Behind-The-Scenes ~ How I Design My Embroidery Templates ~ Part 1

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How I Design My Embroidery Templates ~ A Behind-the-Scenes Look at My Creative Process

One of the things I love most about embroidery is how something simple — thread, paper, and a needle — can become a meaningful piece of art.

When I design embroidery templates, I want them to feel approachable, beautiful, and enjoyable to stitch. Whether someone is completely new to embroidery or has been stitching for years, my goal is always the same: create designs that feel relaxing and rewarding to make.

Today I wanted to share a little behind-the-scenes look at how my embroidery templates come to life — from the first spark of inspiration to the final printable pattern.

Where My Inspiration Comes From

Most of my ideas begin with things I naturally gravitate toward in everyday life.

Vintage Embroidery Book

I’m constantly inspired by:

• flowers and botanical shapes
• vintage greeting cards
• seasonal color palettes
• nature walks
• cozy cottage-style aesthetics
• old book illustrations and floral sketches

Natural inspiration

Sometimes inspiration comes from something as simple as the way sunlight hits a flower in the garden or a color combination I notice while walking outside.

Choose sample colors

I also love looking at vintage floral illustrations because they tend to have soft, organic shapes that translate beautifully into embroidery.

The best designs usually start with a feeling before they become a sketch.

Sketch book

Starting with Simplicity

When designing templates, I intentionally keep simplicity in mind.

One of the biggest mistakes beginners make is starting with designs that are too detailed or overcrowded. Tiny stitch areas and complicated layouts can quickly become frustrating — especially on paper.

Sketch idea

So when I create templates, I focus on:

• clean line spacing
• manageable stitch areas
• simple floral shapes
• smooth curves
• balanced layouts

I want each design to feel calming to stitch rather than overwhelming.

Simple designs also tend to look more elegant once completed. Negative space allows the stitching to stand out and gives the finished piece a softer, more modern feel.

The middle card is overcrowded. Too much detail. 
The side cards are ideal patterns as they're simpler. 

Designing for Paper vs Fabric

Designing for paper embroidery is actually very different from designing for fabric embroidery.

Paper doesn’t stretch or flex the way fabric does, so templates need to be planned differently.

For paper embroidery, I pay close attention to:

• wider hole spacing
• smoother curves
• fewer tiny details
• cleaner stitch paths

Paper vs Fabric

If holes are placed too close together, the paper can weaken or tear. That’s why paper embroidery patterns often need simpler, more intentional layouts.

I also test how curves stitch visually on cardstock because some shapes that look beautiful on screen don’t always translate smoothly once stitched.

It’s a balance between design and practicality.

Holes are even spaced and follow the curves

Testing the Pattern

Before any template is added to my shop, I stitch-test it myself.

This step helps me check:

• stitch flow
• hole spacing
• curve smoothness
• color combinations
• overall beginner friendliness

Color options

Sometimes small adjustments make a huge difference.

I often experiment with different thread colors and floral palettes because the same design can feel completely different depending on the color story.

Finished product!

Testing also helps ensure that the finished project feels enjoyable to stitch — not frustrating.

Why I Love This Process

What I love most about designing embroidery templates is knowing they’ll eventually become something meaningful in someone else’s hands.

A handmade card.
A framed keepsake.
A relaxing evening project.
A thoughtful gift.

Every design begins as a simple sketch, but it becomes something much more once it’s stitched by hand.

That’s the part I’ll never get tired of.

Final Thoughts

Designing embroidery templates is a mix of creativity, problem-solving, and thoughtful simplicity.

Every pattern goes through sketching, layout adjustments, testing, and stitching before it ever reaches the final printable version.

My goal is always to create designs that feel approachable, beautiful, and enjoyable to make — especially for beginners learning paper embroidery for the first time.

If you enjoy beginner-friendly floral embroidery projects, printable templates designed specifically for paper embroidery are available in my shop.

Embroidery Pattern for Pattern

Each design is tested before being released to help make the stitching process as smooth and enjoyable as possible.

Thanks for stopping by!

Becca

***While I'm thrilled to share my step-by-step directions, the good and the bad, these are intended for your personal use. I'm always happy to hear and see what my bloggers have been working on. BUT a lot of work goes into these creations and while I have no issues sharing so you are able to create the work for your precious homes please understand that selling an exact duplication of my designs is highly frowned upon. :( Please always be considerate of another artists work. Thank you!***