Needlework for a beginner

Needlework encompasses many different categories. You used the word embroidery in your post but to me that means a more creative and stylistically advanced form of needlework. Sometimes people do just plain “stitching.”

If you want to start up again with needle and thread (aka floss, embroidery silk) I would start with NEEDLEPOINT. A small starter kit will give you the practice, technique and confidence to advance at your own speed.

Previous suggestion here include your local church that has a crafting circle - there will be people to help you get started (while you form friendships too) and may get you to progress to crocheting or knitting too, quilting is lovely (required sewing skills, but can encompass hand needlework too), whatever floats your boat. Handwork is relaxing.

Start small. It’s all good! Enjoy!
USA Gundy

I recently downsized with embroidery and tapestry stuff. I'd picked up a fair few kits both new and half made over the years at charity shops and from people downsizing,thinking I'd do th.one day, I considered whether I still liked them, what I'd do with them when I finished them, did I have a place to put a picture, did I actually like them enough to spend time on them, if a cushion cover did it go with my colour scheme,would it make a nice present for a friend etc I passed a fair few on and the ones I've kept I hope to finish eventually. No point spending a lot of time and then money framing them if it is going to the charity shop and not doing the.ones I really like.
So that's the first thing to think about make sure you really like it or have someone to give it to, the little kits you can put in a.card on magazines are nice as you can send to people. Or embroidering things you can use.
Eyesight is another thing, I find as I grow older I need good light and glasses, maybe start with something that isn't too intricate.
I did a lot of cross stitch when I was younger, and still have the ones I did to celebrate my children's births.
Etsy, John Lewis and not on the high street will have some and just seem this on a quick Google, which I personally thought reasonably priced
nancynicholson.co.uk/

What about redwork? Mandy Shaw (Dandelion Designs) has lots of lovely small things you could start with. She has YouTube videos too to show how to use the kits

There are embroidery groups on line. I belong to a closed group with a teacher where we pay a fee. It is a wonderful group where I have made friends and been inspired and learned so much. But there are also open groups which are free. "Slow Stitch" is one. Being part of a stitching community is lovely. Stitching itself can be very soothing. If you begin to draw your own patterns it can be a way of expressing yourself.

I have seen this which might be of interest
You get a kit and an online session
www.cats.org.uk/autumncraft?

Jane, I too am battling crochet, I can’t get to grips with it. I have done, embroidery, knitting, cross sets etc. all my life I’ve big pictures that I’ve done and no where to put them. Determined to crochet a pastel bedspread once I master the square.

Another recommendation for Mandy Shaw here, lovely ideas for handmade gifts too. Have a look at wool or woolfelt applique. Pennyrugs take very little time to stitch up, the wool is really nice to work with and doesn't fray!
Happy stitching everyone x

Allsorts if you go on a site called Gathered there are videos which show you how to do grannie squares. Of all types. Plus there are a lot of your tube videos to teach you.

Hi Hermia! 😊

That’s great you’re getting back into needlework - it’s such a relaxing and rewarding hobby. If you’re looking for beginner-friendly kits with clear stitch instructions, I’d recommend starting with pre-printed embroidery kits. They usually come with everything you need - fabric, threads, needles, and easy-to-follow diagrams.

You can find some nice, affordable options on Amazon, Etsy, or even local craft stores like Hobbycraft (if you’re in the UK). Look for listings that mention “beginner embroidery kit” or “printed pattern” - those are usually the simplest to follow.

If you want to try something pretty but still simple, floral or animal-themed kits are a good place to start. And if you ever need help choosing one, just share a link here - we can help you pick a good beginner project.

Enjoy your stitching journey! 🪡

Embroidery Kits may have some recommendations for you. Let me know if I can help you. Thank you