I keep coming back to them. Smalls are quick to finish, satisfying to make, and the finishing is a craft in itself. A beautifully finished small feels like a complete little work of art. And coming up with new shapes and combinations is honestly one of the most enjoyable parts of my work as a designer.
 

What are smalls?

Smalls is a term from the embroidery world for small projects that you finish into something useful or decorative. An accessory for your sewing basket, a gift, an ornament, or simply something pretty to hang up or display.
 

They are popular for good reasons. You can finish one in just a few evenings. They are perfect for trying out a new pattern, a new stitch, or an unfamiliar thread. And leftover linen or floss gets a lovely second life.
 

What kinds of smalls are there?

The possibilities are endless, but these are the most beloved.
 

Pincushion

A classic. From small and understated to richly decorated, a pincushion remains a timeless sewing accessory. Firmly stuffed, finished with a cord or fringe, and indispensable in every stitcher's home.


 

Scissor fob

A scissor fob keeps your small embroidery scissors close at hand while looking beautiful at the same time. Usually made from two mirrored pieces finished back to back, hanging from a ribbon or cord. Something for those who appreciate the details.


 

Needle book

A small booklet of linen or felt to keep your needles neatly stored. Quick to make, personal in nature, and a classic that never goes out of style.
 

Sewing case or embroidery case

A step beyond the needle book: larger, with pockets or loops for all your small sewing supplies. The character is in the finishing, from neat and elegant to soft and brocante.
 

Needle roll

A rolled case for needles or small tools. Your embroidered piece is sewn onto a piece of felt or linen, rolled up and tied with a ribbon. Lovely on a desk, perfect in a sewing basket.



 

Biscornu

A distinctive creation: a cushion with eight points, made by sewing two square pieces together with a quarter turn. The result is an irregular, twisted shape that can be used as a pincushion or simply as an ornament. Once you have made one, you will want more.

Bags and pouches

From a small lavender sachet to a jewellery pouch or a proper embroidered bag: the possibilities are wide here too. An embroidered bag is something you actually use and are happy to show off.
 

Ornaments and fobs

Hearts, eggs, Christmas ornaments, key fobs: small pieces that hang or sit somewhere, purely for the pleasure of it. Perfect for seasonal projects or as a personal gift.
 

Pindrum

The pincushion is one of those smalls you fall in love with instantly. This small, cylindrical 'cushion' is a beautiful three-dimensional piece that looks lovely from every angle. You first embroider a strip for the side and a round piece for the top, and then sew everything together to create the characteristic pincushion. The edge is often finished with a decorative stitch or a nice cord, giving the whole piece a polished look. You can find instructions on how to assemble a pincushion here.

Smalls at Soed Idee

Smalls run like a thread through my designs. Each book has its own atmosphere, but small projects are always part of it.
 

In Simone's Smalls they take centre stage. This is a book I put together with great pleasure: a collection of small projects with the classic, slightly nostalgic feel that is closest to my heart. Pincushions, scissor fobs, a biscornu, a needle roll; it is all there.
 

GH1857 is based on an antique sampler from 1857. The motifs in this pattern lend themselves beautifully to smalls. The timeless style of an antique sampler always looks lovely on a pincushion or needle book.
 

Ivlie Godefroid is inspired by antique Belgian motifs, rich in character and with a beautiful historical feel. This book also includes a number of smalls.
 

Talents Few or Many is one of my favourite original designs. The text and motifs tell a story, and I love carrying that story into smaller pieces too. A small made with elements from this pattern always feels like a personal declaration of love for the craft.
 

Ma Valise de Broderie is built around the theme of the well-stocked sewing basket, and what could suit it better than a complete set of smalls? Scissor fob, needle book, sewing case: the projects in this book belong together and make something beautiful as a set.

The finishing

For me, the real pleasure begins with the finishing. Stitching is wonderful, but the moment a piece takes its final shape is deeply satisfying. The choice of lining, the cord, the way it is stuffed, the knot at the end: every detail matters.
 

For smalls I like to use linen in a natural colour as a base, with a cotton lining in a quiet tone that complements the embroidery threads. For the finishing I often choose a woven ribbon or trim. 
 

Take the finishing just as seriously as the stitching. A beautifully finished small deserves it.
 

Getting started
 

Do you love small projects too? Have a look in the shop at the books and patterns I mention above. Everything you need, from linen and Aida to DMC threads and accessories, is there too.
 

Smalls are a lovely way to discover embroidery, try out a new pattern, or simply pick up a smaller, more manageable project. And once you start, you will not stop.
 

Last week I had the special opportunity to visit Wuppertal, the German city that has been famous for its textile industry for centuries. At Vaupel & Heilenbeck, I got a behind-the-scenes look at how the beautiful linen band we love to stitch on is still being woven today. It was truly inspiring to witness this historic craft in action!

Wuppertal and its textile history

Wuppertal lies in the valley of the river Wupper. As early as the Middle Ages, the clear, flowing water was used for washing, bleaching, and dyeing yarns. During the 18th and 19th centuries, the city grew into one of Germany’s most important textile centers. Ribbon and tape weaving became a specialty, with countless weavers working first in small workshops and later in large factories. The area was also home to the beginnings of the chemical giant Bayer, which started as a dye factory in Barmen.

From tradition to modern craftsmanship

Although many large textile mills closed during the 20th century, some traditions have been carefully preserved. At Vaupel & Heilenbeck, linen band is still woven on traditional looms – a beautiful product that is indispensable for cross stitchers. During my visit, I watched the looms in motion and held the freshly woven linen in my hands. It’s wonderful to realize that this fabric is part of such a long and rich tradition.

 

Inspiration for stitchers

For anyone who loves stitching on linen band, it adds something special to know that your fabric carries with it centuries of craftsmanship and history. Embroidery is not only a creative pastime, but also a way of connecting with the skills and artistry of generations past.

Do you also have a beautiful embroidery that you would like to share with us? Submit your photo(s) via the special form and maybe your work will soon shine in the Tuesday Threads!

Is the form not working for you?

Then email us a photo of your embroidery at atelier@soedidee.nl. If you also have photos of details or progress, you can send them along.
 

Please include the following information with your photo(s):

• What is your name?
• Can you tell us something about the work? For example, why did you choose this pattern?
• What is the name of the pattern?
• Who is the designer of the pattern?
• What fabric was used for the embroidery?
• What thread was used for the embroidery?

This week's Tuesday Threads are from Tanny Rietdijk. 

And these Tuesday Threads are extra special because they arrived in the mail!  I received a beautiful card from Tanny with her words about her beautiful embroidery.
 

Tanny embroidered the beautiful pattern Sampler Round from Anagram diffusion.

Tanny embroidered this pattern 15 years ago. Since then it has hung in a frame above her sofa.

 

Do you also have a beautiful embroidery that you would like to share with us? Submit your photo(s) via the special form and maybe your work will soon shine in the Tuesday Threads!

Is the form not working for you?

Then email us a photo of your embroidery at atelier@soedidee.nl. If you also have photos of details or progress, you can send them along.
 

Please include the following information with your photo(s):

• What is your name?
• Can you tell us something about the work? For example, why did you choose this pattern?
• What is the name of the pattern?
• Who is the designer of the pattern?
• What fabric was used for the embroidery?
• What thread was used for the embroidery?

This week's Tuesday Threads are made by Ada van Dijk. 

Ada stitched this beautiful pattern of Madame la Fée.

Ada told this beautiful story about her embroidery: 

"I think this pattern from Madame la Fée is a great pattern, also fun to do. A lot of work with all those different shades of white.

I stitched it on 16-thread Newcastle Vintage Beige.

And I replaced the button pattern with a mini bag from Vienna embroidered with petit-points, I thought it was nicer and more special.
 

And …..then I made a cushion with beautiful linen fabric/old red school scraps/old lace and linen buttons."


 

Do you also have a beautiful embroidery that you would like to share with us? Submit your photo(s) via the special form and maybe your work will soon shine in the Tuesday Threads!

Is the form not working for you?

Then email us a photo of your embroidery at atelier@soedidee.nl. If you also have photos of details or progress, you can send them along.
 

Please include the following information with your photo(s):

• What is your name?
• Can you tell us something about the work? For example, why did you choose this pattern?
• What is the name of the pattern?
• Who is the designer of the pattern?
• What fabric was used for the embroidery?
• What thread was used for the embroidery?

This week's Tuesday Threads are made by Saskia Gijselhart. 

Saskia embroidered this beautiful pattern based on a design by Irene Mol.

Saskia told this beautiful story about her embroidery: 

"I have been a subscriber to the craft magazine Ariadne for a very long time. The February issue of 1989 featured the pattern for this special cloth in response to a request for 'a very modern design with fresh colours'. I fell in love with it immediately. So different from the average embroidery patterns of that time.
 

It was my first large embroidery. I had no idea of ​​the fineness of embroidery fabrics, and instead of 12-thread (instructions) I used 10-thread linen. DMC was the sole ruler in the field of threads at the time, so I could easily buy the four colours required: 791, 792, 799 and 993.
 

The contours and the frame were easy to do. But it became difficult when the areas had to be filled with horizontal, vertical and diagonal running stitches and mesh stitches. It was beyond my level and the cloth ended up in the UFO basket for ever. Many years of crafting Later I came across the beginning again and fell in love again. Then it didn't take long before it was framed and hanging on the wall. It still hangs in the living room."

Every Tuesday we put a beautiful embroidery from one of you in the spotlight! Because what could be more fun than inspiring each other? 

Do you also have a beautiful embroidery that you would like to share with us? Submit your photo(s) via the special form and maybe your work will soon shine in the Tuesday Threads!

Is the form not working for you?

Then email us a photo of your embroidery at atelier@soedidee.nl. If you also have photos of details or progress, you can send them along.
 

Please include the following information with your photo(s):

• What is your name?
• Can you tell us something about the work? For example, why did you choose this pattern?
• What is the name of the pattern?
• Who is the designer of the pattern?
• What fabric was used for the embroidery?
• What thread was used for the embroidery?

Monique stitched this beautiful pattern based on a design by Loes de Kleuver.

Monique made this sampler for her husband. In 2011 she also made one for his colleague and good friend.
 

Every Tuesday we put a beautiful embroidery from one of you in the spotlight! Because what could be more fun than inspiring each other? 

Do you also have a beautiful embroidery that you would like to share with us? Submit your photo(s) via the special form and maybe your work will soon shine in the Tuesday Threads!

Is the form not working for you?

Then email us a photo of your embroidery at atelier@soedidee.nl. If you also have photos of details or progress, you can send them along.
 

Please include the following information with your photo(s):

• What is your name?
• Can you tell us something about the work? For example, why did you choose this pattern?
• What is the name of the pattern?
• Who is the designer of the pattern?
• What fabric was used for the embroidery?
• What thread was used for the embroidery?

Piet stitched this beautiful summer quilt, but not all by himself...
 

This 'summer' piece is a friendship piece, embroidered by 16 people, 15 women and 1 man.

A friendship piece is a kind of forwarded letter. The owner of the piece, Piet in this case, determines the subject.

He also stitches something on it himself, usually the edge, or an example. Then it goes to the first person after him and so the piece is sent to another person in the group every month, until it is returned to you after, in this case, 15 months. Then you see if anything needs to be done, e.g. filling in some holes.

You are still not allowed to show the piece, you do that when you meet with the group.

Every Tuesday we put a beautiful embroidery from one of you in the spotlight! Because what could be more fun than inspiring each other? 

Do you also have a beautiful embroidery that you would like to share with us? Submit your photo(s) via the special form and maybe your work will soon shine in the Tuesday Threads!

Is the form not working for you?

Then email us a photo of your embroidery at atelier@soedidee.nl. If you also have photos of details or progress, you can send them along.
 

Please include the following information with your photo(s):

• What is your name?
• Can you tell us something about the work? For example, why did you choose this pattern?
• What is the name of the pattern?
• Who is the designer of the pattern?
• What fabric was used for the embroidery?
• What thread was used for the embroidery?

This week's Tuesday Threads are made by Monica Jäschke. 

Monica stitched this beautiful bell cord.
 

Monica stitched the bell cord when she was 24 years old for her mother who had moved to the old craft district at the wheelwright's...now many years later she herself now lives at the clog maker's. Unfortunately, both crafts are not included in this embroidery.

Monica embroidered her beautiful embroidery with DMC thread. Monica unfortunately doesn't remember what fabric she used, but she thinks linen.

Every Tuesday we put a beautiful embroidery from one of you in the spotlight! Because what could be more fun than inspiring each other? 

Do you also have a beautiful embroidery that you would like to share with us? Submit your photo(s) via the special form and maybe your work will soon shine in the Tuesday Threads!

Is the form not working for you?

Then email us a photo of your embroidery at atelier@soedidee.nl. If you also have photos of details or progress, you can send them along.
 

Please include the following information with your photo(s):

• What is your name?
• Can you tell us something about the work? For example, why did you choose this pattern?
• What is the name of the pattern?
• Who is the designer of the pattern?
• What fabric was used for the embroidery?
• What thread was used for the embroidery?

This week's Tuesday Threads are by Petra Hennekens. 

Petra embroidered these beautiful, red patterns.

Petra has picked up stitching again after more than 20 years.

She started with the woman with knitting, the rooster and then made a sampler with angels and letters. The ideas come from Pinterest.

Petra embroidered her beautiful embroidery on Aida fabric and embroidered with DMC 815.

Every Tuesday we put a beautiful embroidery from one of you in the spotlight! Because what could be more fun than inspiring each other? 

Do you also have a beautiful embroidery that you would like to share with us? Submit your photo(s) via the special form and maybe your work will soon shine in the Tuesday Threads!

Is the form not working for you?

Then email us a photo of your embroidery at atelier@soedidee.nl. If you also have photos of details or progress, you can send them along.
 

Please include the following information with your photo(s):

• What is your name?
• Can you tell us something about the work? For example, why did you choose this pattern?
• What is the name of the pattern?
• Who is the designer of the pattern?
• What fabric was used for the embroidery?
• What thread was used for the embroidery?

This week's Tuesday Threads are by Debra Chewning. 

Debra stitched this beautiful pattern by Jane Greenoff.

Debra: "I have been cross stitching for over 40 years. I am most proud of this Jane Greenoff pattern. I chose all the colours, 5 in total, and had to make a few adjustments, like adding the year and my initials, DLC. I had it professionally framed and I am so proud of it. It brings me joy to look at it every day."

You can still download the free chart here.

Debra stitched her beautiful embroidery on 25 count apricot lugana using 1 over 1 Dinky Dyes silk thread.