This tutorial was inspired by the needle and thread challenge. Embroidery is my favorite hand sewing technique. I like to keep a small project with everything I need ( in a tote so I can work on it when I am waiting in the car, doctor's office, or anywhere I have a long wait). I finish more projects that way.

Here are some pillowcases I purchased that were already stamped. I bought them at Hobby lobby with a 40% off coupon. They were regularly $11.00. Prices have gone up since I purchased them. Michael's and Hobby Lobby usually have a weekly coupon with 25 to 40% off regular priced items. I work on these projects all year round so when the holidays are here I am not rushed to find a gift for someone. Next month I hope to find the Hotel style pillowcases at Sam's Club. They are about $10.00 for 3 sets of pillowcases which is very reasonable. I find them in the restaurant supply section of the store. Sam's Club also has flour sack towels that are great to embroidery in the same section of the store.

Step 1: Supplies

Pillowcases or you can embroider what ever you want.
Embroidery thread ( I buy my thread in a package like this picture using a Hobby Lobby 40% off coupon.)
If you are not using a kit you will need a pattern to stamp or draw on the pillowcases.

Step 2: Tools

1 Embroidery hoop
1 Embroidery needle
Scissors (embroidery scissors work the best)
Thread organizer optional

Step 3: Stamp or Draw

Stamp or draw the design if you are not using a kit.
Follow the patterns directions for stamping.

Step 4: Secure First Stitch

Here is a good source to learn the stitches: https://www.instructables.com/id/Embroidery-101/

Place the hoop over the section you want to embroider and tighten the screw.

Tug on the fabric the extends the hoop to make the center tight.
Thread the needle with the color of thread you want to sew.
Secure the first stitch and begin stitching to fill in the areas shown.
If I am sewing two pillowcases of the same design I will sew all the same colored flowers or leaves on both of the pillowcases working back and forth between the 2 cases so they will match, following the instructions for the kit.

Step 5: Ribbon

Ribbon was sewn and then the blue flower.

Step 6: Blue Flower

I sewed all the blue flowers on both pillowcases.

Step 7: Finishing Up

I continued sewing all the same colors on both pillowcases until I was finished.
Then I removed the hoop, trimmed all the threads I missed, and shook the pillowcase.
Then I turn it inside out and shook them again to remove any loose threads.
Wash, dry, iron, and fold.
Or you can put them on a pillow to admire your hard work.

Step 8: Sunshiine's Final Thoughts

I hope this instructable has inspired you to hand sew something. I also wish to thank supersoftdrink and scoochmaroo for this challenge! Thanks for stopping by and have a great day!

Sunshiine