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Mary Corbet

writer and founder

 

I learned to embroider when I was a kid, when everyone was really into cross stitch (remember the '80s?). Eventually, I migrated to surface embroidery, teaching myself with whatever I could get my hands on...read more

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August 10, 2026

Embroidery Thread – Abundant Color!

 

Amazon Books

I’ve recently acquired some new threads to play with.

I know. It’s a tough job, always having a reason to “play” with embroidery thread!

Soon, I’ll review the threads in depth, but since I haven’t actually stitched with them and tested their performance and resilience, today, I’m just going to show you the threads in general (no names, branding or anything) and share some first impressions – and some reasons why I think I might want to explore using them in some projects and kits.

I’m afraid I did the same thing to you a few weeks ago, showcasing this new collection of embroidery ground fabrics. This is the same approach with threads – a little eye candy, without much real substance.

Well, that’s candy for you! All sugar, no substance…

But who doesn’t like a little sugar now and then?

Embroidery Threads - Abundant Color!
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August 7, 2026

Weekend Diversion: 18th Century Embroidered Waistcoat

 

If you’re into historical costuming, sewing, dressmaking and so forth, then you have likely heard of Bernadette Banner. If you haven’t heard of her and you are intrigued by historical costume, then you might look her up!

Bernadette Banner is an online content creator (you can find her extensive YouTube channel here and her website here) who focuses on dressmaking before the era of the sewing machine. She recreates period-specific clothing by hand (and sometimes with period-specific machinery – but it’s mostly by hand, and that’s No Small Thing).

Recently, she and Hand & Lock (of embroidery renown) collaborated on an engrossing documentary about embroidering an 18th century waistcoat and produced a little embroidery kit to go along with it.

The images here are screen captures from the video that you’ll find linked to below.

18th c embroidered waistcoat - Bernadette Banner and Hand & Lock
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July 31, 2026

Weekend Diversion: Needle Lace and More

 

If you have not discovered Internet Archive for seeking out public domain publications on all kinds of topics – including needlework, design, and just about anything else – you should explore it some day!

Often, when I’m looking up information in old books, I’ll come across references to earlier publications that I’d never be able to see in person, except when I can find those references online in places like Internet Archive.

And often when I’m looking up something specific on Internet Archive, I’ll stumble across a little gem here and there that I find inspirational, interesting, amusing, or helpful.

Peter Jessen Der Ornamentstich
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July 29, 2026

Blackberry Brambles & Blossoms: Upcoming Stitch-Along

 

And it’s About Time!

I’m happy to say that there are still blackberries on the vine here in Kansas, so our upcoming stitch-along, Blackberry Brambles & Blossoms is still in season. I’m excited to get it launched!

To that end, I’ll tell you a little bit about the stitch-alongs I run here on Needle ‘n Thread, so that you can decide if you want to participate. I’ll also introduce you to Blackberry Brambles & Blossoms, let you know when the kits will launch and how that works, and share the initial timeline with you for this project.

Update Aug 5: The kits have launched and you can find them available here.

Blackberry Brambles & Blossoms Stitch-Along on Needle 'n Thread
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July 27, 2026

Free Hand Embroidery Design: Rose & Leaves Medallion

 

Happy Monday!

It’s been a long time since I’ve posted a free hand embroidery design here on Needle ‘n Thread!

This is my renovated version of a rose medallion (formed as a cross) from an old ecclesiastical embroidery-related publication.

While the design could also be used for secular embroidery – especially if you’re looking for something very symmetrical – the cruciform shape lends itself well to church embroidery.

Rose and Leaves Medallion
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July 24, 2026

Ground Fabric for Embroidery – Eye Candy!

 

I’m almost sorry to do this to you. I wouldn’t, after all, want to spark in you any deep yearnings or desires for the second Wonder of the Embroidery World: Fabric! (The first wonder, of course, being Thread.)

But at the same time, I’d like to share a little bit of the joy and pleasure I experienced when, with trembling fingers and antsy excitement, I recently opened up some long-awaited, highly-anticipated packages from abroad.

So today, I’m going to share a little eye candy with you.

Never fear! Ultimately, this is for you.

Ground Fabric for Hand Embroidery
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