Smalls: little embroidery projects with a lot of charm

There is something wonderful about a small embroidery project. Something that fits in the palm of your hand, but holds just as much love and care as a large piece. In the embroidery world we call them smalls, and the name says it all: small in size, big in character.
 

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.