50 Embroidery Enthusiasts That Deserved To Be Applauded For Their Art Online
Interview With ExpertAlthough almost everything about the pandemic was awful, there was at least one positive side to it: people taking up hobbies. A LendingTree survey found that 6 in 10 Americans tried out a new activity during the lockdown. In 2024, 67% of Americans say they have multiple hobbies.
Those who enjoy cozying up on their couch and making something with their own hands gravitated toward fiber crafts. Sewing, knitting, crocheting – fans even started recreating Harry Styles' viral cardigan at home. But today, we're dedicating a list to embroidery and its community on Reddit, r/embroidery. We have a new collection of the most gorgeous projects people shared there, so scroll away and be inspired!
We also reached out to professional embroidery artist Emillie Ferris, based in Warwickshire, UK. She told Bored Panda more about how a cozy hobby can turn into a career. Emillie also shared some tips for those new to the art of embroidery and the most important words of encouragement any beginner needs to hear: "You're already an artist."
More info: Emillie Ferris | Instagram | Paint With Thread | Etsy | Domestica video course
This post may include affiliate links.
Just Embroidered My First Sweater Ever, Still Learning But Let Me Know What You Guys Think
It makes the daisies I used to embroider on my jeans pockets in the 70s look a bit tame doesn't it
Load More Replies...Emillie's work, although mostly fueled by her passion for needlecraft, draws inspiration from wildlife and the British countryside. Our longtime readers might remember her feature here on Bored Panda from back in 2016. She stunned us with incredibly realistic pet and animal portraits and had many readers wanting their own stitched portraits of their four-legged best friends.
Eight years later, Emillie now offers tutorials and courses for people who want to hone their embroidery skills and those who just picked the hobby up. She has been featured on numerous websites, including This Is Colossal, the Design*Sponge blog, and Frankie Magazine. Emillie's needlework has also been featured in magazines such as Vogue Brazil and Town and Country Magazine.
Portrait Of A Distinguished Old Lady
They could make a fortune making memorial pieces for people who send photos🙃 that's very cool
Absolutely true to life. She looks like she could turn her head and look right at you.
Blue Heron Thread Painting
This is a masterpiece. Gorgeous. I used to do embroidery and counted cross stitch and totally appreciate your skill and colour sense.
Emillie says that her journey to become a master embroiderer began during her university years. In her second year of university, she missed the countryside and the slower pace of life it brought with it, and in 2013, she began her embroidery journey. "Little did I know, when I had finished embroidering my first hoop, what a wonderful impact it would have on my life and career," she now reflects.
Emillie tells Bored Panda that romanticized paintings depicting women doing needlepoint by windows or in the countryside first inspired her to pick up a needle. "I was particularly obsessed with Tumblr (weren't all us girls back then?), photography, and the pre-raphaelite movement at the time."
My First. My Mum Says I Did It All Wrong But I’m Just Happy I Finished Something For Once
Mummy's are not supposed to tell you, that something you put effort and heart into is all wrong. This Grand mummy will tell you dear, you did a wonderful job. And I'm proud you finished it!🥰
Mummy needs to have a little chat with Aunty about this.....
Load More Replies...Your Mum could use some lessons in positive reinforcement!! WTF, Mum! Don’t ever let anyone stop your creativity. You did such a great job, hon😃 PS: the OP is autistic, per her Reddit info. How DARE her mother put her down for an accomplishment she’s so clearly proud of?!?
No, it's all wrong. That void is obviously a kitten. Any kitten worth her tuna would kill the flowers first, and then sit in the pot.
It has immense charm and soul, more so than some of the more accomplished items on this post. Also I can't actually see anything wrong with it.
Mum is jealous of how beautiful this piece turned out. It's not all wrong, it's perfect!
Did you craft it with joy? Were you proud when you finished the project and put it on display? Then nothing about this treasure is wrong and Mum can go talk a long walk off a short pier.
Hand Embroidered Green Dragon Bag By Me
Oh my heavenly spaghetti monster... I will sell my soul to find the money to buy this bag. It's freaking amazing! 💗💗💗
We want one! We need a new place to hide our mousie toys.
This would be a hit in Chinatown. Worth any asking price. Heck, I'd love to have a front-row seat at the auction.
That is really cool and unique! I would love to order one, where do I go?!
My Chicken Embroidery Got Accepted Into The State Fair! I Didn’t Win Anything But It Was Cool To See Her In A Gallery Setting With All The Other Artwork
If that didn't win anything those that did must have been pretty special.
How did you not win? The originally alone...plus the Beauty is mind blowing
You should have won! This is beautiful. She looks like my RIR Lucy.
Two paintings in particular caught Emillie's eye and ignited the spark to try fiber art. 'I Am Half-Sick of Shadows,' Said the Lady of Shalott by John William Waterhouse and An Afternoon Embroidering by Madeleine Jeanne Lemaire.
"I loved the idea of using this ancient craft to connect with these talented women from the past," Emillie explains her inspiration. "But mostly, I longed for a hobby that didn't require technology. I was doing a lot of digital creative work for my university degree, e.g., graphic design, photography, and videography. I longed for a low-cost, portable hobby I could take anywhere with me. After trying crochet for a week, embroidery quickly became an everyday passion of mine," Emillie tells Bored Panda.
My Finished Ball Python Embroidery!
It's coming off! *slaps the danger noodle into submission*
I see no embroidery, I see only pretty snek. Seriously, this is god-tier talent.
Ok, dumb question…are these done on hand-drawn canvases or from a pre-drawn kit? I did some cross stitching but it was always from a kit since I can only draw stick figures. If these are origiinal art pieces, they’re amazing!! If they’re from a kit, they’re still amazing!!
It almost comes alive. I see a horror movie in your future. I'll be the first in line at the theater.
Recent Project I'm Proud Of Finishing
Hanging a perfectly innocent cat in the air and kissing it. You soft can-openers are just too much!
Love the twist on Gustav Klimt, lol, kitty even has an adorable look on its face!
Freckled, Floofy Toebeans!
So this just came to my mind, seeing those fuzzy feet: "Love to eat them mousies. Mousies what I love to eat. Bite they little heads off. Nibble on they tiny feet." B. Kliban
That poster was in our music room in high school.
Load More Replies...these look IDENTICAL to my cats paws. how do i upload pictures lol
Emillie tells us that she didn't expect her hobby to turn into a career. For her, it was just a passion that turned into a business. "It was something that progressed naturally through Instagram and through time. I would post photographs of my creations on Instagram purely for fun and encouragement, and from there, I started to receive a lot of emails and requests (to my surprise) from people wanting to purchase them!"
Biggest Embroidery Project To Date, Nearly Done
Amazing detail and depth. It reminds me of many layered acrylic art.
Finished One Week Ago
I honestly thought I saw it ripple for a split second.
Load More Replies...That's Mount Rainier in Washington State. This long link shows almost the same view: https://www.google.com/maps/@47.0386783,-121.8364014,3a,48.4y,150.84h,86.02t/data=!3m8!1e1!3m6!1sAF1QipPEFBma-U3L33zSWnx--bqd4vokANeeQKrALjIr!2e10!3e11!6shttps:%2F%2Flh5.googleusercontent.com%2Fp%2FAF1QipPEFBma-U3L33zSWnx--bqd4vokANeeQKrALjIr%3Dw900-h600-k-no-pi3.9755974858673966-ya338.84402422347495-ro0-fo90!7i4608!8i2304?coh=205410
Mrs. Doubtfire With Whipped Cream Face (Please Be Gentle This Was A Silly Idea I Needed To See Thru)
Better than a drive by fruiting, as Robin would say.
Load More Replies...Wish Robin could see your work. So glad you included the dripping whipped cream. One of the funniest moments of the film. One dollop or two dear????
*pounces the pearls* Behave, Audi. Those aren't yours.
Clever! Well done. Though it also kind of reminds me of Davy Jones, from the Pirates of the Caribbean movies.
AWESOME!! You never care what others say, you did a fabulous job!!
Since her start in the early 2010s, a lot has changed. "My business has since grown from creating custom pet portraits to helping thousands of others learn the craft of needle-painting," Emellie tells us. "I now have a following of over 200,000 people, and this still blows my mind today. I am very grateful to those who have supported my work and to my past self for trying something new."
My First Actually Well Made Tabby Cat And I Still Cannot Believe I Made Her With My Own Two Hands! 😭♥️ Thoughts?
All tabbies are well made, you did a wonderful rendition of a perfect model!! Good job!
Okay, I want to see this person's not-so-well-made pieces as I have a feeling they're only slightly less amazing than this one. As in, they're still leagues above what my piddly embroidery ability could create. 😳
Insanity!! I feel like I could reach out and pet that, and it would be a living cat!
3D Life Size Anatomical Heart
Perhaps we shouldn't ask after Nelly. She may not be feeling her best.
Load More Replies...Hand Embroidered Beach Theme Mosasaurus That I Am Super Proud Of
Emellie tells Bored Panda that there aren't any prerequisite skills one must have to start embroidering. "The only trait I can think of is the will to try something new and perhaps be a bit bad at it to begin with!" For those waiting for the right time to take up a hobby, Emellie says: "The best time to plant a tree was 20 years ago. The second best time is now."
First Finish In A Long Time! That Grey Tabby Fur Is No Joke
Someone embroidered me! Of course, I am the most beautiful cat ever to live. It's a LOT of upkeep, staying so beautiful. *washes between her back left toes*
I know, me too - every piece here is absolutely amazing! Even my thesaurus is running out of words. 😄
Load More Replies...First Embroidery!
That's your FIRST?!?! You must already be an artist in another medium because this is awesome!
Note To Self: If You Put Something Off Because It Takes A While To Finish, It Actually Takes Way Longer To Finish It
Is that 3D or just made to look that way? Either way it's fantastic
That is so cool! I love how it pops out, like it is growing out of the embroidery.
"Don't hesitate, don't doubt yourself, and just go for it!" Emellie encourages aspiring needlers. "Once you start embroidering, you will only wonder why you didn't start earlier. The materials are inexpensive and easy to get a hold of." She recommends embroidering projects you are truly interested in: nature, films, quotes, or anything else. "Be inspired by others, but remember to be your truest authentic self and don’t directly copy other artwork," she adds.
I Can Still See Some Flaws, But I’m Also Super Proud Of This. Probably One Of The Coolest Things I’ve Ever Made With My Own Two Hands!
Yeah, YOU can see the flaws - that's to be expected of any artist. But the rest of us can only see AMAZING. 🌟🌟🌟
Mlem
Purple Birdie In Boots! One Of My Most Recent Projects
Love your humour. She will be exasperated soon with the weight. Lol
Emillie created tutorials for those who might feel overwhelmed by the technicalities of embroidery. Her Etsy shop is a treasure trove of information for beginners, with many tips and tricks. Emillie says that these materials help people feel less pressure to design a project themselves, especially if they don't feel up to it yet. "Good luck, and above all, enjoy yourself, express yourself, and have fun with it!"
First Finished Embroidery Project: A Bunch Of Bugs On A Hat! Would Love Any Feedback!
So cute. I love it. A different background color might help those little ladies pop a bit better, though. Like maybe a medium gray? Or yellow?
As Promised, My Life-Sized Skeleton Embroidery Finished!
How long did it take? Was it free hand, or pattern?? I'm curious, as I want this soooo bad.
Speechless, I'm speechless. The dedication and talent to create something this spectacular is....mind boggling.
This Turned Out Pawsitively Meowvelous
I would buy this. Any price. I’d sell my soul if I have to. I need it on my cargo pants
This looks like it's from the same artist whose mum told her she did it wrong. I wonder what Mum said about this one. Because, once again, this is amazingly adorable. 💗
We also wanted to know the most common mistakes beginners make. Emillie says that the first thing novices should avoid is buying beginner kits from Amazon, Temu, and the like. "They are often low quality and will be more likely to be frustrating due to poor instructions," the embroidery artist explains.
My Bumblebee Embroidery
Finally Finished This 🍾
Strange the partially finished one is so far above the completed version. Stunning work, either way.
Load More Replies...No matter how much you zoom in, it still doesn't look like embroidery.... I'm in awe (and in awww)
Love that we get to see the finished project. All the way through, it's utterly spectacular.
It’s Been In Storage For A Wile, But I Made This For My (Late) Dad About 1986
Stunning, but I think it needs reframing to show off its beauty.
Emillie recommends scouring the Internet and socials for high-quality kits and tutorials from embroidery artists. Etsy and Instagram can be of great help in this search, she claims. "These people WANT you to love embroidery as much as them, that's why I created my kits. I don't want people to be put off after trying a new hobby once due to bad materials. I want them to fall in love with embroidery and feel proud of what they have created!"
Mr Sparkle Fish
I Started Embroidering A Few Weeks Ago And I’ve Been So Inspired By All Of You!
All of these first tries are incredible. My first try looked like a ball of thread found under the couch.
I loathe French knots so you get my kudos just for the sheer number you used here. The rest of the piece gets my full standing ovation.
Upvoted because in my 62 years I never learned to do a proper french knot.
My First Serious Stab (Tehee) At Embroidery. Treebeard!
As Treebeard would say..Y O UUU, HAAAVE TALLLENT..Of course it would take him an hour, but totally worth the wait.
We don't stitch anything...that doesn't take a long time to stitch
If you're more of a cheapskate or just simply like a challenge and want to approach embroidery solo and with a little help from a YouTube video, Emillie recommends having these materials on hand:
- Medium-weight cotton;
- A pack of size 5/10 needles from brands such as John James/DMC;
- A varied selection of floss colors from DMC or Anchor and a sturdy wooden hoop. (She suggests a 5" hoop from DMC.) Note: embroidery floss comes in six divisible strands -- use one strand for detailed, realistic work, and always make sure your fabric is DRUM TIGHT in the hoop.
Emillie also has more encouraging words: "You are good enough. Your time has not passed to try new skills. Go for it, try it, experiment with it. The materials are so humble, yet you can create your own mini-masterpiece to last [for] generations to come. You don't need much to get started. You can do this. Happy stitching!"
I Embroidered A Picture Of My Grandma’s Farm To Gift Her For Christmas
I Prepare An “Haute Couture” Shirt For The Lunar New Year. How Do You Guys Think? Thank You!
Really Loving How These Pieces Look Together
These are premade kits to can buy on Amazon. I finished one and am on the second!
Live Oak Tree
I Made My Dream Froggybag
Reminds me of this old gem of a "game" https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=0bWo-UScAAs
Load More Replies...My second thought! Obviously first thought was gimme
Load More Replies...Been Having A Week, This Felt Appropriate
Every once in a while we all get to be the pińata.
Load More Replies...Some Closed Up Photos Of My Commission Cause I Spent Way Too Much Time On It And Don’t Want To Waste All That Effort
Just as I thought I could pick my jaw up off the floor, it plows down through the floorboards. 🌟💗🌟
Is this from Chainsaw Man? :o When Denji had jam on bread for the first time?
Pumpkin
Lost My Mind And Decided To Make An All-French Knot Piece
You may have lost your mind, but you gained a fantastic piece of art! Very cool!
I would imagine you lost your mind AFTER doing all those French knots. I am in awe of your mental stamina - French knots are torture! (They are for me, anyway. 😱)
Decided To Mix Things Up And Try Out A Beetle! Loved Working With Some Beads And Metallic Threads, On A 8” Hoop. This One Was Fun
Yes I was thinking so too!! A close-up of the beadwork is impressive also.
Load More Replies...Dumb Wish But Ok
Finally Finished These Pitcher Plants
That is some pitcher-esque talent! (Sorry, I'll see myself out now.)
Finished My Embroidiary... Only A Year Late
I so enjoyed zooming in, just relaxing and viewing this piece, good work!!
🫠🍦
Corona Lockdown Taught Me This New Artform
Really Happy With This One
I Stitched This For My Son, Whose Amazing Brain Is Seasoned To Perfection 🧠♥️
As an ND person myself, I love this and love that a parent would make this for their child, wow.
Older Work Of Mine But I Still Can't Tell If It's Recognizable. Faces Are So Hard!
A Few Of The Embroideries I’ve Been Working On Over The Summer
The Note
Cross Stitch Project From Leftover Threads 🪡🧵♻️🌈
Most Recent Piece, Displayed In A Thrifted Frame :d
Does This Count As Embroidery
Colourful Pigeon Of Joy And A Poor Attempt At Needle Felting
My First Embroidery Project. I Think It's Done
In case you can't tell what it is: https://www.reddit.com/r/Embroidery/comments/19bj3tx/my_first_embroidery_project_i_think_its_done/#lightbox
To Bubble, Or Not To Bubble?
Revisiting Embroidery After Almost 50 Years And Here Are 10 Projects I Completed Over The Past 3 Months
My Coworker Crashed His Bike :( It’s Not Too Soon I Promise Lol
What Should I Write There?
Christmas Gift To My Husband This Year, Finished Just In Time. It’s Not Perfect But I’m Pretty Happy With It
"Shavin' my shoulders....I'm getting it all shaved off.....": 🎵
This Is What Almost 3 Skeins Of Grey Thread Looks Like
Help! Should I Outline The Letters In Black Or Ivory?
Just Finished This Little Guy
This has such a wonderful feel. It makes me think of woods and winter and snow. Of a cozy fireplace and hot tea waiting at home. Lovely!!
I’ve Accepted My Inability To Keep Consistent Tension, But My Husband Couldn’t Tell The Light Blue Is Supposed To Be Water. Ugh. What Should I Do Differently?
It's beautiful. But perhaps if you had stitched the light blue horizontally it would have looked more like water.
How Do We Feel About This Colour Combination?
Don't worry, the enamel Homer is not part of the pattern. It's a needle minder. A needle minder is magnetic so you can attach your needle to it when you're not embroidering without worrying about it getting lost.
Load More Replies...Stitched Edward Cullen For Bathroom Decor 😂( Oc)
That's the scene where he smelled Bella and wanted to bite her.
Load More Replies...Stitched This To Commemorate The Six Generations Of My Husband’s Family Born On Halloween 🎃 (Msb Is My Husband, Pab Is Our Son - More Info In Comments)
With the exception of the last two dates, they were all 25 years apart. How can that HAPPEN?!
I told my parents I'd go into labor on their wedding anniversary on Oct 4. I did and I had him Oct 5. My brother is Oct 11 mom the 22. And my parents started dating Oct 30!
Wedding Photo
click on the artists name at the bottom of the photo left side and you will see the front
Thank you for this post! I don't regret looking at this piece.
Load More Replies...Progress On Embroidery Dragon, I Regret Using Metallic Thread Every Time I Work With It, But The Result Always Looks Great
I too regret the choice of metallic thread every time, using thread magic helps a little though.
I did love doing my embroidery but after seeing these art works, I realize that I am wasting my time and it's time to put down my needles 😞
It's never a waste of time doing something you love. Please pick up your needles and continue on.
Load More Replies...I…don’t know if she deleted her comment, but someone posted here that while they used to love doing embroidery, seeing all these works made them realize they were wasting their time and should just put down their needles 😢 I wrote a response so I hope whoever that was sees it: Don’t say that about yourself! There’s another version of you that saw all of these and thought “wow! These are all so beautiful and I have so many different and wonderful things to aspire to and be inspired by now!” Imagine seeing the most beautiful sunrise of your life and going back inside because you couldn’t draw or paint it. Humans are creation machines. To see beauty and wish to add to it is in itself beautiful. To see beauty and experience it is in itself beautiful. You don’t have to be great to do good. Simply the act is beautiful and I hope the version of yourself you choose is the one who believes no act of love can ever be wasted ❤️
It's still visible, and she has six answers so far, which I very much hope she reads
Load More Replies...Well, I'm am now more convinced at how talentless i am. These were all fantastic and a real pleasure to look at. Loved the article.
You don't have less talent, simply different talents. I'm sure you are good at some things that most are not.
Load More Replies...I would love to embroider if only someone else would thread all the needles for me....
I'd love to learn this craft, but honestly, it looks a little intimidating 🫣
I bet you'll surprise yourself on how well you do. Give it a shot.
Load More Replies...I…don’t know if she deleted her comment, but someone posted here that while they used to love doing embroidery, seeing all these works made them realize they were wasting their time and should just put down their needles 😢 I wrote a response so I hope whoever that was sees it: Don’t say that about yourself! There’s another version of you that saw all of these and thought “wow! These are all so beautiful and I have so many different and wonderful things to aspire to and be inspired by now!” Imagine seeing the most beautiful sunrise of your life and going back inside because you couldn’t draw or paint it. Humans are creation machines. To see beauty and wish to add to it is in itself beautiful. To see beauty and experience it is in itself beautiful. You don’t have to be great to do good. Simply the act is beautiful and I hope the version of yourself you choose is the one who believes no act of love can ever be wasted ❤️
It's still visible, and she has six answers so far, which I very much hope she reads
Load More Replies...Well, I'm am now more convinced at how talentless i am. These were all fantastic and a real pleasure to look at. Loved the article.
You don't have less talent, simply different talents. I'm sure you are good at some things that most are not.
Load More Replies...I would love to embroider if only someone else would thread all the needles for me....
I'd love to learn this craft, but honestly, it looks a little intimidating 🫣
I bet you'll surprise yourself on how well you do. Give it a shot.
Load More Replies...
