A guest post by Tumara Hall from The Stitch Witch

Hand embroidering is my one of my biggest passions and if I had it my way, it would be the whole world’s passion as well. There are so many reasons as to why everyone should start enjoying this magical craft, some even believe there are rigorous health benefits! I have added a few obstacles/excuses as to why some people may hesitate when taking up hand embroidery.

I don’t have the time

Once you have finished the very first segment of your first canvas, you will be able to multitask so thoroughly that you can watch your favourite program while finishing your design. It gives you hand something to do to keep busy and you feel productive even though you are secretly indulging in some Shortland Street.

I’m not an artist

Before I took classes in design, all my drawings consisted of stick figures. In fact they weren’t even well-drawn stick figures, but I have always spent time on embroidery since a very young age. If the design is already decided upon it is as easy as following a pattern. If you highlight the pattern as you go, you can watch the progress and feel a slight sense of achievement every time you pick your material up.

I’m not rich

The best bit about hand embroidery is the most expensive investment is your time. You can basically start the craft on less than $10 (NZ) and still make something wonderful. You can also purchase kits if you are unsure where to start, they generally provide everything with them.

I’m not interested

You have to work out your reasoning as to why you aren’t interested. If you feel that this art and its many depths genuinely doesn’t interest you then move on and find your passion. If you want to give this a go, but feel unsure, give a small kit a go and try it out. But I warn you now, it is increasingly addictive.

I’m not ancient

Sure your threadwork may stand the test of time but it doesn’t mean you need to worry about aging before trying it out. There are so many designs these days that creating something Urban or Punk to accessorise your latest fashion purchase is so simple yet effective. Once you realise the amazing potential of hand embroidery the art becomes exceptionally fun no matter your age.

I can just machine embroider

Machine embroidery is another form of art in itself, there are so many differences as to your range of colour available, material you can work with and time spent on crafting each design. I encourage hand embroiderers to try machine embroidery; and vice versa at some stage of their hobby life so they can experience the difference to each design.

I will get bored of making the same thing over and over again?

There is always something new to learn within the hand embroidery world, some metallic material, different thread to be working with or a complex stitch to try. Even after the last 15 years I am still discovering new ways to increase the eye-catching ability of my work.

I don’t want a wall hanging

As previously mentioned there are so many ways to use hand embroidered items, to accessorise the latest fashion purchases, to add your company’s logo onto clothing, to embellish a book cover, create a fancy card or invitation, the list goes on and on. Don’t limit yourself to wall hangings and discover all the other possibilities.

If I haven’t convinced you of the many amazing things that Hand embroidery has to offer you, think about the amazing things you might be able to offer others within gifting them a custom item. Money’s tight at the moment for everyone so making something that special for others will add the “Priceless” tag right on there.

If I had my way, the whole world would share in my passion, but I would just be happy if you did.

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