These designs might be small but that doesn’t make them any less mighty! These small embroidery designs pack a punch when it comes to creativity.
Sometimes we don’t want to take on a huge project, especially if we’ve got a lot going on in our lives. That’s why we want to show you these small but satisfying designs to scratch your creative itch, without taking up too much of your time.
There’s something really rewarding about finishing an embroidery design. You can admire it, display it in your home or give it away to somebody special. We know sometimes you want that feeling quickly, so these small embroidery designs can be easily completed in just one evening.
Every design in our list is suitable for beginners, but that’s not to say seasoned stitchers won’t get a kick out of a quick project too.
15 simple and small embroidery designs to make tonight
8. A trio of beginner embroidery hoops
These simple modern designs are an easy way to get your embroidery fix! The kits have everything you need, including step-by-step instructions. The kit contains three designs all of which are a minimalist array of various wildflowers and foliage.
The design allows for interpretation, so if you prefer your flowers a different colour then you can easily customise them. At such a low cost you can’t really go wrong!
2. Napkin motifs embroidery kit
These napkins are the ideal project for someone who wants to do a little bit of embroidery each evening.
The kit contains four pretty designs and you can make one per stitching session. As they are small they'll only take a few hours at most. There’s no sewing involved either, the linen napkins are already made up for you.
The kit would make a lovely gift or a treat for yourself. Plus you’ll be left with a beautiful set of hand-embroidered napkins once you’re finished!
3. Mistletoe embroidery kit
- Buy now, Etsy
Christmas embroidery is so much fun! You can create decorations, wall hangings, and hoops that can be brought out every year. This cute mistletoe design is stitched on a small 4” hoop, so can easily be created in one evening.
The kit contains all of the materials, sorted and ready to go. The outline is even pre-printed on the fabric for you. You just get to do the fun part: put the kettle on and stitch!
4. Keep smiling embroidery kit
Pass on a lovely message to somebody special with this sweet embroidery kit. With its easy stitches and pre-printed fabric, even a complete beginner will be able to finish this peice!
You’ll find everything you need in the kit, including high-quality DMC threads.
5. Puffin embroidery kit
- Buy now, Not on the High Street
Master your linework with this cute puffin embroidery kit. The great thing about this design is you can make it as minimal or detailed as you would like. That means the design can be adapted to suit your own stitching ability and style.
This kit contains a 22-page beginner's embroidery guide, a design-specific stitch guide, and a cotton bag to keep all your materials together.
6. Grow love embroidery hoop kit
- Buy now, Love Crafts
What a wonderful sentiment! If you’re looking for mindful embroidery to do after a long day this kit is the one for you. It will brighten up even those dark winter evenings.
The kit has everything you’ll need, plus it includes a backing disc (making it super easy to finish off and hang on your wall).
7. Dog embroidery hoop kit
- Buy now, Love Crafts
Cute, quirky and simple! This lovely little kit can be completed in a few hours and makes for fun art to hang in your home.
The design features a few different stitches, so not only will you have a satisfyingly quick design, you’ll learn plenty of new techniques on the way. If you do need a little help with your technique then make sure you check out our guide to embroidery stitches.
8. Celestial embroidery kit
- Buy now, Not on the Highstreet
This bold celestial design features a pretty moon and stars stitched on a beautiful purple fabric.
The hoop itself is only 4” so you’ll be able to stitch this design up in just a few hours. To speed the process up the pattern has been printed on the fabric already, so you’ll be ready to stitch right away.
The great thing about this embroidery is that you can add as much or as little detail as you like. For less confident stitchers, there is a booklet with tips and instructions.
Looking for more simple embroidery designs?
Learn how to do padded satin stitch whilst creating this cute bunting embroidery hoop. Download the pattern for free and stitch along with our step-by-step guide.
9. ‘Outdoors is better’ embroidery hoop kit
- Buy now, Love Crafts
Are you a lover of nature and the great outdoors? Is there anything more relaxing than sitting among nature in the sunshine? This embroidery design embodies that feeling of being one with the outdoors.
Easy to stitch, this beautiful design will look lovely hanging in your home and remind you of your outdoor adventures.
10. Cat embroidery hoop
- Buy now, Love Crafts
We had to include one for cat lovers! This simple, yet delicate design uses outlining to create a beautiful cat!
The kit has everything you’ll need, and at 6 inches the design can be whipped up in no time.
11. Stork keepsake embroidery kit
Are looking for a special present for a new baby? This embroidery kit is just the ticket. New parents will love this sweet and simple keepsake.
There are a couple of delicate stitches in the design which may be a little challenging. If you’re an experienced beginner, this kit will be ideal for you.
Free small embroidery designs from Gathered
12. Positive sentiment embroidered badges
- Get the free embroidered badges pattern, Gathered
How lovely is this trio of lively designs by Clare Albans? Each created in a miniature hoop, they’re the perfect size for pin badges. Each one is small enough to be completed in one afternoon!
You’ll find a blue daisy, a positive message with a daffodil and a selection of brightly coloured flowers to choose from.
13. Dinosaur trio of small embroidery designs
- Get the free dinosaur pattern, Gathered
These dino embroidery patterns are roar-some! Each one can be completed in just a few hours thanks to their miniature size.
Choose from a trio of dino designs including a spinosaurus, the stegosaurus and a brontosaurus!
14. Mini Santa embroidery designs
- Get the free Santa embroidery pattern, Gathered
These sweet little Santa hoops are ideal for little gifts or hanging on your Christmas tree. You will only need an afternoon to complete them since they are stitched in mini hoops.
The Santa embroidery is free to download, plus you can follow along with our step-by-step guide.
15. 'Let’s do this' embroidery design
- Get the free slogan embroidery pattern, Gathered
Give yourself that little bit of motivation with this sweet design by Sophie Gibbons. Made up of simple stitches in a minimal design, this hoop will hang beautifully in a modern home.
Thanks to our helpful stitching guide you’ll be able to stitch this hoop up in just an afternoon.
Small yet satisfying projects
There’s just something rewarding about starting and finishing a craft project in one day. You’ll have a great sense of achievement! These little embroidery projects will do just that, so what are you waiting for? Time to stitch.
Looking for more unique embroidery patterns and kits?
An embroidery kit is the best way to speed up your creative process. It takes hunting down supplies out of the equation and just leaves you with the fun part. Take a look at our unique embroidery kits for more inspiration.
