First project: a stitched name or word in a hoop

Write a name or short word in back stitch, add French knot dots and a chain-stitch border, then display it in the hoop.

Step by step

1. Write the word in joined-up letters on paper, about 3.1 in (8 cm) wide.
2. Trace it onto cotton fabric with a water-soluble pen, using a sunny window as a lightbox.
3. Put the fabric in a 5.9 in (15 cm) hoop and tighten until it is drum-taut.
4. Back stitch the letters with two or three strands, keeping stitches short on curves.
5. Add French knots to dot the i's or decorate around the word.
6. Work a chain-stitch circle round the edge if you want a border.
7. Rinse out the pen marks as the pen instructions say, let it dry, then trim the fabric and glue or lace it to the back of the hoop.

Pinny's tip
Pick a word with lots of curves to practise short stitches.

Sources

All checked November 1, 2026. We read these; we did not test the products ourselves.

1. Floss Field: How to start embroidery
2. RSN Stitchbank: Back stitch
3. RSN Stitchbank: French knot
4. RSN Stitchbank: Chain stitch