By Shira Berkovich, Founder of Craftiloo · Last updated: November 10, 2026
To start embroidery you need six things: fabric with a design on it, an embroidery hoop, embroidery floss, embroidery needles, a needle threader and small sharp scissors. A 6–8 inch hoop, cotton floss and a stamped design (printed on the fabric) are the easiest place to start. Everything else, such as transfer pens, thimbles and stands, is optional until you know you love it.
Most beginners save money and time by starting with a kit, which puts the right sizes together. If you'd rather buy separately, this checklist covers what each item does and what to look for.
Quick answer: the beginner checklist
| Supply | What it's for | What to buy as a beginner |
|---|---|---|
| Fabric with a design | What you stitch on | Cotton or cotton-linen with a stamped (printed) design |
| Embroidery hoop | Keeps fabric tight | 6–8 inch (15–20 cm), plastic or wood |
| Embroidery floss | The thread | 6-strand cotton floss in the colors your design needs |
| Embroidery needles | Stitching | A pack of embroidery (crewel) needles with long eyes |
| Needle threader | Getting floss through the eye | A simple wire threader |
| Small scissors | Trimming floss | Small, sharp, pointed scissors |
| Seam ripper / unpicker | Removing mistakes | Optional but handy. Many kits include one. |
1. Fabric (with a design)
Beginners do best on a stamped fabric, where the design is printed on the fabric and you stitch over it. You skip the hardest step, drawing or transferring a pattern, and you know exactly where every stitch goes.
If you buy plain fabric instead, choose a medium-weight cotton or cotton-linen. Avoid stretchy or very thin fabric. You'll also need a way to transfer the design, like a water-soluble pen.
2. An embroidery hoop
A hoop holds the fabric tight, which is the single biggest factor in neat stitches. A 6–8 inch hoop is comfortable to hold and fits most beginner designs. Plastic hoops grip well. Wooden hoops look nice for displaying a finished piece in the hoop.
3. Embroidery floss
Standard embroidery floss is 6-strand cotton that you separate into fewer strands. Most patterns use 2–3 strands for fine lines and more for filling. Your pattern will say. Buy the colors your design calls for. A kit includes them already matched.
4. Needles and a threader
Use embroidery (crewel) needles, which have a sharp point and a long eye for floss. A pack with a few sizes lets you match the needle to the number of strands. A wire needle threader saves a lot of squinting, especially with 3 or more strands.
5. Small scissors
Small, sharp, pointed scissors let you trim close to the fabric without cutting stitches. Many kits don't include them, so check before you start.
What you can skip as a beginner
- Transfer pens and carbon paper. Not needed with a stamped design.
- Stands and frames. Nice later, but a hand-held hoop is fine.
- Thimbles. Most embroidery is light enough not to need one.
- Big floss collections. Buy colors as your designs need them.
Kit or separate supplies?
| Starter kit | Buying separately | |
|---|---|---|
| Design | Stamped and ready | You choose or transfer one |
| Floss colors | Matched to the design | You pick them |
| Cost to start | Usually lower | Higher for a first project |
| Best for | First 1–4 projects | Once you know what you like |
Our adult embroidery kits
Each kit includes printed 25 x 25 cm fabrics, a 20 cm hoop, 10 needles, 2–4 threaders, an unpicking tool, floss and an instruction booklet. You'll need your own small scissors.
4 Floral Embroidery Kit (Amazon) has 4 printed floral designs, so you can practice the same stitches across several projects.
Flowers Embroidery Kit (Amazon) and Cactus Embroidery Kit (Amazon) each have stamped designs with the stitches explained in the booklet, which is good for a first project.
Butterflies Embroidery Kit (Amazon) has stamped butterfly designs, for stitchers who like color and detail.
"You Are" Embroidery Kit (Amazon) is a single butterfly-and-lettering design, a nice first piece to hang or gift.
When our kits aren't the right fit: if you want to design your own patterns or stitch on clothing, buy plain fabric, a floss assortment and a transfer pen instead. If you're after advanced thread painting, look for an intermediate kit. Ours are beginner stamped designs.
Other good options
DMC is the best-known floss brand and sells beginner kits too. Their floss color numbers are the ones most patterns use, which makes replacing a color easy.
FAQ
What supplies do I need to start embroidery? Fabric with a design, an embroidery hoop, embroidery floss, embroidery needles, a needle threader and small scissors. A beginner kit includes most of these.
What size embroidery hoop is best for beginners? 6–8 inches (15–20 cm). It's easy to hold and fits most beginner designs.
What kind of thread is used for embroidery? Six-strand cotton embroidery floss, separated into the number of strands your pattern calls for.
What fabric is best for beginner embroidery? Medium-weight cotton or cotton-linen, ideally with the design already printed (stamped) on it.
Is it cheaper to buy an embroidery kit or supplies separately? For a first project, a kit is usually cheaper and simpler, because the floss colors and fabric are already matched to the design.
Do embroidery kits include scissors? Many don't, including ours. Have a pair of small, sharp scissors ready.
Related Craft Guides: Is Embroidery Easy to Learn? · Craft Kit Gifts for Moms and Adults
