What do you think of when we say the word ‘embroidery’?
Do you think of intricate hand embroidered tapestries, or maybe machine embroidered logos on work/sports apparel?
Embroidery is simply the art of
decorating fabrics with thread or yarn.
So, which is better?
Hand Embroidery or Machine Embroidery?
Before we get to that, let’s explore the different options.
Let’s start with Machine Embroidery
Machine Embroidery often requires a large upfront investment, depending on what style of embroidery you choose.
Free Motion Embroidery can be achieved on almost any sewing machine, with the addition of a cover plate and embroidery foot. This allows you to ‘draw’ your design with thread, by moving the fabric manually.
Computerised Embroidery requires a specialist machine that allows you to input digitised designs, and an embroidery hoop to stabilise the material. The price range varies depending on the capabilities of the machine.
Both options will utilise specialist
Embroidery Threads, and Machine Embroidery Needles.
Machine Embroidery Threads
We offer a wide range of
Gutermann Embroidery Threads on our website, including;
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Rayon 40 is a universal machine embroidery thread with particularly beautiful shine. Suitable for a wide range of uses.
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Super Brite is a hard wearing machine embroidery thread. Its trilobal thread structure (meaning to have 3 sides), emphasises the brilliant shine. Suitable for all fabrics.
The MOC logo on our team t-shirt and hoodie was produced using;
In addition to our Standard Embroidery Threads, we also offer
Gutermann Metallic Machine Embroidery Threads including;
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Special machine embroidery thread for decorative stitches. Metal effect thread for glittering and shimmering effects.
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Holoshimmer is a machine embroidery thread for ornamental stitches. The fine holographic metal effect ribbons create shimmering effects. (Made from a mix of Polyester and Polyethylene).
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Sliver is a machine embroidery thread for glittering ornamental stitches. The fine metal effect ribbon creates shimmering effects. (Made from a mix of Polyester and Polyethylene).
To learn more about;
Gutermann Embroidery Threads
Read our Essential Guide to Gutermann Thread
Machine Needles
When choosing the right Machine Needle it is tempting to simply use the needle that is in your machine, but this can lead to needle breakage and could potentially damage your work.
Schmetz Embroidery Machine Needles are suitable for sewing decorative stitches with household sewing or embroidery machines. The larger eye allows for thicker, or embroidery yarns, while the Medium Ball Point prevents damage.
We recommend;
Schmetz Embroidery Machine Needles
Size 75/90 (Pack of 5)
Suitable for;
Glowy 40 ~ Rayon 40 ~ Super Brite 40
Schmetz Gold Embroidery Machine Needles are particularly suitable for beginners, as minor operator errors are compensated by the hard coating. All the benefits of the Embroidery Needle, with the added benefit of extra wear protection.
When using Metallic Embroidery Threads…
We recommend;
Schmetz Metallic Machine Needles
Size 75/90
Suitable for;
Metallic 200m ~ Holoshimmer ~ Sliver
To learn more about;
Schmetz Machine Needles
Read our Guide to Schmetz Machine Needles
Summary of Machine Embroidery
While the initial investment may seem like a lot, the results speak for themselves. It is easy to create beautiful patterns and designs, and with a wide range of thread colours to choose from, you’ll have eye-popping designs in no time.
Now let’s look at Hand Embroidery
Hand embroidery is a versatile craft, that many find relaxing. This creative needlecraft utilises various stitches, allowing you to create truly unique pieces.
Hand Embroidery is often associated with Cross-Stitch, as they are both needle-and-thread fabric crafts, but they differ significantly in style.
Cross Stitch is a precise, counted, grid-based technique, that utilises X-shaped stitches on aida fabric.
Embroidery is a more freeform, expressive and varied technique, that utilises running stitch, backstitch, satin stitch, French knot and Stem stitches, on plain fabric.
Both options will utilise specialised
Needlecraft Threads and Embroidery Hand Sewing Needles
Needlecraft Threads
We offer a wide range of
Anchor Needlecraft Threads on our website, including;
Anchor Stranded Cotton is a superior 6 strand 100% cotton embroidery thread. It has been double mercerised* to provide a brilliant lustre, unique softness and an intense light reflection. This versatile thread can be used for cross stitch, freestyle embroidery, and canvas work.
Anchor Lame is a metallic embroidery thread, with high sheen and can be divided to obtain the required thickness. It is an ideal option to use alongside Stranded Cotton when working on cross stitch, or freestyle embroidery.
Anchor Pearl Cotton is a loosely cabled mercerised* embroidery thread with a unique silky touch and high sheen. Highly versatile and suitable for cross stitch, or freestyle embroidery.
Anchor Coton a Broder is an extra-long staple 100% cotton embroidery thread. It is a tightly twisted, mercerised* 4 ply cotton that provides an exceptional lustrous quality to embroidery work. It is an ideal option for blackwork, whitework, as well as drawn thread, openwork and other general freestyle embroidery techniques.
* Mercerised – treated in a solution to improve quality, strength and appearance
Hand Sewing Needles
Much like Machine Embroidery, Hand Embroidery is best tackled with the right tools in hand.
Embroidery Needles feature a sharp point, suitable for working with tightly woven fabrics, and a long eye suitable for use with thicker embroidery threads.
Tapestry Needles feature a blunt point, suitable for working with aida fabrics on counted cross-stitch projects. They also have a long eye suitable for use with thicker embroidery threads.
Pony Chenille and Pony Crewels Needles feature a sharp point.
Pony Tapestry Needle feature a blunt point.
Pony Chenille and Tapestry are the same length.
Pony Crewels are identical in length and thickness to Pony Sharps, but have a longer eye suitable for use with thicker threads.
Pony offer an excellent range of Hand Sewing Needles, including the Pony Black range, which are NOT nickel plated, making them an ideal choice for allergy sufferers.
We recommend;
For Cross Stitch projects we would recommend;
To learn more about;
Pony Hand Sewing Needles
Read our Guide to Pony Hand Sewing Needles
Summary of Hand Embroidery
Hand Embroidery is a unique craft that can offer a personal touch. It typically becomes more of a hobby, with much of the joy being in the creation, rather than the finished piece.
There is so much to this beautiful craft, that we mustn’t forget;
Functional Embroidery
Sashiko is a traditional Japanese form of functional embroidery.
It can be used to reinforce, mend, and insulate clothing using simple running stitches.
We have a small selection of Sashiko Templates available on our website, to get you started.
Don’t forget to pick up your Clover Sashiko Needles.
What else might you need?
For Hand Embroidery, there is always the reliable Embroidery Hoop.
Available in Sizes 10cm (4”) up to 30cm (12”).
Embroidery Scissors are handy to have when working on finer projects. Their fine, pointed blades allows you to snip threads accurately and close to the fabric, making them perfect for intricate work.
Are you new to Embroidery, and just looking for a place to start?
For beginners we offer a small selection of Embroidery Craft Kits, that offer a great introduction to the craft.
Each craft kit contains everything you need to create the design shown, including the Needle, Threads, instructions, and Fabric. Sometimes the fabric comes with printed design, to guide you as you start out.
I can’t choose between them, I like them both.
Hand Embroidery offers that unique tactile experience that makes the finished piece much more personal.
Machine Embroidery offers so much choice, and you can create such beautiful designs.
I’m going to let you decided on this one.
Which do you prefer?
Hand Embroidery or Machine Embroidery
SAVE NOW
with our
Embroidery Month Offers
Hand Embroidery
Mini Pack
- Prym Hobby Needles (Assorted Pack of 33)
- Selection of Anchor Embroidery Needlecraft Thread
- Plus Whitecroft Needle Threader
£ 24.50
Save 10%
Machine Embroidery
Mini Pack
- Schmetz Machine Needles
- Selection of Gutermann Machine Embroidery Thread
- Plus Embroidery Bobbin Thread
£ 24.50
Save 10%
Hand Embroidery
MEGA Pack
- Prym Hobby Needles (Assorted Pack of 33)
- Selection of Anchor Needlecraft Thread
- Needle Threader
- Prym Gold Stork Embroidery Scissors
- Prym Ergonomic
Thimble FREE
£ 43.00
Save 10%
Machine Embroidery
MEGA Pack
- Schmetz Embroidery Machine Needles
- Schmetz Metallic
Machine Needles - 12 x Gutermann Machine Embroidery Thread
inc Bobbin Thread - Gutermann Thread Box (12 Spool) FREE
£ 43.00
Save 10%
Terms and Conditions
The Embroidery Month Offers will be available until midnight on 28/02/2026
Thread Colours will be selected at random, with an aim to provide a varied selection. Specific colours cannot be guaranteed.
The images shown are a representation of what is included in each pack, and does not denote the exact items to be supplied.
Schmetz Machine Needles will be supplied in assorted packs, where possible. If this is not possible, due to stock restrictions, a random selection will be made. Machine Needle Sizes cannot be guaranteed.
In the Machine Embroidery Packs, you will received 2 x Embroidery Bobbin Thread, in 1 x White and 1 x Black, where possible. If this is not possible, due to stock restrictions, a random selection will be made. Thread Colour cannot be guaranteed.
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