FAQs

General embroidery questions

Is this a form of cross stitch?
No its not, this is free hand embroidery, meaning that I don’t follow a gridded pattern like you would in cross stitch.

What is free hand embroidery?
Free hand embroidery does not use a gridded pattern like more traditional methods. Also know as freestyle embroidery, this term describes an embroidery technique where the design on the cloth is created without any pattern and structure and is often drawn directly onto the surface and then stitched.

Do you use punch craft in your work?
No I don’t - all of my work is done by a simple needle, threads, wools and yarns and my own two hands!

What brand of yarns/threads do you use?
I use high quality embroidery floss and tapestry yarn from DMC and Anchor and knitting wools from Rowan, and donations from fellow makers, and my mother!

What embroidery hoop do you use?
I love to use Nurge embroidery hoops - they are high quality, hand crafted in Türkiye and do not splinter like a bamboo embroidery hoop would. I would also recommend Elbesee embroidery hoops as a slightly cheaper alternative.

My embroidery process

How long do the hoops take you to do?
It depends on the size of the embroidery hoop – a 4 inch hoop typically take me 3-4 hours to complete and larger pieces can take up to 9 hours! The prices reflect on the amount of hours it take to complete a hoop and amount of yarns/threads used.

How do you decide on your colours on your hoops?
I first reference to the image I would like to replicate, select up to 3 matched colours (actual colours of the image, vaguely matched) and then I’ll select another 2-3 colours that are not in the image. I typically love to use contrasting colours that gives vibrant pops of colour for the smaller details of the image (i.e houses in the distance, wooden fence…).
I limit the colour palettes to 5 or 6 colours to keep the embroidery piece uniform and not too overwhelming (believe it or not, there is a limit!).

How do you create the textures on your hoops?
When selecting my colour palette, I also consider the types of yarns and threads that I use; 6 strand embroidery floss, tapestry wool, knitting wool and even roving wool. By using thicker yarns/wools, these help create puffy textures and add a 3-D element to my hoops.

What embroidery stitches do you use?
I stick to a few basic stitches – French Knots, satin stitch and seed stitch and let colours and yarn texture stand out.

Commissions

Do you do other locations from what you already have?
I certainly do, I am open to taking on bespoke requests for your very own personalised hoop, please visit the commissions page for more info or email me at hello@threidstitches.com.

Can you do beach scenes?
Yes absolutely! I’m very open to exploring new scenes that I haven’t done, just send over a reference image and we can take it from there.

Do you do just Scottish landscapes?
My ready stitched hoops are predominantly based on Scottish terrain and inspired by my personal trips around Scotland but I can do bespoke hoops of any other place at your request.

How long will it take for you to finish my commission?
This is dependant on the size and detail of the hoop that you have requested, my anticipated timescale to complete your bespoke hoop will be discussed and agreed with you before I ask of a deposit from you, on average I’ll have your bespoke hoop completed and shipped to you within 3 weeks (dependant on time of year). If you require your commission sooner then please let me know asap and I’ll let you know if I am able to accommodate this for you.

I have no idea what I want on my commission hoop?!
Don’t worry, all I need from you is a reference image of what location you would like embroidered and I am able to help you with deciding colours and composition. Most of my previous customers have trusted me to selected the colour palette for them or I am able to offer you two different options if you wish to decide any specific colours. I do all of the hard work for you and I’ll of course keep you informed throughout the process fi you wish for these.

Threid Stitches embroidery products

Do you do any other embroidery kits?
What I have available is listed on the store page on the website but I am always working on the next design or researching which location/sampler to design next. If you have any suggestions, I’d love to hear them, pop over an email at hello@threidstitches.com.

Are your embroidery kits suitable for children?
Due to the sharp needles and small parts within the embroidery kits, I do not recommend that you let babies and young children handle these. I’d suggest Threid Stitches embroidery kits are suitable from 12 years and older - long as they can handle sharp needles responsibly then let them give the kits a go!

Why don’t you have printed instructions in your embroidery kits?
My embroidery kits all come with a printed QR code for you to scan and download the instructions onto your mobile. This was decided after a considerable amount of research into developing the embroidery kits and this allows me to be able to make edits to the instructions as and when needed. Providing downloadable instructions also enables that the embroidery kit costs are kept low where possible. If you are not able to load up the instructions at all, then please get in touch and I will be able to send you over a digital copy via email or post a physical copy to you if preferred.

Shipping/Delivery

Do you ship to the USA?
Yes I do, there should be an international postage option when checking out - it is a £20 flat rate to all states using Royal Mail Tracked and Signed delivery for extra reassurance. Please get in touch if you have any queries.

Do you ship to Europe?
I am able to ship to most countries in Europe, I haven’t added in all of the countries shopping fees just yet so please get in touch via email to enquire shipping fees.

I need my order shipped out quickly, can you post it for then?
My normal turnaround time for ready made products (embroidery kits, prints and originals) to be shipped out is 3-4 working days and is sent Royal Mail 2nd class. If you would like to upgrade this to 1st class then please get in touch via email and I’ll try my best to accommodate this.
Bespoke commissions do take longer for me to produce and ship out to you but please let me know asap if you would like your commission sooner and I’ll try my best to accommodate your request.

Misc.

Do you teach sewing/do workshops?
I currently do not teach any classes/workshops at this time. If there is enough demand, I would certainly consider these in the future! Please feel free to drop me an email to enquire - hello@threidstitches.com

I have a question that’s not listed here?

Please get in touch via the contact form or drop me an email at hello@threidstitches.com, and I will respond to you as soon as I can.