The 4 things to know when taking up embroidery

Embroidery is a rewarding hobby that can add an individual touch to your home decor. But before you start, here are some basics you'll need to know.

Choose tightly woven plain fabrics. Weaves, such as linen, have the same number of threads in both warp and weft as regularly patterned fabrics, such as gingham.

• Stranded cottons or silks, which can be separated to give a finer thread, are the most versatile. Or choose two, three or four ply wool.
• For fine work, use a sharp-pointed, medium length crewel needle.
• For heavier threads, choose chenille needles.
• For thicker wool, select a tapestry needle.

• To start a new thread, hold the end against the reverse side of the fabric and work stitches over it for about four centimetres (1 3/4 inch).
• To finish off at a thread end, slide it through about four centimetres (1 3/4 inch) of worked stitches on the reverse side.

• A chain stitch is a commonly used stitch for outlines, but also for filling.
• Stem stitch is an invaluable outline stitch for floral designs.
• Outlines sewn in stem stitch are often filled in with the satin stitch, which is a filling stich.
• Cross-stitch can be used for decorative borders, as a filling stitch and to sew entire patterns.
• Backstitch creates a neat line for outlining shapes and herringbone stitch is used for decorative borders.

Embroidery can be used to decorate everything from table linen to clothes and cushions. As you grow in confidence, you could embroider pictures or simple samplers to frame and display.