Kelly Fletcher Needlework Design

This is my pattern design business, which I run online to get designs from me to you at any hour of the day or night, wherever in the world you might live.

Patterns : Hand embroidery and embroidered appliqué


I create surface embroidery designs and use mainly six-stranded cotton, but hand embroiderers are innovative and I’m sure you’ll come up with a way to make my patterns work for you, whatever your choice of thread or project. I love fabric as much as thread, so like to incorporate embroidered appliqué into some of my designs and am always working on new and innovative ways to catch the fabric down through the use of various stitches.

You can never know enough embroidery stitches. And there’s beauty and function in each and every one, some of which have fallen out of use. For this reason, I like to use a fair amount of them in my patterns although I keep the designs clean and simple so as not to overwhelm anyone. And you’ll find how to do all the stitches I’ve used in either the Stitch Directory or on my Stitches board on Pinterest.

Click on the page tabs up top to explore my Etsy and Craftsy shops and, if you live in South Africa, get in touch for prices in rands.

Publications : The Stitch & Thimble 


The Stitch & Thimble is a digital hand embroidery publication I brought out over the space of about four years. There are 12 editions in all, plus a special contemporary Christmas edition available.

Each edition features five original embroidery designs, plus sewing instructions on how to make up the finished items. These include everything from bibs to bags and notebook covers to neck cushions. In addition to complete patterns, each project has a comprehensive requirements list and full instructions for the embroidery.

There’s a New Vintage project in each, which is a contemporary take on a vintage design or item, a sampler to get you going on new stitches, two main projects and a Quick Stitch project that’s designed to be made in an afternoon. That said, all the projects are quite quick and easy to make, and make great gifts too. Editions 11 and 12 have some extra features in them – a photographic step-by-step how-to, additional templates and colour scheme suggestions, a needlework bits and pieces section with reviews, did you knows, vintage advertising and more.
The publication is in PDF format and is made available for download as soon as your payment has cleared – no waiting for the postman. Then it’s up to you whether you want to browse it digitally (and make use of the links to do a bit of surfing) or print it out for some good old-fashioned reading in a cosy spot. 

It’s simple, fun and easy embroidery for stitchers of all skill levels.

Read what my customers have to say about my patterns and The Stitch & Thimble.