11 Hand Embroidery Myths Debunked!

When it comes to crafting and the needle arts, there are a lot of rumors, untruths, old wives tales, and opinions people have turned into 'facts'. I'll admit, when I first got back into hand embroidery⁠, I fell for a few of these too. But don't let these embroidery myths fool you. I'm here to debunk them.

11 Hand Embroidery Myths Debunked

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1- There is only one right way to embroider ⁠

If there was ever a better example of this, I think it has to be the chain stitch and the reverse chain stitch. They're essentially the same stitch just created differently. Now what does that say about embroidery? Personally, I think it means there's no right or wrong way to do anything. Do what works for you! I love teaching classes to help makers learn to basics and beyond, but that doesn't mean you have to stitch exactly like I do. Every maker is different and you need to figure out how stitching works for you, whether that's adjusting a stitch, figuring out your own style, or just where you like to craft.⁠

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2- The back of the embroidery hoop should be a pretty as the front

I was taught this growing up and I think it can lead to a lot of imposter syndrome. The back does not need to look good, especially if you're just starting out with embroidery. Most of the time no one will see the back the embroidery or it can be covered up anyways. Just enjoying stitching and worry about it later.⁠

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3- Hand embroidery is an expensive craft

If you want to get started with embroidery you really only need some fabric, a hoop, a needle, some thread, and scissors. Yes, there are all sorts of fancy add-ons, specialty threads, and nice-to have things, but they're not necessary unless you really want them to be.

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4- Embroidery kits are only for beginners

Anyone can use an embroidery kit. This is why I create beginner, intermediate, and advanced kits. Sometimes it's just nice to have everything there with no need to source it all. Other times it's about learning a specific skill, and others it's about loving the design. As someone who designs and sells embroidery kits, I have also bought advanced embroidery kits on goldwork because it's a type of needlework I'm interested in learning too. ⁠

5- Hand embroidery is only for decorative purposes

While many modern embroidery pieces seen today are decorative, hand embroidery was actually used for functional purposes long before it became part of your decorating style. Embroidery has adorned the garments of royalty, been used it tapestries, on bed linens and so much more. Over half of my wardrobe is embroidered and I wear those clothes regularly. If you want to try embroidering something you can wear, check out my book DIY Embroidered Shoes!

6- Embroidery isn't durable

Just because embroidery is seen as a feminine and delicate craft doesn't mean it can't stand the test of time or hold up to quite a bit of wear and tear. Embroidery has been around for centuries. Almost any museum you visit you are sure to see something embroidered from long ago. Additionally, my own embroidered clothing is worn in my everyday life and cleaned in my washer and dryer. I have embroidered jeans, shirts, sweatshirts, shoes, all of which have held up for years.

7- Hand embroidery is an outdated craft

When hand embroidery started becoming trendier about 10 years ago, so many people started using the phrase 'Not Your Grandma's Craft.' This phrase drove me nuts. Anyone can embroider. And just like fashion, crafts follow trends too. Right now you can find so many amazing patterns, kits, and embroideries created by modern fiber artists.

8- Hand embroidery is an extremely time consuming craft

Yes, hand embroidery is a slow craft, but it really depends on the size of your project and the type of design you're creating. A small project or something that's line work can be stitched up pretty quickly compared to an 8-inch hoop that's entirely thread painted or a 3D design.

9- Hand embroidery is a craft not an art form

Historically hand embroidery has been seen as women's work and as such has been devalued as an art form and seen as a lesser craft. In the last few years, fiber arts have been recognized by the arts community as art with more soft fabric, woven, dyed, knitted, and embroidered exhibits in museums and galleries. While these aren't on the level of Monet or Warhol, it is exciting to see embroidery start to get the recognition it rightly deserves.

10- Embroidery is only for fabrics

The beautiful thing about embroidery is that you can embroider on anything with anything! I've seen tennis rackets, colanders, chair seats, car hoods, fences, 3D embroidery and more embroidered. With embroidery, the world is your canvas and thread is your paint.

11- Machine embroidery is superior to hand embroidery

I often get asked if machine embroidery is better than hand embroidery or if there is some sort of rivalry between the two. Personally, I think there is a place for both. Machine embroidery is great for corporate logos on hats and shirts, especially when you need 50 of them and you want them all to look exactly the same. That kind of project would take a machine embroiderer a fraction of the time a hand embroiderer could it in and be all of the same consistency and quality. With hand embroidery it's less about sameness and production and more about uniqueness and textures. With hand embroidery you can create textural stitches that cannot be done with machine embroidery- just see a machine embroiderer try to do a bullion knot.

What other embroidery propaganda, myths, and untruths do you think should be on this list?