How to Make an Embroidery Stitch Book for Easy Practice

Instructions

STEP 1: GET MY FREE EMBROIDERY STITCH BOOK DESIGNS

First, download my Embroidery Stitch Book files from my free library – look for Design #805. Alternatively, you can use the Save This Project form near the top of this post and the design link will be emailed to you.

In the PNG folder, you’ll find 14 images you can use to create your embroidery stitch book in Cricut Design Space, including a cover, 12 basic stitch guides, and a simple design that uses many of the stitches.

There is also a PDF folder with a version you can print and cut by hand.

In this tutorial, I’ll teach you how to make both versions of the stitch book, as well as how to use the stitch guides.

This project is optimized for the Cricut Maker and Explore series machines, but you can also make it on a Cricut Joy Xtra or Joy 2 with a few adjustments.

TIP: If you’re not sure how to upload, go to jennifermaker.com/svgs to learn how to unzip PNG files.

STEP 2: PREPARE AND CUT YOUR STITCH BOOK

OPTION 1: CRICUT DESIGN SPACE

1. In Cricut Design Space, open a blank Canvas.
   NOTE: If you’re new to using Cricut Design Space, go to cricutkickoff.com for my introductory tutorial on Design Space basics.
2. Since the stitch book PNG images have borderless white backgrounds and can be hard to see on a white Canvas, click the “Background Color” box at the bottom of the Layers Panel, then select a new color option for your Canvas.
   NOTE: I’ll choose light gray.
   
   
3. To add the stitch book pages to your Canvas, click “Upload” and then “Upload Image.”
4. Click “Browse.”
5. Select the “cover” PNG.
6. Click “Open,” and then “Continue.”
7. On the “Background Remover” screen, you don’t need to do anything since my PNG images already have the necessary areas removed, so click “Apply & Continue.”
   
   
8. On the “Convert Upload To” page, select “Flat Graphic” and click “Continue.”
   
   
9. Click “Upload” to add the image to your Canvas.
   NOTE: The image will load in too large for Print Then Cut, and you’ll see a red warning icon in the Layers Panel, but we will fix it.
   
   
10. With the image selected, keep the “Lock” icon at the top closed, and enter “5” in the “Width (W)” field.
    TIP: The height will automatically adjust to 3”.
    NOTE: At this size, you can fit three cards on one 8.5” x 11” piece of paper using the Print Then Cut feature.
    
    
11. Repeat Steps 3-10 to add the remaining stitch book PNGs to your Canvas and spread them out.
    TIP: If Design Space lags when working with all the stitch book files simultaneously, you can load, prepare, and cut a few cards at a time instead.
12. Click “Save” and give your project a name.
13. And now your stitch book cards are ready to Print Then Cut!
    
    

PRINT THEN CUT

IMPORTANT: If you haven’t calibrated your Cricut in a while, or if your Print Then Cut projects aren’t cutting precisely, follow the steps from “STEP 3: CALIBRATE YOUR CRICUT FOR PRINT THEN CUT” of my Patterns in Cricut Design Space tutorial to improve your cuts.

1. Make sure the correct machine is selected in the top right.
2. Click “Make.”
3. On the “Prepare” screen, make sure the correct “Material Size” is selected for your mats.
   NOTE: I’m using “8.5 in x 11 in” for all my mats to match my photo paper.
   
   
4. Make sure Mat 1 is selected so it loads first on the next screen and click “Continue.”
5. On the “Make” screen, click “Send to Printer.”
6. In the “Print Setup” window, select your printer, toggle OFF “Add Bleed” since the card background is white, and toggle ON “Use System Dialog” for advanced print settings.
   NOTE: Your System Dialog window might be behind the Cricut Design Space window, so minimize it if you don’t see the settings.
   
   
7. Click “Print.”
8. In the System Dialog window, make sure your color printer is selected, change the Media Type to “Photo Matte Paper,” and change the Quality to “Best.”
   NOTE: Not all printer settings will be the same, but you can use my choices as guidelines.
   
   
9. Load the photo paper into your printer according to the directions on the package.
   NOTE: If you’re using single-sided photo paper for printing, make sure your paper is facing the correct way in the tray, as the ink will appear washed out if printed on the wrong side. Consult the packaging for guidance.
10. Click “Print” to send the first page of Print Then Cut cards to your printer.
    NOTE: My cards print three per page and I’ll Print Then Cut them one page at a time.
11. Let the print dry before handling it to avoid smudges.
12. Back on Cricut Design Space’s "Make" screen, set the Base Material for your first mat. I’ll use the “Photo Paper - 48lb” setting with “More” Pressure for cleaner cuts.
    
    NOTE: If using cardstock instead, the “Medium Cardstock - 80 lb. (216 gsm)” setting worked well for me.
13. Place your printed sheet face up on a green StandardGrip machine mat to match the screen preview.
    NOTE: Make sure the cards match the machine mat that is being cut so the holes are cut on the correct cards. Printing and cutting one page at a time helps keep everything matched up.
14. Place a clean sheet of copy paper on top of the print to protect it.
15. Use a brayer to make sure the print is fully adhered.
16. Remove the copy paper.
    
    
17. Check that your Premium Fine-Point Blade is clean and in the clamp.
18. Press the flashing “Load/Unload” button to load the prepared mat into your Cricut so it matches the screen.
19. Press the flashing middle button to begin cutting.
20. When it has finished cutting, don’t unload the mat right away. Gently lift a corner of the material to make sure the cuts went all the way through the photo paper. If not, press the middle button again to make a second pass of cuts in the same spots.
    TIP: If you have any issues with your cuts, go to jennifermaker.com/cleaner-cuts.
    
    
21. When the cuts are complete, unload the mat, flip it over onto your work surface, and roll it back to release the photo paper.
    TIP: Use a scraper tool to remove any paper circles that remain on the mat.
    
    
22. Repeat Steps 5-21 to Print Then Cut your remaining mats.
23. Lay out all of your cards face up.
    TIP: Refer to the Design Space screen if you’re not sure about some cards’ orientation.
    
    

OPTION 2: PRINT THE PDF

1. Open the stitch book file in the PDF folder using your favorite PDF printing software, like the free version of Adobe Acrobat Reader.
   NOTE: Pages 1-5 contain your stitch book cards, including the cover card, 12 stitch cards, and a practice design card. Page 6 has the stitch reference for the practice design.
   
   
2. Click the “Print” icon to bring up your software’s print settings.
3. Make sure the correct color printer is selected.
4. Click on “Properties,” then set the “Pages to Print” to “Pages” and enter “1-5” in the page numbers field, make sure “Actual size” is selected under “Page Sizing & Handling,” change the Paper Type to “Photo Matte Paper,” change the Quality to “Best,” and click “OK.”
   NOTE: Not all printer settings will be the same, but you can use my choices as guidelines.
   
   
5. Load the photo paper into your printer according to the directions on the package.
   NOTE: If you’re using single-sided photo paper for printing, make sure your paper is facing the correct way in the tray, as the ink will appear washed out if printed on the wrong side. Consult the packaging for guidance.
6. Click “Print” to send your cards to your printer.
7. Let the prints dry before handling them to avoid smudges.
8. Use a paper trimmer or scissors to cut along the black outline for each card.
   
   
9. Use a single hole punch to punch a hole in the top left corner of each card where the large circle is.
   
   
10. Take your first stitch card and lay it face up on a piece of scrap cardboard.
11. Use an embroidery needle to poke each of the small stitch holes into the card, letting the needle poke into the cardboard.
    TIP: The cardboard backing helps prevent damage to your work surface or the needle.
    NOTE: Poking the holes now makes it easier and safer to stitch the cards later.
    
    
12. Repeat for your remaining stitch cards and the design card.
13. Lay out all of your cards face up.
    TIP: Refer to the PDF file on screen if you’re not sure about some cards’ orientation.
    
    

STEP 3: ASSEMBLE YOUR STITCH BOOK

1. Stack your stitch book cards face up in order, from cover to back design.
   
   
2. Unclasp the binder ring.
3. Slide one end of the open binder ring through the holes in the top left of your cards.
4. Close the binder ring.
5. Now you can keep your stitch book cards together so you don’t lose any of them before stitching!
   
   

STEP 4: PRACTICE WITH YOUR STITCH BOOK

1. To use your stitch book, pick a card and remove it from the binder ring to make it easier to work with.
   NOTE: I’ll demonstrate with the “running stitch” card.
2. Use scissors to cut a piece of embroidery floss about 12-18” long.
3. Thread the floss through the eye of your sewing needle.
   TIP: If you have trouble threading your needle, you can also use a needle threading tool. Push the loop end of the threader through the needle’s eye. Slide your thread through the loop, then pull the loop back through the eye.
   
   
4. Tie a knot about 1” from the end of the thread farthest from the needle. Now you’re ready to begin stitching!
   TIP: Use painter’s tape to secure the end of the thread to the back of the card if you don't want any hanging threads.
   
   
5. Start by inserting the threaded needle from the back of the card up into Hole 1 (shown in green). This number has an up arrow, meaning the needle will go from the back up through the hole on that step.
   
   
6. Pull the entire length of the floss through so the knot rests at the back of the card. Don’t pull too hard or the knot may come through.
7. Insert the threaded needle down into Hole 2 to complete your first running stitch. This number has a down arrow, meaning the needle will go down on that step.
   
   
8. Bring the needle back up through Hole 3.
   
   
9. Continue following the numbers and arrows until you thread Hole 10 with a red number and a down arrow.
   TIP: Pay attention to any special instructions printed on the cards.
   NOTE: Stitches grouped together in a box use the same hole.
10. Remove the needle from the floss’s loose end after the last stitch.
11. Tie a loose knot in the floss.
12. Place the end of your needle in the loop of the knot, and slide it close to the photo paper.
13. Hold the strands in place with the needle while you pull the tail to tighten the knot.
    
    
14. Trim the excess floss on both ends to about ⅛” long.
15. And now your first card is ready! Add it back to your binder ring for safe-keeping, and grab the next card when you’re ready to stitch.
    
    

LINE STITCHES

BACK STITCH

1. Grab your “back stitch” card and prepare a needle with thread.
2. Insert the threaded needle up through Hole 1.
3. Then insert the threaded needle down into Hole 2 to make the first stitch.
4. Bring the needle up Hole 3, ahead of the first stitch.
   
   
5. Then move the needle backward to Hole 4 (the same as Hole 2) to create your first back stitch.
   
   
6. Thread Holes 5-18 to stitch a solid line of back stitches.
7. Tie off and trim your thread.
   
   

STEM STITCH

1. Grab your “stem stitch” card and prepare a needle with thread.
2. Insert the threaded needle up through Hole 1.
3. Then insert the threaded needle down into Hole 2.
4. Bring the needle up Hole 3, just above the thread between Holes 1 and 2.
   
   
5. Then insert the needle down into Hole 4 so the previous thread runs below the current stitch.
6. Thread Holes 5-16 the same way, with the thread always coming up under the edge of the stitch, to stitch a curvy line.
7. Tie off and trim your thread.
   
   

SPLIT STITCH

1. Grab your “split stitch” card and prepare a needle with thread.
2. Insert the threaded needle up through Hole 1.
3. Then insert the threaded needle down into Hole 2.
4. Bring the needle up Hole 3, inserting the needle through the threads of the previous stitch.
   
   
5. Then insert the needle down into Hole 4.
6. Thread Holes 5-18 the same way, with odd-numbered (upward) stitches always coming up through the threads of the previous stitch to create a thick line.
7. Tie off and trim your thread.
   
   

LOOP STITCHES

CHAIN STITCH

1. Grab your “chain stitch” card and prepare a needle with thread.
2. Insert the threaded needle up through Hole 1 and down Hole 2 (the same as Hole 1), leaving a small loop of thread above the hole.
   
   
3. Bring the needle up through Hole 3, inside the previous loop.
   
   
4. Keeping the thread inside the previous loop, insert the needle down through Hole 4 (the same as Hole 3), leaving another small loop of thread above the hole, inside the first previous loop.
   
   
5. Thread Holes 5-18 the same way to stitch a series of chained loops.
6. Bring the needle up Hole 19, through the previous loop.
7. Then send the needle down Hole 20 on the outside of the previous loop to make an anchor stitch to hold the final loop in place.
   NOTE: An anchor stitch is a small stitch that holds your thread in place.
8. Tie off and trim your thread.
   
   

LAZY DAISY STITCH

1. Grab your “lazy daisy stitch” card and prepare a needle with thread.
2. Insert the threaded needle up through Hole 1 and down Hole 2 (the same as Hole 1), leaving a small loop of thread above the hole.
3. Bring the needle up through Hole 3, inside the previous loop.
   
   
4. Insert the needle down through Hole 4 on the outside of the loop to anchor it in place.
   
   
5. Continue threading Holes 5-16 to create three more anchored loops and form a flower.
6. Tie off and trim your thread.
   
   

EDGE STITCHES

BLANKET STITCH

1. Grab your “blanket stitch” card and prepare a needle with thread.
2. Insert the threaded needle up through Hole 1.
3. Then insert the threaded needle down into Hole 2, making sure the thread isn’t too tight.
   NOTE: The thread won’t follow the line on the card yet.
   
   
4. Bring the needle up Hole 3, run it under the top left thread (between Holes 1 and 2), and pull the thread taut into the corner at Hole 3 to make it a backwards L shape.
   
   
5. Continue threading Holes 4-19 the same way, bringing down the left thread into the corner with each odd-numbered stitch.
6. Insert the needle down through Hole 20 to anchor the final stitch in place.
7. Tie off and trim your thread.
   
   

FILL STITCHES

LEAF STITCH

1. Grab your “leaf stitch” card and prepare a needle with thread.
2. Insert the threaded needle up through Hole 1.
3. Then insert the threaded needle down into Hole 2 to start your leaf stitch’s center vertical line.
   
   
4. Thread Holes 3-4 and 5-6 to start your leaf stitch’s sides and extend the center line.
   
   
5. Continue threading Holes 7-34 to fill out your leaf, alternating sides and extending the center line as you stitch.
6. Tie off and trim your thread.
   
   

DOUBLE CROSS STITCH

1. Grab your “double cross stitch” card and prepare a needle with thread.
2. To make the first double cross, which looks like a single star, insert the threaded needle up through Hole 1.
3. Then insert the threaded needle down into Hole 2.
4. Thread up through Hole 3 and down Hole 4 to create an “X” shape.
   
   
5. Then thread Holes 5-8 to form a “Plus” shape over the “X” shape.
   
   
6. To make a line of double cross stitches, follow the numbers and arrows to thread Holes 1-32 to form a series of four double cross stitches in a column.
7. Tie off and trim your thread.
   
   

BRANCHING STITCHES

FERN STITCH

1. Grab your “fern stitch” card and prepare a needle with thread.
2. Insert the threaded needle up through Hole 1.
3. Then insert the threaded needle down into Hole 2 to make the stem line.
4. Bring the needle up through Hole 3, and down through Hole 4 (the same as Hole 2) to make the left leaf line.
   
   
5. Bring the needle up through Hole 5, and down through Hole 6 (the same as Hole 2) to make the right leaf line.
   
   
6. Bring the needle up through Hole 7, down through Hole 8 (the same as Hole 2) to make the next center stem line.
   
   
7. Follow the numbers and arrows to thread Holes 9-36, creating a series of simple branching stitches.
8. Tie off and trim your thread.
   
   

FEATHER STITCH

1. Grab your “feather stitch” card and prepare a needle with thread.
2. Insert the threaded needle up through Hole 1.
3. Then insert the threaded needle down into Hole 2, making sure the thread isn’t too tight.
   NOTE: The thread won’t follow the line on the card yet.
   
   
4. Bring the needle up Hole 3, insert it under the top thread (between Holes 1 and 2), and pull the thread into a point at the bottom of Hole 3.
   
   
5. Bring the thread down into Hole 4 to make a line for the next feather line.
   NOTE: The thread won’t follow the line on the card yet.
   
   
6. Bring the needle up Hole 5, insert it under the top thread (between Holes 3 and 4), and pull the thread into a point at the bottom of Hole 5.
   
   
7. Follow Holes 6-19 the same way, making loose horizontal stitches and bringing the thread down to a bottom point at each odd-numbered hole to form intricate branching stitches.
8. Insert the needle down through Hole 20 to anchor the stitches in place.
9. Tie off and trim your thread.
   
   

ACCENT STITCHES

FRENCH KNOT

1. Grab your “French knot” card and prepare a needle with thread.
2. Insert the threaded needle up through Hole 1.
3. Pull the thread to the side of the circle in a straight line.
   
   
4. Hold the needle over the top part of the thread line.
5. Wrap the thread around the needle twice.
   
   
6. Pull the thread tightly while pushing the needle down through Hole 2 to form a raised dot.
7. Tie off and trim your thread.
   
   

STITCH YOUR DESIGN CARD

1. When you’re ready to put your stitches all together, grab your design card.
2. Prepare a needle with thread.
3. Find a stitch you recognize and embroider that part of the design. Refer back to your stitch book for instructions, if necessary.
   
   
4. Tie off and trim your thread.
5. Repeat Steps 2-4 until your design is finished!
   
   

STEP 5: SHOW IT OFF

You now have a beautiful Embroidery Stitch Book! Use the stitches you’ve learned to create unique embroidery designs on fabric!