Lou McCarney
Production Editor, Love Embroidery
Lou is a writer and maker based in Bristol, where she lives with her husband Rory, two ball pythons she refers to as “silly sausages” and (possibly) too many plants. If she’s not working on your next issue of Love Embroidery, then she’s crafting or snacking. As well as stitching, she's also a keen knitter. She has worked with a huge range of best selling magazines, including Simply Knitting, The Knitter, Simply Crochet, BBC Countryfile, Boundless, Rowan Collection, Mollie Makes and Cross Stitch Crazy.
Recent articles by Lou McCarney
Free crochet beanie pattern
Our slouchy crochet beanie is the ultimate accessory for cool and casual style!
Easy knitting patterns for beginners 2024
Always wanted to learn how to knit? Now’s the perfect time! We’ve rounded up our favourite simple knitting patterns – from hats to scarves and blankets – to help you get to grips with your knitting needles.
Modern botanical embroidery to brighten your day
Add some joy to your home decor with this beautiful botanical embroidery designed by Lou McCarney.
Free Granny Crochet Bunting Pattern
Grannys don't have to be square! Give a twist to those classic stitches with this triangle crochet bunting pattern!
Free bird cross stitch pattern
Choose from two delightful designs, a pretty floral greetings card designed by Durene Jones or the easy-to-make colourful little songbird by Lou McCarney.
Free plant embroidery
Delve into the botanical world of stitching with this beautiful plant embroidery designed by Lou McCarney.
How to make crochet bunny bunting
Craft our easy crochet bunny bunting patterns for perfect Easter bunting or a springtime makeover!
How to knit a rainbow
Use our free rainbow knitting pattern and how to knit a rainbow video to cast on these colourful cuties
Free knitted bunny ears pattern
Learn how to make bunny ears for Easter dressing up with our free children's knitting pattern from Louise Smith. Hop to it and cast on today!
Free pattern | Knitted farm animals
Cast on these cute farmyard friends by Louise Smith and use them as keyrings and bag charms – or just little toys to cuddle!
Free knitted keyring pattern
Make a fun, furry friend for life with Louise Smith’s animal bag charm, knitted using scraps of yarn from your stash.
Knit your own ice cream!
Get ready for a trip to the beach with Louise Smith’s yummy tote bag. We have three sweet ice cream motifs for you to knit.
Free floral teacup cross stitch patterns
Download this pretty Free floral teacup cross stitch pattern to create this fabulous teacup clock by Julia Rigby, or simply get started with a single teacup motif.
10 ways to pimp your hoop
Show off your stitching in a hoop with added wow-factor! Follow Sarah Burnett-Moore's top 10 tips for pimping up your embroidery hoop…
DIY cross stitched butterfly hair grips
Stitch Susan Bates' fluttering butterflies on plastic canvas and add hair grips to create stunning accessories!
Fun wall hangings free cross stitch patterns
Show the world how much you love stitching with these fun wall hangings, which have been designs by Rhona Norrie.
Free Christmas card cross stitch pattern
Cosy up this Christmas with this Festive Doorway cross stitch chart pattern designed by Amanda Gregory. The red door is bursting with wintry charm!
Free seasonal spice bags cross stitch pattern
There are so many delicious smells to enjoy at Christmas, so stitch these spice bags to fill with festive scents!
Free jewelled sceptre cross stitch pattern
Craft a gorgeous jewelled sceptre for the queen or king in your life with this cross stitch chart, which is free to download.
Free Westminster Abbey cross stitch pattern
Download this beautiful chart and stitch Westminster Abbey in celebration of any royal occasion!
Free British beach huts pattern
Celebrate the Great British seaside with this fabulous beach hut cross stitch pattern - we love the iconic stripes!
Our yarn dyeing day with Fyberspates
Have you ever dyed your own yarn? You should give it a try! We went on a road trip to visit the lovely Jeni Hewlett and her Fyberspates team for a day of dyeing yarns.