A question I get asked a lot from my online community, is what embroidery supplies do I use and where can they find them?
Hoops
Because I buy hoops in bulk, I purchase mine through Darice and Consumer Crafts. Both offer great wholesale options and have a great variety of sizes. (You do need a reseller permit if you buy from Darice). Local craft stores are another resources if you're just starting out or only picking up a few hoops. Both Michael's and Joann have plastic, bamboo, and wood hoop options. Local thrift stores usual has a few hoops at great deals, but that's never a guarantee.
Fabric
I buy a lot of fabric from local craft stores. I love being able to go into a physical shop to see and feel what fabrics are available. At Joann they also have a remnant fabric bin which has smaller pieces of fabric. This has been a great place to try fabrics I wouldn't normally use, like tulle, metallic cosplay Lycra, and flannel.
For custom patterns and designs, Spoonflower offers a great selection of designs from other designers or you can create your own designs too. This option is a little spendier, but allows for more customization.
For the more eco-conscious crafters, local thrift stores can be a great option. The selection is always changing, due to donation variation, so you never know what you might find. In Seattle there is also a local craft thrift store, Seattle ReCreative, that has all sorts of craft supplies at thrift store prices.
Thread
When I first started embroidering, I only used DMC embroidery thread. Mostly because that's what is commonly available at my local craft store and because it's a well-known reputable brand. I still use a lot of DMC thread because it's consistently wonderful and have also branched out to try new thread options as well. For 10% off DMC products, use coupon code: MJXDMC.
The wonderful people at Access Commodities sent me some of their beautiful silk thread to try out. They carry Au Ver A Soie silk thread that is made from natural fibers and adds an additional pop and dimension to embroidery pieces.
This summer, I also took an embroidery class by the talented textile artist and painter Katy Biele. In her hands-on class she encouraged us to explore different textiles, from wool to yarn to metallic thread when embroidering. I loved the texture and visual depth each textile added to our piece work and have been inspired to continue to try different fibers.
Kits
For those of you who find it easier to use a kit than pick up supplies, check out a few of my favorite places for kits.
Global Backyard Industries offers a variety of supplies to support your handmade goals.
Stitch Octopus has gorgeous cross stitch kits perfect for beginners and intermediate stitchers.
Namaste Embroidery has beautiful modern embroidery designs, kits, and supplies.
The Stranded Stitch is another modern cross stitcher who offers kits, patterns, and supplies that are bright, colorful, and trendy.
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