21 Embroidery Projects That Won’t Take You a Month to Finish

Kate Thorn
May 20, 2016

If you think embroidery is reserved for your grandma’s throw pillow collection, you need to check out these stitchin’ DIY projects. Embroidery is coming back in a big way (thank you, Lauren Conrad), and this old-school skill isn’t just reserved for hoops and cross stitch projects. Modern embroidery = cool typography, trendy geometric patterns and some seriously rad fashion accessories. And embroidery doesn’t stop at fabric — you can throw a stitch on any material: sneakers, floral wreaths, wood planters and printed photos. Just check out these 21 DIY embroidery projects. If you’re still feeling intimidated, boost your skills with our awesome Embroidery 101 class + kit ($37), where you’ll learn how to embroider quotes in no time.

1. DIY Embroidered Sneakers: All the other kids will be jealous of your stitched-up kicks this spring. Spruce up a boring pair of white sneakers with abstract patterns and geometric embroidery. (via Brit + Co)

2. DIY Giant Embroidery Picnic Blanket: It’s almost time to pull out the picnic baskets and head outside for some stylish outdoor dining. Make sure your blanket is on point with a snazzy embroidered greeting. Pro tip: Use chunky yarn to make the job go faster. (via Lovely Indeed)

3. DIY Pom Pom Market Tote: Spruce up your grocery tote with a selection of pom pom fruit and a cheeky embroidered greeting. This easy project will definitely ensure you get your daily dose of veggies. (via Damask Love)

4. DIY Embroidered Instagrams: If you’re a Snapchat fiend, you already know all about doodling all over your fave photos. Jazz up your favorite Instagram photos with little embellishments for one-of-a-kind wall art or personalized gifts. (via Lovely Indeed)

5. DIY Floral Wreath: Look again — the embroidery involved in this project is super subtle. Use embroidery thread to add detailing to a few petals and leaves for an extra fancy floral wreath that’ll have your friends wondering just what is it that adds the extra oomph? (via Brit + Co)

6. DIY Embroidered Notebook: You’ve painted and drawn on your notebooks, but have you ever embroidered a pineapple on the cover? Once you’ve nailed the backstitch, you can embroider pretty much anything you want on every notebook you own. (via Knits & Brew)

7. DIY Embroidered Bouquet: If you want to go a more traditional route with your embroidery, check out these DIY techniques for how to nail the different flowers and textures. Frame it in a hoop, or use your new florals on a white T-shirt. (via Down Grapevine Lane)

8. DIY Stitched Text Tote Bag: Nervous about trying to embroider typography? Keep things simple with easy block letters and a Kimmy Schmidt quote that will get stuck in your head all day long. (via The Homesteady)

9. DIY Embroidered Travel Pouch: Every gal knows the key to a (semi) organized purse is bags within bags. DIY one or two of these embroidered travel pouches to keep your headphones, sunglasses and lipsticks from sinking to the bottom of the black hole that is your purse. (via Brit + Co)

10. DIY Lavender Bag: These mini sachets are almost too cute to hide in a drawer. Fill linen pouches with lavender and other good-smelling things, then stitch a colorful pattern on the top for an extra sweet gift. (via Stitch Craft Create)

11. DIY Yarn Box: If spring cleaning includes the ever-messy craft closet, start by making a few of these labeled storage boxes. After all, the key to organization starts with pretty boxes, right? Especially when they’re functional. (via Akamatra)

12. DIY Sequin Embroidery: Once you’ve gotten the hang of the basic embroidery stitch, you’re going to want to add some bling. It’s just inevitable. Follow this DIY for adding sequins to your designs and you’ll be bedazzling everything in sight. (via Bee’s Knees Industries)

13. DIY Wooden Stitched Planter: Plant lady is the new cat lady and stitched planters are the new… terracotta pot. You’ll be amazed at how easy it is to make these planters, and your friends will be amazed that you managed to stitch wood together. (via Look What I Made)

14. DIY Embroidered + Beaded Pouches: Use beads to make your embroidery designs extra pretty. Embellish your makeup bag with a simple design, or add a monogram to your pencil case to make sure no one steals your good pens. (via Brit + Co)

15. DIY Stitched Card: You don’t need an occasion to make this cool card for your #squad. Tell your ladies how much you appreciate them with a hand-stitched card that lets them know how much you’re crushing on them. (via Dream Green DIY)

16. DIY Embroidered Pencil Cup: A pencil cup is essentially just a vase for all your pens and pencils, and if you do a lot of sketching or note-taking, those pencils deserve to be displayed. Add a quirky touch to your desk with this lacy and colorful DIY embroidered pencil cup. (via Eryn With a Y)

17. DIY Embroidered Engineer Print: Once you’ve tried your hand at embroidering Instagram, it’s time to raise the playing field and go for something bigger. Make a statement — literally — with this handmade statement art. Dress up an inexpensive engineer print with a favorite embroidered quote and a simple Balsa-wood-and-rope-fixture hanger. (via Brit + Co)

18. DIY Constellation String Art: Obsessed with your horoscope? These string art zodiac signs are a perfect way to personalize everything in your life. Make one or make them all and DIY a mini gallery wall to show off your sign. (via Vintage Revivals)

19. DIY Embroidered Photo Art: Make your photos extra textural by adding embroidered accents. Transform a special black and white image with colorful accents for a unique piece of art. (via A Beautiful Mess)

20. DIY Geometric Animal String Art: Pick your favorite animal and turn that guy into a crazy cool geometric shape. Whether you go for a deer, a fox, a walrus or a chicken, the idea is the same: Just draw a series of triangles with big triangles for the body and smaller triangles for the face and feet, then connect the dots where the lines meet. (via Brit + Co)

21. DIY Ice Cream Sneakers: Food as clothing? Um, yes please. Turn your white sneakers into everyone’s favorite treat with embroidered sprinkles and giant “cherry” pom poms on top. (via Studio DIY)

Which one of these embroidery projects are you most excited to try? Make sure you show us your project by tagging us on Instagram + using the hashtag #iamcreative!

Hold Up, Did Rebecca Yarros' First 'Onxy Storm' Excerpt Just Tease Violet Sorrengail's True Identity?

Fans of Fourth Wing are on pins and needles because Rebecca Yarros just announced she's finished writing the third book in the Empyrean series! It's us, we're fans — along with over half of BookTok.

We can't believe we're getting closer to reading more about Violet Sorrengail's journey, but we know you have a ton of burning questions about the release date for Book No. 3.

We may not have all the answers, but we've done a little digging to share as much as we can because who doesn't want to know what Rebecca Yarros has been up to?

I'm new to the Empyrean series. Are "Fourth Wing" and "Iron Flame" really worth reading?

Amazon

I'm not going to lie to you. The editorial team, including myself, are extremely biased about Fourth Wingand Iron Flame. From my perspective, I think these are great books for anyone who had the pleasure of growing up during the great Harry Potter era and moved on to watchingGame of Thrones and House of Dragons.

Did she announce the name of book no. 3?

Rebecca Yarros/Instagram

YES! Book No. 3 is titled Oynx Storm.

Knowing what we do about the manifestation of Violet's powers, I think this could hint she's going to play an even larger role in the series. According to a fan theory shared on TikTok(via Empyrean Riders), it's believed that Violet and Xaden Riorson are actually gods. Stay with me here.

Empyrean Riders noted that Violet's last name means heavenly and that she's able to control time thanks to her connection to the young dragon Andarna (I love her so much!). That sounds pretty god-like to me.

And when asked which two Taylor Swift songs describe Onyx Storm, Rebecca Yarros chose "Who's Afraid of Little Old Me?" from The Tortured Poets Department and "So It Goes..." from Reputation. "Who's Afraid of Little Old Me?" is one of Taylor's most powerful songs and definitely translates the idea that Violet's powers are going to be stronger than ever, while "So It Goes..." is equal parts suspense and seduction, and is TOTALLY about "all the pieces fall right into place" to get together with the right person.

There's so much more to unpack so I suggest grabbing a yummy snack while you fall down the rabbit hole. All I'm sure of is that Onyx Storm is going to leave our emotions in shambles just like Fourth Wing and Iron Flame did.

When did Rebecca Yarros announce she's done writing book no. 3 in the series?

Rebecca Yarros/Instagram

On June 17, Rebecca Yarros shared this image of her laptop to indicate she'd finished the third book in the Empyrean series.

She wrote, "(Pic from one of the very many locations in which this book was written)," towards the end of the caption before adding a few relevant hashtags to it.

When will Onxy Storm be available for purchase?

Rebecca Yarros/Instagram

Rebecca Yarros exclusively told Good Morning America that fans can expect the book to hit shelves January 21, 2025! That gives us a little over six months to prepare our emotions for what's sure to be a storm of a book.

She said, "There will be politics, new adventures, old enemies and of course, dragons." There's no way she could forget the dragons because I'd willingly riot over them. They deserve to have their stories told forever.

As luck would have it, Cosmopolitan received an exciting first look at what's to come in Onyx Storm. The excerpt begins with Violet realizing the Venin have found their way into Basgiath War College and are wreaking havoc. Alongside Rhiannon, Sawyer, and Ridoc, she races to stop the Venin from releasing Jack Barlowe from his prison cell.

However, Violet's shocked when she discovered one of the "dark wielders" has a long silver braid that closely resembles her own. Before she can fully react, the woman disappears. According to Screen Rant, there are possible theories about why Violet saw her and what this means for her growing power.

Towards the end of the excerpt, Violet discovers the Venin want to capture her too. Also, Xaden makes his long-awaited appearance and it's clear their playful banter in the face of danger hasn't changed. That he hasn't fully changed into the Venin Violet's used to seeing.

I officially can't wait to read the rest of the book in January!

Has Rebecca Yarros revealed the cover for Onyx Storm?

Today/Bree Archer, Elizabeth Turner Stokes for Entangled Publishing

Onyx Storm

Yes!

TODAY received an exclusive look at the cover for Onyx Storm and it doesn't disappoint! Unlike its predecessors, it appears Rebecca Yarros is hinting that darker events will take place.

Fans of the Empyrean series aren't the only ones who are excited to see what fate has in store for our favorite characters though. In a statement to TODAY, Rebecca revealed how elated she is to be working on the series again. "It's amazing to be back with these characters again. She also said, ""I can't wait for readers to see what Violet, Xaden, and the rest of the quadrant have in store for them in Onyx Storm!"

Are you excited for the release of Onyx Storm? Follow us on Facebook for more entertainment news!

Brit + Co may at times use affiliate links to promote products sold by others, but always offers genuine editorial recommendations.

This post has been updated.

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WHICH Movie Had Kate Winslet "Sh—ing" Herself?!

Kate Winslet is THE Hollywood actress to me. Not only has she starred in box office smashes like Titanic and Avatar: Way of Water, but she's proven her acting chops in breakout indie flicks and provided mothers and daughters everywhere with eternal Christmas movie nights thanks to The Holiday. But the actress' consistently viral kindness, her dedication to embracing her natural beauty, and her sophistication don't mean she always feels confident. Kate Winslet just spilled on the one movie from her career that had her "sh—ing" herself, and I just had to dive in.

Here's what Kate Winslet had to say about her scariest movie experience ever.

  • Kate Winslet made a name for herself with Titanic, Sense & Sensibility, and The Holiday.
  • However those movies aren't the film she wants fans to ask about!
  • The actress spills on the movies she's proud of, and the one job that had her "sh—ing myself."

Talking to Vanity Fair for her newest film Lee, Kate Winslet revealed one project she wishes fans asked about more is Iris. The 2001 film stars Kate as a young Iris Murdoch against Judi Dench's older counterpart. And for Kate, nothing was more terrifying than working with such a wonderful actress.

"People don’t really ask me about Iris. It’s such a delicate film," she says. "It was the first thing I had done after having my daughter. Going to work with a baby, I’m playing Iris Murdoch, looking to Judi Dench’s older Iris Murdoch — I was sh—ting myself."

Considering how nervous I get when I meet my heroes, I can only imagine what it was like to meet Dame Judi Dench. Talk about a dream! Another film Kate loves is Revolutionary Road, and not just because she got to reunite with Leonardo DiCaprio.

"The thing that people say is, 'You got to work with Leo again.' Then they go off on the whole Leo tangent, which I totally understand," she says of the film, which follows an ambitious couple who find themselves trapped in the reality of 1950s suburbia. "But Revolutionary Road — f—king hell, it just knocked us all sideways. Unbelievably difficult material. I was very proud of that film and what Leo and I were able to create as Frank and April. It was so brutal."

The process for getting Lee into the world sounds equally brutal, considering Kate started working on it over a decade ago. As producer, Kate tells Vanity Fair she doesn't mind the fact she's done more for the film than if she only had an acting credit. "That has felt very necessary for this film. But it’s also just really important to me," she says. "It’s important to me that people know that it’s out there and might feel compelled to go and see it."

Because it turns out, commercial success or stardom on its own doesn't actually help your movie get made! "It doesn’t matter who you are," she says. "No one’s going to go, 'Oh, I’ll just back that pony because she was in Titanic.' It doesn’t happen that way, and I never expected that. That’s really important to say."

"I've gotten older and I’ve learned more and felt more confident in myself about whether or not I could actually do it," she adds. "It’s not something I would’ve done had I not felt so passionately about the subject, and Lee was just—she wouldn’t let me go."

Let us know your favorite Kate Winslet movies in the comments, and since we've officially entered cozy season, check out Why The Holiday Movie Ending Is The Most Important Scene while you're at it!

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Here's A New Look At Florence Pugh's Return As Yelena Belova

Marvel movies are known for their heroes and their hopeful outlook on the world. But in 2025, we're getting a brand new team: the Thunderbolts. This team is made up of antiheroes and former villains, and it's sure to be the wackiest and strangest, as well as one of the most memorable, superhero movies we've seen in recent years.

Keep reading for the latest news on Thunderbolts* before it hits theaters in 2025.

Marvel Studios/YouTube

Thunderbolts* comes out this May, and the cast just showed off some brand new footage at the D23 convention — and thanks to the new 'Celebrating 85 Years' spot, we have the first look too!

We get a look at Bucky Barnes, The Red Guardian, John Walker, and Ghost. Plus, Yelena Belova, of course. This heartbreaking detail about Yelena's new look connects Florence Pugh's Yelena to Scarlett Johansson's Natashaand I'm WEEPING.

Marvel Studios/Walt Disney Studios

And at D23 Brazil, we got a brand new look at my new favorite team. "There’s something in this film, in terms of superpowers and superheroes, that shows that our superpowers lie in how ‘broken’ we are," David Harbour said at the event. "As if our superpowers came from our relationships.”

What is the plot of Thunderbolts?

Alberto E. Rodriguez/Getty Images for Disney

Thunderbolts* Plot

Consider Thunderbolts* to be The Avengers' edgy younger sibling. The movie follows Yelena Belova (who we know off the bat is a "depressed assassin" thanks to a Marvel Studios press release). She's joined by Bucky Barnes, The Red Guardian, and John Walker. Based on a leak, it looks like we'll see this group of misfits team up against Valentina Allegra de Fontaine after she sends them on a deadly mission.

Thunderbolts* Release Date

Jesse Grant/Disney

Thunderbolts* Release Date

Thunderbolts* hits theaters May 2, 2025.

Who's on the Thunderbolts team?

Alberto E. Rodriguez/Getty Images for Disney

Thunderbolts* Cast

Thunderbolts* stars Florence Pugh, Geraldine Viswanathan, Lewis Pullman, Hannah John-Kamen, Wyatt Russell, Julia Louis-Dreyfus, Sebastian Stan, and David Harbour.

This is a huge cast, and Viswanathan just revealed how crazy the first day of filming was. “My first day didn’t feel real," she tells Vanity Fair. "I felt this extra pressure of, ‘Know your lines, babe. You can’t really play around like you usually do.’"

Historically, sci-fi fans haven't been kind to actresses in their favorite projects (remember when Star Wars fans bullied Kelly Marie Tran off social media?). But Viswanathan is already thinking ahead. “If it’s overwhelming, I’ll log off. But I like discourse around pop culture,” she says. “[Thunderbolts*] felt a little bit edgier and fresher, more existential and dark.”

Jesse Grant/Disney

The rest of the cast also enjoyed working together. “Everyone is going to f—kin’ love me! It’s really, really, really fun to be with a group of actors that you have a good time with," Wyatt Russell says at Comic Con (via Variety), while David Harbour adds, “Florence Pugh [is] just electric to work with. There’s warmth and humor, but there’s also a lot of pathos.”

“This is why we can't stop laughing together, because we genuinely just had such a wonderful time with each other and we've loved working with one another," Pugh tells People. “I feel like this is something that we've never seen before from Marvel...it's a very open and honest and truthful idea. And I'm just really excited for people to watch it.”

Are you excited for this brand new chapter in the MCU? I really feel like Thunderbolts* will usher in a whole new generation of fans and I, for one, CANNOT WAIT! Let us know your thoughts on Facebook.

Lead images via Alberto E. Rodriguez/Getty Images for Disney

This post has been updated.

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