Materials

Supplies list for this course

Fabric
My favorite fabric to use for embroidery is unbleached
cotton muslin (in the UK it’s known as cotton calico).
For larger projects I like medium weight muslin and for
miniature embroidery I prefer a more lightweight muslin,
because it’s easier to wrap around an insert when making
jewelry. Cotton muslin fabric has a tight weave, but it’s not
so thick that it’s hard to bring the needle through, allowing
you to add lots of detail to your work. Another great thing
about it is that it’s inexpensive and can be found at any
fabric store.

Thread
I recommend six-stranded cotton DMC embroidery floss.
It comes in 500 shades, is colorfast, and overall is great
quality thread. Other good options are Cosmo and Anchor.
I myself have never used Anchor floss, but I know a lot of
people, especially outside of the US, who have a hard time
sourcing DMC use Anchor.
 Materials
Supplies list for this course

Needles
For this course, you will need embroidery needles in sizes 9
and 10. My favorite brand of embroidery needles is Tulip.
Other good brands are John James, DMC, and
Richard Hemming & Son. I recommend getting a multipack
of different sizes if you’re just staring out. I recommend using
size 10 for thread painting. If you’re having a hard time
threading it, go up a size. Then when you’re more
comfortable threading a larger needle, try using a smaller
one again. Smaller needles allow you to add more detail to
your work and make your thread painting look smoother,
especially when working on a miniature scale.

Pen
I like using heat erasable pens to trace my patterns onto
fabric. The brand I recommend is Fixion. For miniature
embroidery, fine tip pens or markers work best. If you have
any pen marks still visible after your embroidery is
completed, simply go over it with a blow dryer or an iron
and the marks will disappear. Try not to be too heavy handed
with the lines , as they can reappear in cold temperatures.
 Materials
Supplies list for this course

Embroidery Hoop
I recommend stitching in plastic hoops. I think they hold
the fabric a lot more taught than wooden or bamboo hoops.
Most plastic hoops have a “gripping lip” on the inner hoop
that helps hold fabric in place and prevents it from slipping
and losing tension. Susan Bates is a good cost-effective
option. If you want something a little fancier, I like ones by
Clover as well.

Embroidery Stand
An embroidery stand is not necessary, but very convenient if
you don’t want to hold your hoop in your hands. They’re also
helpful if you have any problems with hand cramping while
embroidering. There are many brands out there.
Dubko Factory and Nurge are two that I’ve tried and liked.

Scissors
You will need a pair of sharp embroidery scissors that you
only use for thread, so they don’t become dull.

Pin Cushion
You will need a pin cushion for your needles. Pin cushions
that are filled with emery sand can help keep your needles
sharp longer.
 Materials
Supplies list for this course

Necklace Settings
If you’re making embroidered jewelry, you will need some
blank jewelry settings. I get mine on Etsy.

Cardstock
I use archival quality, acid and lignin-free cardstock for
jewelry inserts. I get mine from www.createforless.com.
It’s important for it to be archival quality, otherwise the
cardstock will burn the fabric over time, causing stains.

Circle Template
You’ll need a circle template or a drawing compass for the
cardstock inserts. I have a circle template that I got from
a craft store.

Glue Gun
I use a high heat glue gun to glue the inserts into the jewelry
settings.

Miscellaneous
Thread bobbins and storage bins, masking tape, scissors for
paper and cardstock, nail file or small fine sanding block