What's New on Carol's Needlework Blog Today!

Aug 16, 2026

Free Cross Stitch Calculator: Inches & cm, Any Fabric Count

Free interactive cross stitch calculator – enter your design dimensions and fabric count, get instant results in cm or inches. No maths needed. Try it now!

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Aug 16, 2026

Needlepoint Canvas Types: Choose the Perfect One for Your Project

Our guide will introduce you to different needlepoint canvas options and help you pick the perfect one for your next project

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Aug 16, 2026

Discover the Magic of Cross Stitch: A Beginner's Guide

New to cross stitch? Start here! Get the lowdown on this easy-to-learn craft, from basic stitches to finishing techniques. Plus, grab free patterns!

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Jul 27, 2026

How to Thread Paint for Beginners: A Step-by-Step Guide to Get Started

Learn thread painting with this beginner's guide. Learn the secrets to smooth shading and create a beautiful embroidered flower with our step-by-step tutorial.

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Jul 27, 2026

Hardanger Embroidery: 6 Free Lessons + Patterns to Download

Learn Hardanger embroidery with 6 free beginner lessons. Each includes a pattern and project — coasters, cards, bookmarks and more. Start stitching today!

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Jul 26, 2026

Blackwork Embroidery: Free Lessons, Patterns & Complete Guide

Explore blackwork embroidery with 5 free lessons, downloadable patterns for all levels, and a complete guide. From Tudor & Spanish origins to modern designs.

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Jul 26, 2026

Flat, Open and Raised Fishbone Stitch + Free Practice Sheet

Three ways to work fishbone stitch for embroidered leaves: flat, raised and open. Step-by-step photos, a practice sheet to print, and fixes when it goes wrong.

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Jul 25, 2026

Types of Embroidery Stitches: 4 Families, 30+ Explained

All embroidery stitches fit into 4 families: flat, crossed, looped or knotted. Find the right one for your project, with links to step-by-step tutorials.

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Jul 21, 2026

Four-Sided Stitch: Horizontal, Vertical and Diagonal Methods

Learn four sided stitch three ways: horizontal, vertical and diagonal, with charts and tension tips. Includes the final band of the free whitework sampler.

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Jul 21, 2026

Cobbler Stitch Tutorial: A Pulled Thread Whitework Filling

Learn cobbler stitch, a pulled thread whitework filling, with a step-by-step diagram, photos of the finished sample, and tips for even tension.

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Jul 21, 2026

Whitework Embroidery: 8 Techniques + Free Sampler Pattern

Free whitework sampler pattern plus 8 white on white embroidery techniques: drawn thread, Hardanger, cutwork, broderie anglaise, needlelace and more.

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Jul 21, 2026

Use pulled three sided stitch in your whitework sampler

In our penultimate band on the whitework sampler we are using three sided stitch and ringed back stitch

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Jul 21, 2026

Band 5 of the white work embroidery sampler

Are you stitching along with my white work embroidery sampler? Come on, join in, and learn new needlework techniques with us. Its free!

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Jul 21, 2026

Diamond eyelet stitch and double backstitch leaves

Time for diamond eyelet stitch and double backstitch leaves in our free whitework embroidery sampler. Learn pulled thread and drawn thread work!

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Jul 21, 2026

Pulled thread work - sampler band 3

Combining stitches is common in pulled thread work. For this third band in our free whitework sampler we will use satin stitch with pulled double back stitch

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Jul 21, 2026

Creating Your First White Work Sampler - From Thread to Treasure

Explore the intricate art of whitework embroidery through our step-by-step tutorial. Ideal for beginners, this guide will take your skills to the next level!

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Jul 16, 2026

Top Needlework Finishing Techniques for Stunning Results

Discover essential needlework finishing techniques to preserve and display your projects beautifully, from framing to hemming.

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Jul 16, 2026

Beginner stitcher here - need advice on affixing pattern to shirt and keeping border of pattern secure

I want to stitch a specific crossstitch pattern and then affix it to an oxford shirt. See the Anthro cat shirt for reference. I don't believe I have the

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Jul 14, 2026

Needle Lace: How to Make Real Lace With a Needle and Thread

Needle lace is real lace worked with only a needle and thread. Start here: what it is, the Brussels stitches that build it, and free beginner projects.

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Jul 09, 2026

Embroidery Scissors: Types, Uses and How to Choose a Pair

What embroidery scissors are, the types (angled, stork, thread snips), what they're used for, and the one rule that keeps a good pair sharp for years.

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Jul 06, 2026

Scotch Stitch Needlepoint Guide: Step-by-Step Tutorial

Learn how to work the Scotch Stitch with our step-by-step needlepoint tutorial, including variations like Alternating and Chequer Stitch

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Jul 01, 2026

Your Beginners Guide to Essential Hand Embroidery Supplies

Embroidery supplies you need to get started - embroidery scissors, embroidery hoops, frames, stands, lights and magnifiers.

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Jul 01, 2026

Embroidery Fabric for Counted Thread: Aida, Evenweave & Linen

How to choose embroidery fabric for cross stitch and counted thread: Aida, evenweave and linen compared, with count, size and needle tips.

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Jul 01, 2026

How to Embroider Letters by Hand: 3 Easy Stitches

How to embroider letters by hand using 3 simple stitches. Photos show positioning, sizing, and tips for initials, names and monograms.

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Jul 01, 2026

How to Remove Stains from Embroidery, Cross Stitch & Linens

How to remove yellowing, iron mould, hoop marks and ink from cross stitch, embroidery and vintage linens, including stains to tackle before framing.

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Jul 01, 2026

Aida Cloth Guide: Compare 11, 14, 16 & 18 Count (With Chart)

Which Aida count is right for you? Compare 11, 14, 16 and 18 count with a video guide, stitch chart, and needle and floss recommendations for each.

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Jun 30, 2026

Blackwork for Beginners Book: Get a Neat, Reversible Back

Messy backs on your blackwork? This step-by-step book teaches the proven method for neat, reversible results. 8 guided projects. Instant download, £9.95.

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Jun 23, 2026

French Knot Stitch Tutorial: 4 Easy Steps to Perfect Knots

Embroider a French knot that sits tidy and even, step by step with photos. Plus how to stop the knot pulling through to the back, and tips for needlepoint.

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Jun 22, 2026

Stumpwork Embroidery: A Brief History of this Intricate Craft

Learn Stumpwork Embroidery techniques including padding with felt, raised embroidery stitches, adding slips and creating wired needlework petals

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Jun 22, 2026

Needlepoint Canvas Sizes: How to Choose the Right Count

Confused by needlepoint canvas sizes? Learn what canvas count means, how 14 and 18 count compare, and how to pick the right one for your project.

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Jun 22, 2026

Blanket Stitch Embroidery: Step-by-Step Tutorial and video

How to do blanket stitch in embroidery, step by step with photos and video. Includes variations, plus tips for neat, evenly-spaced stitches.

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Jun 20, 2026

Linen Cross Stitch Fabric: Is It Right for Your Project?

Wondering if linen is right for your cross stitch? What 32-count and over-two mean, whether you can swap to Aida, and how to pick your first linen.

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Jun 16, 2026

How to Needle Felt: Step-by-Step Tutorial for Beginners

How to needle felt from scratch: a beginner 3D tutorial covering safety, equipment, and forming your first ball, egg and cylinder, with step-by-step photos.

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Jun 16, 2026

Embroidery Floss Guide: Strands, Threads & How to Use Them

Your complete guide to embroidery floss: how to separate strands, how many to use for each fabric, plus DMC, Anchor and alternative thread options.

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Jun 15, 2026

Assisi embroidery - designs with a blackwork twist

Try a new twist on assisi embroidery, these three designs use blackwork instead of cross stitch to give a wonderful effect.

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Jun 15, 2026

20 years, and a rebuilt Stitch Your Own Business

This site turns twenty this year! To celebrate, I have completely rebuilt my book Stitch Your Own Business as a Revised 2026 Edition, brought up to date for selling online today and dedicated to the memory of my friend and fellow designer Shan Harris.

It is 20% off until 30 June with the code 20YEARS.

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Jun 15, 2026

Become a Cross stitch Designer

This ebook gives an insider guide to becoming a cross stitch designer and starting your own business

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Jun 15, 2026

Embroidery from Home: How to Turn Your Stitching into a Real Business

Want to turn your embroidery skills into money? From test stitching to designing and selling your own patterns, here are 4 ways to build a home business

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Jun 15, 2026

New free pattern: baby teddy cross stitch

A brand new free design for you: a little baby teddy cross stitch pattern, perfect for a card, a bib or a new-baby keepsake. The chart is ready to download on the baby cross stitch page.

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Jun 14, 2026

Wildlife Cross Stitch Patterns | Nature Charts to Download

Four British wildlife cross stitch patterns to download: a badger family, fox cubs, fallow deer and a heron. Counted nature charts, instant PDF, from £2.50.

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Jun 14, 2026

Dragon Cross Stitch Patterns | Counted PDF to Download

Two dramatic dragon cross stitch patterns to download as counted PDF charts: Old Smokey the wizard's dragon and a sweet courting pair by Carol Leather.

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