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Mary Corbet

writer and founder

 

I learned to embroider when I was a kid, when everyone was really into cross stitch (remember the '80s?). Eventually, I migrated to surface embroidery, teaching myself with whatever I could get my hands on...read more

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  • How-To
    Videos

    Over 75 Embroidery Stitch Videos to Help You Learn

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    A Collection of Instructional Articles

 
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August 19, 2026

Don’t Waste Your Money on this Hoop

 

Amazon Books

Rarely do I write an all-out negative review of a needlework product.

In fact, I don’t think I’ve written one.

Normally, even if I don’t personally love a thing or I would never use a thing, I can understand what other people might like about it. I can acknowledge good aspects about things that might not be my cup of tea. And I can recommend them on those merits.

If I can’t find those positive aspects, I generally won’t write the review or mention the product.

But I have recently encountered an embroidery hoop that has nothing to recommend it – including the hefty price tag for its worthlessness.

I think it’s worth mentioning so that you don’t do what I did: buy it to try it.

Cosmo embroidery hoop - don't waste your money!
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August 17, 2026

Blackberry Bramble & Blossoms Lesson 1: Branch & Brambles

 

Welcome to the first stitching lesson on our current stitch-along!

Today, we’ll be stitching the branch and the brambly bits on Blackberry Bramble & Blossoms. If you’re just joining in, this article will give you information about the stitch-along and what you can expect as we work through the project. And last week’s Introduction article will provide you with the materials & tools list, as well as the design.

If you are a member of the Needle ‘n Thread community on Patreon, you’ve already received this lesson in PDF format for easy downloading and printing.

Note: Always read through the instructions completely at least once before you begin stitching, so that you know where you’re going and what to expect along the way!

Blackberry Brambles Blossoms stitch-along lesson 1
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August 14, 2026

Introduction to Blackberry Brambles & Blossoms

 

Hello, my friends, and welcome to the first installment of Blackberry Brambles & Blossoms, which is officially the introduction to the project.

In this introduction, I’ll share the materials and tools I used and the design. We’ll discuss preparing your project for stitching, and I’ll also summarize what you can expect from the stitch-along and a general outline of the timing.

If you are a member of the Needle ‘n Thread Community of Patreon, you have already received this information in PDF format for downloading and easy printing. It was published last night. Additionally, you have received the first stitching lesson (the branch and brambles), which was published earlier this morning.

Blackberry Blossoms & Brambles - Introduction
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August 12, 2026

Home Project: Text on Linen!

 

You may remember that earlier this year, I finished a maniturgium with the text “Duc in Altum” and some fish embroidered on it.

If you’re not sure what this strip of linen is and what it’s used for, you can read about its liturgical use – and what becomes of it after its liturgical use – in this article.

Many, many years ago, I embroidered a maniturgium (you can see it here) with the Latin text “O Clemens, O Pia, O Dulcis Virgo Maria” on it, which comes from a prayer called the “Salve Regina” (or, in English, the “Hail, Holy Queen”).

These were all bespoke (commissioned) pieces.

I’ve taken on another one. After all, being stuck at home a lot lately, it gives me something to do there. I might as well be doing something productive!

Hand embroidered maniturgium: O Clemens
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August 10, 2026

Embroidery Thread – Abundant Color!

 

I’ve recently acquired some new threads to play with.

I know. It’s a tough job, always having a reason to “play” with embroidery thread!

Soon, I’ll review the threads in depth, but since I haven’t actually stitched with them and tested their performance and resilience, today, I’m just going to show you the threads in general (no names, branding or anything) and share some first impressions – and some reasons why I think I might want to explore using them in some projects and kits.

I’m afraid I did the same thing to you a few weeks ago, showcasing this new collection of embroidery ground fabrics. This is the same approach with threads – a little eye candy, without much real substance.

Well, that’s candy for you! All sugar, no substance…

But who doesn’t like a little sugar now and then?

Embroidery Threads - Abundant Color!
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August 7, 2026

Weekend Diversion: 18th Century Embroidered Waistcoat

 

If you’re into historical costuming, sewing, dressmaking and so forth, then you have likely heard of Bernadette Banner. If you haven’t heard of her and you are intrigued by historical costume, then you might look her up!

Bernadette Banner is an online content creator (you can find her extensive YouTube channel here and her website here) who focuses on dressmaking before the era of the sewing machine. She recreates period-specific clothing by hand (and sometimes with period-specific machinery – but it’s mostly by hand, and that’s No Small Thing).

Recently, she and Hand & Lock (of embroidery renown) collaborated on an engrossing documentary about embroidering an 18th century waistcoat and produced a little embroidery kit to go along with it.

The images here are screen captures from the video that you’ll find linked to below.

18th c embroidered waistcoat - Bernadette Banner and Hand & Lock
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