Live Chat
(888) 741-0508
Login / Register
0
Personal Creations
  • Sign In
  • Halloween
    Halloween
    • Spooky Doormat
      Spooky Doormat
      Starting at
      $27.99 $39.99 Comp. Value
      1
      NEW
    • Featured
    • New Arrivals
    • Bestsellers
    • Light-Up Trick or Treat Pumpkin Collection
      Light-Up Trick or Treat Pumpkin Collection
      Starting at
      $34.99 $49.99 Comp. Value
      NEW
    • By Collection
    • For Kids
    • Home Decor
    • Light-Up Pumpkins
    • Treat Bags
    • Happy Halloween Drawstring Treat Bag
      Happy Halloween Drawstring Treat Bag
      $20.99 $29.99 Comp. Value
      NEW
  • Occasions
    Occasions
    • Seasonal
    • Halloween
    • Thanksgiving
    • Christmas
    • Valentine's Day
    • Easter
    • Mother's Day
    • Father's Day
    • Graduation
    • Back to School
    • Everyday Occasions
    • Anniversary
    • Baby Shower
    • Baptism & Christening
    • Birthdays
    • Confirmation
    • Engagement
    • First Communion
    • Housewarming
    • New Baby
    • Religious
    • Retirement
    • Wedding
    • Best Birthday Ever Yard Sign
      Best Birthday Ever Yard Sign
      Starting at
      $19.59 $27.99 Comp. Value
      168
    • Summer Essentials
    • Beach Towels
    • Beverage Tubs
    • Drawstring Bags
    • Grilling
    • Pickleball
    • Tote Bags
    • Tumblers
    • Water Bottles
    • Anniversary
    • New Arrivals
    • Bestsellers
    • For Her
    • For Him
    • For the Couple
    • 1st Anniversary
    • 5th Anniversary
    • 10th Anniversary
    • 25th Anniversary
    • 50th Anniversary
  • Wedding
    Wedding
    • Featured
    • New Arrivals
    • Bestsellers
    • By Collection
    • Elegant & Exquisite
    • Wall Art & Prints
    • Wedding Favors
    • By Recipient
    • For the Bride
    • For the Groom
    • For the Couple
    • For Bridesmaids
    • For Groomsmen
    • By Event
    • Engagement
    • Bridal Shower
    • Ceremony & Reception
    • Our Special Day Photo Collage Canvas
      Our Special Day Photo Collage Canvas
      Starting at
      $34.99 $49.99 Comp. Value
      NEW
    • Gift Ideas
    • Bar & Wine
    • Beer Glasses
    • Doormats
    • Entertaining
    • Kitchen
    • SCRABBLE®
    • Self-Inking Stamps
    • Watch Boxes & Valets
    • Wine Glasses
    • Happy Couple Tile Coaster Set
      Happy Couple Tile Coaster Set
      Starting at
      $20.99 $29.99 Comp. Value
      163
  • Anniversary
    Anniversary
    • Featured
    • New Arrivals
    • Bestsellers
    • By Recipient
    • For Her
    • For Him
    • For the Couple
    • By Year
    • 1st Anniversary
    • 5th Anniversary
    • 10th Anniversary
    • 25th Anniversary
    • 50th Anniversary
    • Years of Love Photo Anniversary Canvas
      Years of Love Photo Anniversary Canvas
      Starting at
      $34.99 $49.99 Comp. Value
      1
      NEW
    • Gift Ideas
    • Bar & Wine
    • Beer Mugs
    • Bracelets
    • Entertaining
    • Jewelry
    • SCRABBLE®
    • Watch Boxes & Valets
    • Wine Glasses
    • Carved Heart Candle Holder
      Carved Heart Candle Holder
      $20.99 $29.99 Comp. Value
      41
  • Memorial
    Memorial
    • Whispering Wings Stained Glass Memorial Lantern
      Whispering Wings Stained Glass Memorial Lantern
      $55.99 $79.99 Comp. Value
      1
      NEW
    • Featured
    • New Arrivals
    • Bestsellers
    • Military
    • Urns
    • U.S. Navy® Eagle Memorial Flag Display Case
      U.S. Navy® Eagle Memorial Flag Display Case
      $55.99 $79.99 Comp. Value
      23
    • By Collection
    • Candles and Lanterns
    • Garden Stones
    • Keepsakes
    • Pets
    • Photo
    • Wind Chimes
    • Peaceful Remembrance Wood Heart
      Peaceful Remembrance Wood Heart
      $20.99 $29.99 Comp. Value
      NEW
  • Him
    Him
    • Featured
    • New Arrivals
    • Bestsellers
    • PEPSI®NEW
    • Ridge® Wallet & Accessories
    • By Occasion
    • Anniversary
    • Birthday
    • Retirement
    • By Recipient
    • For Dad
    • For Grandpa
    • For Husbands
    • For Sons
    • For Brothers
    • For Teachers
    • Pepsi® Vintage Pint Glass
      Pepsi® Vintage Pint Glass
      $16.79 $23.99 Comp. Value
      NEW
    • By Collection
    • Apparel
    • Beer, Bar & Entertaining
    • Family Gifts
    • Gadgets & Accessories
    • Mugs
    • Office & Desk
    • Pets & Pet Lovers
    • Phone Accessories
    • SCRABBLE®
    • Socks
    • Wall Art
    • Watch Boxes & Valets
    • Outdoor Living
    • Outdoor Gifts
    • Beach Towels
    • Cooling TowelsNEW
    • Golf
    • Grilling
    • Pickleball
    • Sports
    • Water Bottles
  • Her
    Her
    • Featured
    • New Arrivals
    • Bestsellers
    • Betty Boop™
    • By Occasion
    • Anniversary
    • Birthday
    • Bridal Shower
    • Engagement
    • Retirement
    • By Recipient
    • For Mom
    • For Grandma
    • For Wives
    • For Daughters
    • For Sisters
    • For Friends
    • For the Bride
    • For Bridesmaids
    • For Couples
    • For Teachers
    • Heart with Name Travel Jewelry Box
      Heart with Name Travel Jewelry Box
      $20.99 $29.99 Comp. Value
      2
      NEW
    • By Collection
    • Apparel
    • Entertaining
    • Family Gifts
    • Garden Flags
    • Home & Decor
    • Jewelry
    • Keepsakes
    • Kitchen
    • Love & Romance
    • PEANUTS®
    • Pets & Pet Lovers
    • Phone Accessories
    • Planters & Pots
    • SCRABBLE®
    • Socks
    • Suzy Toronto
    • Outdoor Living
    • Outdoor Gifts
    • Beach Towels
    • Cooling Towels
    • Drawstring Bags
    • Gardening
    • Pickleball
    • Tote Bags
    • Water Bottles
  • Baby & Kids
    Baby & Kids
    • Featured
    • New For Kids
    • Baby Bestsellers
    • Kids Bestsellers
    • Toddler Gifts
    • By Event
    • Baby Shower
    • Newborn Gifts
    • First Birthday
    • Boys Birthday
    • Girls Birthday
    • Christening & Baptism
    • First Communion
    • Baby Collection
    • Bibs & Burp Cloths
    • Blankets
    • Frames
    • Keepsakes
    • Nursery Decor
    • Storybooks
    • Toys
    • Mighty Hero Step Stool
      Mighty Hero Step Stool
      $55.99 $79.99 Comp. Value
      NEW
    • Kids Collection
    • Backpacks
    • Bedding
    • Growth Charts
    • Keepsakes
    • Room Decor
    • School Supplies
    • Sleepover Gifts & Gear
    • Step Stools
    • Storybooks
    • Stuffed Animals & Dolls
    • Towels
    • Toys & Pretend Play
    • Wall Art
    • Water Bottles, Lunch & Snacks
    • By Brand
    • GUND®
    • Melissa & Doug®
    • i See Me!®
    • Stephen Joseph®
    • Stuffies®
    • Officially Licensed
    • Crayola™
    • MonopolyNEW
    • My Little Pony
    • PEANUTS®
    • Peppa Pig
    • PJ Masks
    • Tonka
    • TRANSFORMERS
  • Home
    Home
    • Featured
    • New Arrivals
    • Bestsellers
    • Fall Decor
    • Housewarming
    • Pets
    • Office
    • Desk & Office
    • Mouse Pads
    • Photo Calendars
    • Self-Inking Stamps
    • Stationery
    • Drinkware
    • Mugs
    • Tumblers
    • Water Bottles
    • Kitchen
    • Aprons
    • Bakeware
    • Coasters
    • Cutting Boards
    • Kitchen Towels
    • Pot Holders
    • Bar & Entertaining
    • Beer & Wine Gifts
    • Beer Glasses
    • Beverage Tubs
    • Host & Entertaining
    • Serveware
    • Serving Trays
    • Wine Glasses
    • Personalized Fall Decor Personalized Fall Decor
    • Outdoor & Garden
    • Banners & Yard Signs
    • Beach Towels
    • Doormats
    • Garden Flags
    • Gardening
    • Grilling
    • Patio & Outdoor Decor
    • Planters & Flower Pots
    • Totes
    • Décor & Wall Art
    • Canvas Wall Art
    • Kids Room Decor
    • Nursery Decor
    • Pet Portraits
    • Slates & Signs
    • TwinkleBright® LED
    • Wall Art & Prints
    • Wedding Wall Art
    • Bed & Bath
    • Bath Towels
    • Bathroom Decor
    • Blankets & Throws
    • Kids Towels
    • Pillows & Pillowcases
  • Photo
    Photo
    • Picture-Perfect Photo Color Changing Mug
      Picture-Perfect Photo Color Changing Mug
      $13.99 $19.99 Comp. Value
      NEW
    • Featured
    • New Arrivals
    • Bestsellers
    • Photo Calendars
    • By Recipient
    • For Her
    • For Him
    • For Baby & Kids
    • Picture-Perfect Photo Keychain
      Picture-Perfect Photo Keychain
      $11.19 $15.99 Comp. Value
      29
    • By Collection
    • Bags & Totes
    • Barware
    • Blankets & Throws
    • Canvas & Wall Decor
    • Coasters
    • Keepsakes/Accessories
    • Kitchen & Home Decor
    • Memorial
    • Mugs
    • Pillows & Pillowcases
    • Puzzles
    • Socks
    • Tumblers
    • Picture-Perfect Photo Wooden Puzzle
      Picture-Perfect Photo Wooden Puzzle
      $27.99 $39.99 Comp. Value
      32
  • By Brand
    By Brand
    • PEANUTS® Gang Drawstring Bag
      PEANUTS® Gang Drawstring Bag
      $20.99 $29.99 Comp. Value
      NEW
    • Officially Licensed
    • Betty Boop™
    • Crayola™
    • MonopolyNEW
    • My Little Pony
    • PEANUTS®
    • Peppa Pig
    • PEPSI®NEW
    • PJ Masks
    • Rudolph®
    • SCRABBLE®
    • Tonka
    • TRANSFORMERS
    • Pepsi® Vintage Logo Beverage Tub
      Pepsi® Vintage Logo Beverage Tub
      Starting at
      $41.99 $59.99 Comp. Value
      NEW
    • By Collection
    • Blankie Tails®
    • GUND®
    • i See Me!®
    • Melissa & Doug®
    • Self-Inking Stamps
    • Stephen Joseph®
    • Stuffies®
    • Suzy Toronto
    • RIDGE® Wallet & Accessories
    • i See Me!® My Farm Friends Personalized Book
      i See Me!® My Farm Friends Personalized Book
      $20.99 $29.99 Comp. Value
      11
  • Business
    Business
    • Corporate Gifting
    • Apparel
    • Drinkware
    • Home
    • Tech
    • Office
    • Outdoor & Leisure
Storewide Offer!
Save 30% on Everything
Personalized Memorial Gifts
Discounts applied automatically.
Hurry, ends 9/4. Savings based on Comp. Value. Exclusions apply.*

Related Articles

Homemade Gifts: Embroidery Resources

November 14th, 2014
August 3rd, 2012

Embroidery is a type of handicraft that is used to decorate fabric materials. It typically uses different types of yarns or threads that are worked to eventually produce an image or a pattern. Around the world, a large number of cultures have historically used varying forms of embroidery to decorate clothes, footwear, and household items such as cushions, towels, and handkerchiefs. Whether you are an embroidery veteran or completely new to this fascinating artform, the resources below will help you to discover more about embroidery.

Overview

Embroidery can be traced back as early as the Ancient Egyptians to the European Iron Age. Even in China, ancient examples of embroidery created in fine silk have been discovered. Embroidery was not only valued for its aesthetics, but also for the fact that it created a physically strong and lasting piece of work. When we examine embroidery in different cultures, we can see that each culture has their own different methods and techniques of embroidery. In Medieval times in Europe, intricate embroidery was an extremely popular way to decorate clothing and make it look richer. By the Victorian era, it had transformed from work to a hobby too.

  • Examples of Eastern European Folk Embroidery
  • A Look at Traditional Korean Embroidery
  • Embroidery in Early Times
  • Embroidery Through Different Eras

Materials/Tools

The basic tools that an embroiderer uses are needles and a frame to stretch the cloth on. Next, according to the pattern they have chosen, they pick the thread or floss. This can vary in width, color, material, and texture. For a coarser look, one might choose a rough wool, while silk lends an air of smooth elegance. A basic sewing kit with a pair of scissors is very helpful to have on hand. Since embroidery usually follows a pattern or geometric shapes, it is essential to keep a pen and paper nearby to maintain a counting chart. Machine embroidery requires a computer with image-editing software as well as the embroidery machine.

  • Materials Required for Machine Embroidery
  • Materials Used in Medieval English Embroidery
  • An Explanation of Embroidery Materials

Techniques and Stitches

Based on the type of embroidery or pattern planned, there are several different types of stitches to choose from. Among the most popular are straight stitches, back stitches, button hole stitches, and chain stitches. Before starting on a project, it is helpful to practice a new stitch in a few different patterns on a piece of fabric. Start out slowly and make sure to check your work against the counting chart to stay on the right track. Losing track of the count can make you end up with a pattern that has gone awry. Apart from the basic stitches, there are also other types of stitches for advanced embroiderers. There are plenty of tutorials online about older and regional types of embroidery, including East Asian embroidery, Medieval and Victorian stitches, and more!

  • Old Styles of Viking Embroidery
  • A Tutorial on Chicken Scratch Embroidery (PDF)
  • Needle Weaving Embroidery (PDF)
  • Watch a Video on Back Stitch Embroidery
  • Embroidery Stitches Used in Earlier Eras (PDF)
  • Brazilian Embroidery Tutorials and Tips
  • General Embroidery Tips
  • Embroidery Stitch Dictionary

 Machine Embroidery

The style of embroidery can differ according to the machine. Free-motion machines produce a type of zigzag stitch. Computerized embroidery machines, which are largely used for industrial purposes, can create a much more exact and detailed match. When using a machine, the embroiderer first needs to finalize a design. It is best if it is a high-resolution image. After editing it, the image is loaded into the machine. Next, adjust the placement of the fabric in the machine and start the embroidering process. Do be sure to always stay nearby to check that there are no glitches during the embroidery.

  • A Visual Guide to Machine Embroidery
  • Tutorials on Machine and Hand Embroidery
  • Image Software and Machine Embroidery
  • Free Machine Embroidery Project Designs
  • Machine Embroidery Designs and Digital Troubleshooting

Clubs/Associations

There are a large number of groups dedicated to embroidery in the United States and worldwide. Within the U.S., there is an official guild for embroiderers, as well as a trade association for commercial embroiderers. Other associations include unofficial local clubs, groups for youths, and specialty embroidery groups. Joining an embroidery group is a great way to learn from others, trade knowledge, meet people with similar interests, and find out more about new happenings in the world of embroidery.

  • The Embroiderer’s Guild of America, Inc.
  • Young Embroiderers
  • National Network of Embroidery Professionals
  • Embroidery Trade Association
  • California Association of Machine Embroiderers
Previous Post Moving Through Time: Timeline of Religion
Next Post Gifts that Bring Good Luck to the Recipient
Subscribe

Save 40% on your first order*
when you sign up for email and texts

*some exclusions apply

'An envelope'
Thank you for signing up
for promotional emails.
You will receive an email with your discount shortly!
View Our Catalog
Our Company
  • About Us
  • Blog
  • Privacy Policy
  • California Supply Chain Act
  • Supplier Code of Conduct
  • Terms of Use
  • Patents
Help
  • Apparel Size Charts
  • Contact Us
  • Corporate & Bulk Orders
  • Frequently Asked Questions
  • How to Order
  • Manage Personal Information
  • Site Map
  • Change Region
Info
  • My Account
  • Order Tracking
  • Shipping, Returns & Fees
  • Do Not Sell My Info
  • Get the App
Download App

Copyright©. All Rights Reserved.

  • *Our Comparable Value (or Comp. Value) prices are based on the prices at which similar items have been previously offered for sale by Personal Creations and/or other retailers.
  • Sale ends 11:59:59 pm Pacific Time on September 4, 2025.*Some Exclusions Apply. Without promo code, customer can currently save 30%.
  • IMPORTANT LEGAL NOTICE: This website and its contents, including, but not limited to, images, artwork, content, layout, design and text are protected by domestic and international copyright laws. It is unlawful to reproduce, transmit, print, or distribute any portion of this website without our express written consent. We are committed to creating an inclusive experience for people with disabilities. If you need assistance, please contact our Customer Care team at (888) 741-0508