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What is Usually Included in an Embroidery Kit?
An embroidery kit is a craft product that combines all of the components necessary to create a piece of needlework in a single package. Most kits include a needle and a special type of thread called embroidery floss. They also include fabric which may be stamped with a design, or may be accompanied by a paper chart which indicates the project’s stitch pattern. Some kits also provide an embroidery hoop, which is used to stretch and stabilize the fabric being embroidered.
One of the most important components of an embroidery kit is the embroidery needle. In most cases, the type of needle included will vary based on the kit’s fabric and thread types. Thick threads generally require thick needles, for instance, and heavy fabrics require a sharp needle point.
Thread is another common part of an embroidery kit. In most cases, the type of thread included is a soft fiber called embroidery floss. Usually, embroidery floss is dyed in richly saturated colors, and has a subtle sheen. These qualities lend vividness to the finished embroidery project. The amount of floss included in a kit depends on the specifications of the kit’s pattern.
A third piece common to all embroidery kits is the fabric on which the kit’s pattern is to be stitched. The type of fabric included is generally dictated by the intended use of the finished project. A piece of embroidery which is intended solely for decoration, for instance, may be made from a coarse fabric like Aida, while one which will eventually become a pillowcase will likely be made from a soft fabric like silk.
Another important part of the embroidery kit is the pattern, which indicates where stitches should be placed to create a picture or design. The range of embroidery patterns available is vast, although common variations include floral and holiday themes. Depending on the kit’s difficulty level, the pattern may be stamped directly on the fabric, or may take the form of a paper chart. Normally, pattern-stamped fabric is associated with beginner’s embroidery kits.
Finally, some kits include an embroidery hoop, a device used to stabilize and stretch the fabric being embroidered. An embroidery hoop consists of wooden or plastic circle which is surrounded by a second, slightly larger circle. Users part the two circles, drape their fabric over the smaller piece, and then replace the larger piece. The hoop then holds the fabric taut so it can be easily stitched.
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![Embroidery kits contain all the components needed to create a piece of needlework in one convenient package.]()
By: South12thEmbroidery kits contain all the components needed to create a piece of needlework in one convenient package. -
![Embroidery kits contain a needle, thread, and pattern.]()
By: AlcerrecaEmbroidery kits contain a needle, thread, and pattern. -
![Some kits will include an embroidery hoop.]()
By: Louella FolsomSome kits will include an embroidery hoop. -
![Embroidery kits will include embroidery floss.]()
By: Andreja DonkoEmbroidery kits will include embroidery floss.
Discussion Comments
Some people with years of experience or a natural sewing talent can embroider without the help of patterns. I could never do that. My stitching would be all over the place.
That's why I always buy an embroidery kit. Sure, I might not need a new needle for every project, but I need the pattern and the different colored thread. Plus, it never hurts to have extra supplies, so I just save whatever I don't need by storing it in my sewing drawer.
I rely on embroidery kits like a child relies on bike training wheels. The only difference is that I may never get rid of my crutch!
I was trying to save money by using my mother's needles to embroider some material, but I figured out quickly it wouldn't work. She had really thin thread on hand that she used to mend tears and reattach loose buttons, so her needles had very small eyes.
I had bought some embroidery floss, and it was much thicker than her thread. It was a gorgeous deep green, and I knew it would look great in a design.
However, I couldn't get it through the eye of the needle. I could have separated it into smaller threads, but then, my design would not look nice and thick like most embroidery.
I broke down and bought an embroidery kit. This gave me the correct size needle, plus a hoop to help make things easier. I should have done this in the first place.
@cloudel – My interest in sewing began with cross stitch embroidery kits, so I know what you mean. It's great to have everything you need in one place like that.
What I was particularly impressed with was the embroidery hoop. At first, I didn't know what it was for, and I tried to stitch by just holding the fabric in my hand. It was very difficult, and I got frustrated.
Then, my mother showed me how to work the hoop. The screw on the outer wooden circle can be tightened once you have the fabric in place, and this ensures that the pieces won't slip around.
It was so much easier to stitch with the hoop holding the fabric. I'm glad I found that out early on, or I probably would have given up on cross stitching altogether.
I started cross stitching at a young age, and I bought a kit for each project. I thought it was really neat that all the things I would need were included in one package.
It would have been hard to find the right material, thread, and tools separately. Stores don't always have all these in stock, so by selling kits, they can provide the customer with everything they will need.
These kits are also great for beginners. I would have been clueless without the help of the chart and the correct thread and needle given to me.
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