One of the questions I get asked most often is:
"How do you create your embroidery designs?"
The truth is, every project begins long before I thread my needle.
Before there are flowers, stitches, or colorful floss, there's simply an idea—and a blank sheet of paper.
Today I thought I'd take you behind the scenes and show you exactly how one of my embroidery projects comes to life.
This time, I'm creating an embroidered photo frame, and this post is the beginning of its story.
Every Design Starts with a Pencil
No matter how many digital tools I use later, I always begin the old-fashioned way.
A simple pencil.
A notebook.
And lots of tiny adjustments.
I sketch loosely at first, moving flowers, leaves, and little details around until everything feels balanced.
At this stage, nothing has to be perfect.
It's simply where ideas begin.
Turning the Sketch into Clean Line Art
Once I'm happy with the composition, I trace the drawing using a black fineliner.
The clean outline makes it much easier to scan and prepare digitally.
I love this step because the project suddenly starts looking real.
A Little Digital Magic
Next, I scan the drawing and open it in Adobe Illustrator.
This is where I clean the lines, adjust proportions if needed, and prepare a crisp version that can be printed without losing detail.
Although embroidery is completely handmade, I love combining traditional sketching with digital tools.
It gives me the freedom to make small changes before a single stitch is sewn.
Printing and Transferring the Pattern
After the design is finished, I print it and transfer it onto linen using one of my favorite embroidery tools—a light pad.
I've been using this method for years because it's quick, accurate, and gentle on the fabric.
No carbon paper.
No messy transfers.
Just clean lines ready for stitching.
Light pad for transferring embroidery patterns - https://amzn.to/4yoKDFD
Choosing Threads Is My Favorite Part
Once the pattern is on the fabric, it's time for what may be my favorite step.
Choosing colors.
Sometimes I spend more time choosing thread colors than actually drawing the design.
I lay out dozens of skeins on my table, move them around, swap one shade for another, and watch how the palette changes. It's one of my favorite parts of the creative process because this is where the embroidery begins to find its own personality.
For this project, soft blues immediately felt right. I wanted the finished frame to look light, delicate, and timeless—something that would quietly complement the photograph rather than compete with it.
Planning the Stitches
Before I start stitching, I like to imagine how each flower will come to life.
For this design, I'm planning to combine several of my favorite stitches:
Woven Wheel Roses
Satin Stitch
Lazy Daisy Stitch
French Knots
Fishbone Stitch for the leaves
Stem Stitch for graceful branches
Using different textures always makes floral embroidery feel richer and more natural.
On My Craft Table
Every project on my blog is created with a handful of favorite tools and little everyday comforts.
For this embroidery, I've collected everything in one place—from needles and threads to the cozy accessories on my craft table.
Browse the collection below - https://amzn.to/44tII5b
Light pad for transferring embroidery patterns - https://amzn.to/4yoKDFD
Embroidery needles - https://amzn.to/4wPvyeU
DMC embroidery floss - https://amzn.to/4poAHrz
Natural linen fabric - https://amzn.to/4w9ekJB
Heat Erasable Pen - https://amzn.to/4txhg0e
Amazon Embroidery Hoops - https://amzn.to/4fi4bEA
Amazon Embroidery Scissors - https://amzn.to/4eJfs0C
Magnetic needle minder - https://amzn.to/4gHgcUS
Waterproof fineliner pens - https://amzn.to/4yqvNi2
My Cozy Corner
One of my favorite parts of every embroidery project is creating a cozy little corner where I can truly enjoy the process.
A soft new rug under my craft table makes the space feel warm and inviting, while my favorite floral mug is always nearby, filled with tea or coffee. As evening falls, I love lighting a delicately scented candle—the gentle glow and subtle fragrance turn an ordinary stitching session into a quiet ritual I look forward to every day.
These little comforts may seem simple, but together they create the peaceful atmosphere where creativity feels most at home.
A few favorite things that make every creative evening even more enjoyable:
A cozy area rug for my craft space - https://amzn.to/458Dzzy
A delicate mug for tea or coffee during long stitching sessions - https://amzn.to/4ppD6m5
A softly scented candle that makes the room feel warm and peaceful - https://amzn.to/3RlmkrF
These little details don't just organize my workspace—they help create the quiet atmosphere where creativity feels most at home.
The Best Part Is About to Begin
Now everything is ready.
The sketch is finished.
The pattern has been transferred.
The colors have been chosen.
The stitches are planned.
All that's left is the part I enjoy most—watching a blank piece of linen slowly transform, one stitch at a time.
I'll be sharing the finished embroidered photo frame very soon, and I can't wait to show you how this little idea grows into a completed piece.
Stay tuned... the embroidery adventure is just beginning.
Affiliate Disclosure
Some links in this post are Amazon affiliate links. If you purchase through them, I may earn a small commission at no extra cost to you. This helps support my blog and allows me to continue sharing helpful embroidery guides, creative inspiration, and handmade lifestyle content.
Some of my embroidery and handmade lifestyle photos are available for licensing on Adobe Stock.
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