Best Fabric for Embroidery
Trying to figure out embroidery fabric is something that makes my head spin. As someone who is self-taught (and still learning), it has been difficult to find straight answers on what the best embroidery fabric is. I don’t know if I can tell you what the best embroidery fabric is, but I can tell you what I like to use. Here are the fabrics I have tried, in order of my favorite to my least favorite. If you find this post useful, make sure to take a look at my How to Embroider for Beginners series.
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Embroidery on Linen and Cotton Blend
I really love using a linen/cotton blend the most. The one I use is called Essex Linen and you can purchase it in all kinds of colors from Fat Quarter Shop. It’s a little bit tougher to stitch through than my 100% linen, but I like that I don’t have to worry about my threads showing in the back as much. I love the color choices, and I love how soft it is. This is definitely my favorite fabric to embroider on right now.
Linen For Embroidery
My first embroidery project ever was on 100% linen, and it continues to be one of my favorite fabrics to embroider on. There are different thread counts for linen, but I just like to keep things simple and get mine from my local fabric store. Maybe there’s something out there that is better quality, but I have made plenty of projects with it and had no problems. It is a bit thinner and can tend to bunch a little if you pull too tight, so just be aware of that.
Flour Sack Towels
Flour sack towels are made from a fabric that is traditionally stitched on. My mom still has some towels that my great grandmother made back in the day. The blank towels are sold near the embroidery floss at the fabric store, and I love to stitch on them. I really like how smoothly my needle goes through and how soft the fabric is. I’ve never stitched an actual towel. I just like to cut up the fabric and use piece of it to stitch on. I don’t even know what kind of fabric the towels are made of, but if anyone knows where to buy it by the yard, please let me know. The only downside to this is you only get one color, white. I suppose you could start dying them, but I definitely don’t have time for that.
100% Cotton Embroidery Fabric
If you want to stitch on a patterned fabric, 100% cotton is a good option. When I say 100% cotton think about the biggest section of fabric in the store that quilters usually use. Try to get a heavier feeling cotton if you can. It’s not my favorite thing to stitch on since I feel like my stitches pucker more easily, but it can yield some pretty results. If you do use regular cotton, I recommend using some kind of interfacing to hold your fabric steady.
Other Embroidery Fabric to Try
Don’t be afraid to try different things. You can also embroider on jeans, t-shirts (with some iron-on stabilizer), and even canvas shoes! I have successfully embroidered on canvas bags, although my fingers did hurt a little after. If you aren’t sure if it will work, you can always do some test stitches to try it out. Have fun with it!
Types of Fabric to Avoid
Avoid fabrics that are very thin or fine. While you can certainly still try to embroider on them, the results will not be ideal.
Aida Embroidery Cloth
I actually don’t like to embroider on Aida cloth at all. I include this on this list because I have been asked about it before. Aida cloth is meant for counted cross-stitch patterns, not the kind of hand embroidery that I usually do. If you are cross-stitching, then you can certainly use it. It has a grid of holes that are perfect for cross-stitching. Sometimes you can add other stitches to your cross-stitch pattern, but only use Aida cloth if cross-stitch is the main stitch you are using. (Cross stitch pattern from Climbing Goat Designs.)
Best Fabric for Embroidery FAQ
Which thread count is best for hand embroidery?
The higher the thread count, the tighter the weave on the fabric. Choose a fabric with a thread count of 28 or higher.
Is polyester good for embroidery?
Polyester isn’t the best for embroidery but can be used. You’ll need to use a good stabilizer to prevent stretching and a ball point needle to stop snags.
What is “embroidery fabric” called?
There is no official name for embroidery fabric, as most fabrics can be embroidered on. The easiest fabrics to embroider on are linen and a linen/cotton blend. Many people use Aida cloth for counted cross stitch (which is a type of embroidery stitch) but Aida is not suitable for other types of embroidery.
Final Tips
One last little bit of advice for those who are new to fabric shopping. If you aren’t sure what a fabric is made of, look at the top of the bolt, and it should be printed there. You can purchase as little or as much as you want. I usually in buy in quarter, half, or whole yards. And if you’d like to skip the fabric shopping altogether, check out my post on the Best Embroidery Kits for Beginners. I’d love to try something new! What do you find is the best embroidery fabric? Comment below.
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I want to embroider on a knit blanket. Do you think that could work?
Knit like knit fabric, or knit like you knit it with yarn? Knit fabric will work if you use a stabilizer like sulky fabri solvy. I have a post about how to embroider on tshirts that should help. For a blanket knit with yarn, you would probably need to use large stitches and just more yarn. I’ve never done it before, so I’m not sure.
I want to make a female form wall art by satin stich embroidery. What fabric should I choose that can be stretched as canvas or framed
Do you prewash your fabric before embroidering.
Only if it’s something I’m going to be washing later (clothing, blanket, etc.) I don’t wash fabric if it’s just something decorative.
Newbie here! Any suggestions for material to use for hand embroidering a handkerchief for my daughters wedding? Ii was going to buy a back of handkerchiefs from Walmart but am now afraid it will be too thin. Any suggestions?
You can embroider on almost anything. You might run into problems if the fabric stretches at all. You will need to use a stabilizer (I use a water soluble one called Fabri-Solvy) and I would try very hard to make the back nice and tidy. Here are a couple posts that might help. https://cutesycrafts.com/2020/09/how-to-embroider-words-on-thanksgiving-napkins.html and https://cutesycrafts.com/2021/12/how-to-embroider-a-t-shirt-by-hand.html
I just discovered embroidery and have used your YouTube videos. In my local town there is an old shop that sells Irish linen from Ireland. I’ve practiced on cotton and have practiced transferring my ideas to fabric. I’m ready to go, but nervous to ruin expensive linen, I only bought half a metre for a couple of projects. I’m so glad I found you.
I was sent Aida by mistake and defiantly decided to use it. I washed it then embroidered on it. It became a pillow and looks beautiful. But, I would not do that again as it was really work. I love your post here. Tks.
I’m so glad I found your blog! I’m just beginning to learn how to embroider. I can’t wait to finish my first little project!
If your fingers hurt when stitching (particularly with tough fabric) that’s what a thimble is used for. 🙂 Place the thimble on whatever finger you use to push the needle thru so that the needle sits in one of the divots on side. It’ll keep your fingers from feeling like they’re gonna fall off with every stitch.
I am just starting out. I am retired now and my grandmother embroidered some of the most beautiful quilts and framed wall art. I would love to embroider a framed piece with some of the musical notes from my brothers favorite song, for his birthday. He is teaching himself how to play the guitar. Can someone recommend fabric and a transfer method where I can use the computer to create the design?
I’ve found that muslin is a very versatile fabric and use that for most of my framed embroidery like redwork.
I like to visit yard sales and thrift stores looking for vintage linens. Napkins, table cloths, hand towels, dresser scarves are great for embroidery. You can find all assortment of fabrics, especially linen, that lend themselves to a beautiful project and many times very affordable.
Jessica,
I just want to tell you how much I am enjoying your blog posts and you tube channel. My 15 year old daughter and I decided to take up embroidery during this lovely quarantine. We are obsessed! Every time I need to see a stitch done in a clear easy to understand way, I go to your channel. If I have a question, I come to your blog. Thank you, you have been an inspiration and really made everything so easy and approachable.
Oh, thank you so much! I love that you are making the most of the time with your 15 year old.
Back in school, we were taught that the back should look as good as the front so there were no tails! After 60 years I have relaxed and sometimes use a “second” layer of lightweight muslin to ensure there is no show through.
Thank you for sharing your lovely patterns and for bringing more people to this art.
Great idea! I have yet to try another piece of fabric on the back.
Thank you for the advice! I taught myself how to embroider a couple months ago and this is very helpful!
I started doing crewel work in the 70’s. A friend of mine managed to switch me to counted cross stitch – for a short time. Like you I foud it boring fairly quickly. I went back to basic embroidery in the early 80’s. My eyesight did not cooperate and the headaches were atrocious while attempting to embroider or do crewel work. However I was involved in other endeavors and thus let my stitching lay dormant. It did not stop me from buying material, floss and patterns in the hope the desire would return.
We moved from one state to another 1400 miles away. When moved we hired helping hands which helped themselves to all of my stitching supplies, finished and un-framed work, partially complete work, a HUGE plastc bin of linen, two huge plastic bins of floss plus all of the patterns I had collected, purchased and saved.
To make a long story short: I am appalled to see the price of really good linen ($50 yd), floss, patterns. Thank you for your info on the linen/cotton blend and your basic course on embroidery. The course was a great refresher and well worth the read! Your free patterns are also highly appreciated. Now living on social security my buying options are very limited. I also plan on teaching myself ribbon embroidery – some day…
I’m so glad you found it helpful! Ribbon embroidery looks so pretty!!! I’d love to try that someday too.
Thank you so very much for your post, so informative as I am trying to learn embroidery as are others. Have not been particularly impressed with what supplies are found in the needlework sections. Will be well on my way with your advice.
I’ve never embroidered before, and I plan to master it this week (ha ha!) so I can make a pillow for each friend this Christmas. Do you wash and iron embroidery cloth before you embroider on it? Do you need to shrink it in hot water first? And dry it in high heat, before you embroider? Thank you for all your advice!
Haha! You can do it! I don’t wash my fabric, but that’s because I don’t really make things that need to be washed later. So if you think they will wash the pillows, then yes, I would wash before embroidering. If you don’t think they will, then I wouldn’t worry about it. Good luck!
Great tips! I’ll be giving a go at hand embroidery this summer. I love to teach myself new hobbies! These were certainly helpful as I had no clue where to start! I’ll definitely be checking out the post you mentioned in the beginning. Thank you!
I’m so glad my posts have been helpful! I love embroidery, and it makes me so happy to read that others are getting the same enjoyment.
Thank you for actually listing specific products with a link to buy them! This is awesome.
Glad I could help!
HI! When I was a young girl my mother taught me to embroider but I didn’t keep up with it. Now I would like to start it up again and this is so helpful to me. Thank you so much!
You’re welcome! I’m so glad that you are finding my site helpful. My mom taught me to cross-stitch. Gave me a great foundation to learn embroidery later. 🙂
I like the flour cloth but I wont use it to actually make towels because after a plate or two, it is completely soaked and I have to hang it up to dry and get a fresh one.
Ooh, good to know! I’ve never actually used them as towels either. I’ve made toddler skirts and throw pillow covers out of them though. Haha!
How do you prevent the thread on the back from showing through on flour sack towels?
You have to keep your stitches really tidy. If you need to go from stitching in one spot to starting in another, tie off your thread and start a new one.
I love this! Thank you very much!
I am just now getting back into embroidery after many many years. Have been doing a lot of beading, punch needle, crocheting, and card embroidery. When you say your stitches on back don’t show as much with the linen/cotton blend how is that possible. I want to make placemats but don’t want my stitches to show on back.
I guess I meant more that you can’t see the thread tails on the back. 100% linen seems to have a looser weave, so if your project is light fabric and has a tail of dark thread on the back, I’ve had some show through. That can be solved by not tying knots, but I still like to use knots.