
What you need to start embroidery
For our top pick, Contemporary Embroidery for Beginners, you’ll need these 3 things. Total cost: ~£25.
Beech wood embroidery hoop (6 inch)
Our pickWarmer, lighter and gentler on fabric than plastic.
DMC cotton floss starter pack
All the colours Adriana uses, plus extras for your next project.
John James crewel needles + cotton fabric
Sharp crewel needles and a tightly-woven cotton give crisp stitches.
Total to start: ~£25
Full starter kit guideSome links on this page are affiliate links — we earn a small commission if you buy through them, at no extra cost to you. We only recommend things we’d use ourselves.
Before you start
New to embroidery? Start here.
Our complete beginner’s guide covers everything you need to know before you pick up a hoop — what to expect, how long it takes, and the mistakes everyone makes (so you can skip them).
- Is embroidery hard to learn?
- How long until I can make something real?
- The mistakes every beginner makes
- What to make first
Easy first projects
Things you can actually make within your first week or two.
Simple sampler
3–5 hours · Absolute beginner
Botanical hoop
6–10 hours · Beginner
Initial monogram
2–4 hours · Beginner
Keep reading
More embroidery guides
How Long Does It Take to Learn Embroidery?
A realistic timeline from your first running stitch to a frame-ready botanical hoop — plus what affects how fast embroidery sticks.
Read
EmbroideryIs Embroidery Hard to Learn?
The honest answer — what the first hour of embroidery actually feels like, where beginners get stuck, and how quickly your work starts looking real.
Read
EmbroideryEmbroidery vs Cross Stitch — What's the Difference?
Both use thread, both use a hoop. Here's what actually separates them — and which one to start with.
Read
Embroidery questions, answered
- Is embroidery hard to learn?
- Not at all. Most beginners have a clean running stitch and back stitch within the first hour. A finished hoop is realistic in a single afternoon.
- Should I buy a kit or buy supplies separately?
- Start with a good kit for your first project — it removes decision-fatigue. Once you know what you like, buying supplies separately is cheaper.
- How is embroidery different from cross stitch?
- Cross stitch uses one stitch on counted grid fabric. Embroidery uses dozens of stitches with freehand designs. Embroidery has more variety; cross stitch has more predictable results.
- How long does a finished hoop take?
- A beginner botanical hoop typically takes 6–10 hours spread over a week or two.
Ready when you are
Ready to start embroidery?
Grab the kit, start the course, and you'll have something you're proud of by the weekend.