DMC embroidery floss is renowned for its high-quality fibers, exceptional color range, and versatility, making it a favorite among crafters. Composed of six easily separable strands, it allows for a variety of techniques and textures, from delicate detailing to bold, vibrant designs. The floss is colorfast and durable, ensuring that your creations maintain their beauty over time. While there are cheaper options available, DMC floss has never let me down and remains my favorite brand of floss.

For long-lasting everyday hoops, I recommend the Susan Bates brand. These have a good grip and can be used over and over for a variety of different projects. If you plan to display your embroidery in a hoop, I recommend buying a cheaper, wooden hoop (found at any craft store) for display purposes after you have finished the project. As a plus, the wooden hoops can be painted to match the colors of your embroidery.

Embroidery scissors are essential tools for any crafter, designed specifically for precision and control. Their sharp, pointed tips allow for intricate trimming and detail work, making it easy to snip threads and navigate tight spaces without damaging your fabric. I’ve used the pair linked here for ages and they are still holding up perfectly. Perhaps more importantly, the stork design is gorgeous.

If you are a beginner, you really don’t need to be too picky about embroidery needles. Most variety packs you can find at your local craft store will suffice. That said, because needles are quite inexpensive, this is one instance where you can afford to get the nice brand if you want to. These Clover French Embroidery Needles are not only lovely to use, they are also very pretty to look at.

Needle minders are not essential, but they are EXTREMELY handy. It is incredibly easy to lose needles while sewing, and most of the time the needles are either lost forever or found the next time you are in socks or bare feet. Ouch! Needle minders help avoid these issues. These small magnets keep your needles secure and easily accessible, preventing them from getting lost or misplaced while you work. I like these ones because they happen to be adorable little cats in teacups, but all needle minders do the same thing, so pick your favorite design.

If you struggle to thread your needle, this product can make your life much easier. While not the sturdiest of objects, the Singer Needle Threaders I have linked here hold up by far the best (though they will need to be replaced over time). Simply put the needle threader through the eye of your needle, thread the needle threader with your floss, and pull back through the needle. Voila!

Linen blend fabric is an excellent choice for embroidery due to its unique combination of texture and durability. The natural fibers provide a crisp, smooth surface that holds stitches beautifully, allowing for precise detailing and vibrant color display. The breathability of linen helps prevent distortion during the stitching process, while its blend with other fibers adds softness and flexibility, making it comfortable to work with. You can find Linen/Cotton blended fabric at most craft and fabric stores, but if you are looking to support a small business and get some high-quality fabric, I recommend this seller on Etsy.

There are so many different types of felt out there that I encourage beginners to experiment with different blends until you find the perfect one for you. One of my favorites is linked below, a wool/rayon blend. The wool provides a soft, luxurious texture, offering warmth and durability, while the rayon adds a vibrant sheen and enhances color richness. This blend allows for easy stitching and manipulation, making it ideal for intricate designs and detailed work. Additionally, the felt is resistant to fraying, which helps maintain clean edges and finishes.

Iron-on fabric stabilizer is an invaluable tool for securing the underside of your embroidery projects. Designed to provide extra support, it helps prevent fabric distortion and puckering during stitching, ensuring clean, crisp results. The heat-activated adhesive makes application easy—simply iron it onto the back of your fabric, and it will stay securely in place throughout your project. This stabilizer is particularly useful for lightweight or delicate fabrics, as it adds structure without adding bulk.

This adhesive-backed paper allows you to print or draw your patterns directly onto it, then stick it to your fabric for precise placement. Once your stitching is complete, simply rinse the paper away with water, leaving only your beautiful embroidery behind. It's perfect for intricate designs or detailed work, as it provides stability during the stitching process while being gentle on your fabric. I’ve tried a number of different brands, and the Sulky Stick ‘n Stitch is by far the best, and the only paper that has never left residue behind.

There is a great secret about heat-erasable pens, and that is that any pen that is erasable is also heat-erasable. Simply draw your design on the fabric, and when you’re ready, use an iron or another heat source to erase any trace of the ink. This feature allows for precise adjustments and corrections, ensuring your embroidery looks flawless. The FriXion brand has served me well, and these are my tried-and-true everyday tracing pens.

For those that prefer markers over gel pens, these heat-erasable pens are the ones for you. Not only are they easy to work with, they come in a variety of colors, guaranteed to show up on all kinds of fabric.

A light box is an invaluable tool for embroiderers and crafters, providing a bright, illuminated surface that makes transferring designs onto fabric effortless. By placing your fabric and pattern on the light box, you can easily see and trace intricate designs, ensuring accurate placement and alignment. This enhanced visibility reduces eye strain, making it easier to work on detailed projects for extended periods. Light boxes are also great for working with multiple layers or colors, as they allow you to layer designs and see how they interact before stitching. I’ve been using this one for about two years and it is still working great.

Designed to hold your embroidery hoop securely in place, a hoop stand allows for hands-free stitching, reducing strain on your hands and wrists during long crafting sessions. This adjustable stand can accommodate various hoop sizes and angles, making it easier to see and access your work from different positions. This stand is great if you primarily sit (on a chair or couch) while embroidering, as the base sits between your knees, allowing you to hold it steady.

There is no such thing as the perfect embroidery stand, so it is more about picking the best one for your needs. If you primarily sew at a desk or table, this stand is great for holding your work while you sew, freeing up one hand and preventing embroiderer’s cramp.

Featuring a serrated blade, these shears create a zigzag edge that helps prevent fabric from fraying, ensuring clean and finished edges on your projects. This is especially useful for lightweight or delicate fabrics, as it adds durability without the need for additional hemming. Pinking shears are perfect for trimming seams, crafting appliqués, or even cutting out intricate designs. While they all pretty much do the same thing, these are the scissors I’ve been using.