Which embroidery pattern should I choose?

If you're not sure which embroidery pattern to go for, you're not alone. I get asked this all the time. The good news is there are just two main options, and once you know the difference it’s really easy to choose.

Here’s a simple guide to help you pick the right one for your project.

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Stick and stitch embroidery patterns

These are printed onto a water-soluble sheet that sticks directly onto your fabric. Once you’ve finished stitching, you simply rinse it away with water.

Best for:

• Adding embroidery to clothes
• Dark or coloured fabrics
• Textured materials like knitwear
• Quick, easy projects

Why you might choose this:

• Really easy to use (perfect for beginners)
• No need to transfer the design
• Works on almost any fabric

Things to know:

• Single use (it washes away)
• Needs rinsing after stitching

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Iron-on embroidery patterns

These designs are transferred onto your fabric using heat from an iron. The lines stay in place while you stitch, making them great for slower, more detailed projects.

Best for:

• Light-coloured fabrics
• Layering designs to create your own compositions
• Projects where you want to take your time

Why you might choose this:

• Can be reused multiple times
• No rinsing needed
• Great for building your own designs

Things to know:

• Works best on lighter fabrics
• Lines are usually permanent but can fade over time

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Quick comparison

Feature	Stick & Stitch	Iron-On
Works on dark fabric	✔ Yes	✖ No
Reusable	✖ No	✔ Yes
Beginner friendly	✔ Very	✔ Yes
Needs rinsing	✔ Yes	✖ No

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Still not sure?

If you’re completely new, I’d usually recommend starting with stick and stitch. It’s the easiest way to get going and works on almost anything, especially clothes.

And if you’d rather have everything ready to go, you might enjoy starting with one of my embroidery kits instead.