Are lilipopo patterns suitable for beginners?
Recently I have had a lot of questions about whether lilipopo patterns are suitable for beginners. On the whole my patterns are quite simple. I love basic stitches like back stitch and straight stitches. My style is also fairly simple.
Each pattern, panel or kit comes with a simple stitch guide for the stitches I use but I would also recommend a youtube search for videos of any stitches you find particularly difficult. We all learn in different ways, I prefer diagrams on paper but I know lots of people like to see the stitch in motion.
My simplest pattern that I feel is suitable for an absolute beginner is also one of my oldest patterns, friends. You can just outline it in backstitch as in the first picture or add more detail with simple running stitch and satin stitch as in the second image. Christmas friends is also a great beginner pattern
Winter coffee is great for beginners, again most of it can be backstitched and you can choose whether to fill things like her mittens and scarf with split stitch or back stitch or to just leave them outlined.
The third pattern that is great for beginners is flower girl (in the top pictures) or even the flower gardener
For most of the designs (but not all yet) you have the choice of either buying a pdf pattern or a printed panel and for a few designs a kit.
PDF pattern
if you buy a pdf pattern you receive a file that you need to download to your computer or tablet. The file contains the design in black and white for you to trace onto your fabric and written instructions with photographs for stitching the design in the same way I stitched it.
You can just print the black and white design and follow the instructions on your screen. This has the advantage that you can enlarge the photos on the screen to look a little closer. Otherwise you can print the whole thing so you don’t need your screen any where near (my own preference!). Some people do trace directly from their Ipad, I am not great at this but it could be worth a try.
The plus points
The PDF pattern is the cheapest option and you receive it straight away and of course you can stitch it as many times as you like. My favourite thing about PDFs is that you can choose your own fabric and also that your lines are washed or ironed away so you don’t have to worry about covering them perfectly
The downsides
You need a light source to trace the pattern, you can use a sunny window for this (with breaks for achy arms) but I have a flat lightbox (worth investing in if you plan to do a lot of embroidery), or you can buy sticky fabri solvi which increases the cost a little.
You need to buy the fabric and threads and a hoop and needle if you don’t have them. This can be a positive as you build up your supplies and you can choose colours and fabrics that suit you.
Printed panels
Quite a few of my patterns are available as printed panels. This is a piece of either white cotton or natural organic calico with the design pre printed onto it in light grey. The design is permanent so cannot be washed away. You also receive the instructions for stitching via email just as you do for the PDF patterns.
The plus points
No tracing! Whether you have difficulty with the tracing or you just don’t like tracing or you don’t want to invest in a light box the panel means you can start stitching straight away.
You can choose your own colour threads if you don’t want the same colours that I stitched with.
The downsides
You don’t get to choose the fabric. Printing companies can only print on certain types of fabric so my choice and therefore yours is limited.
The lines don’t wash away so you do need to cover them. I use a subtle grey so even if it isn’t perfectly covered it doesn’t show too much.
You can only stitch it once (although you will have a copy of the pdf too)
Kits
I don’t offer many kits but I try to keep certain kits in stock. The kits contain everything you need to start stitching apart from scissors. You can choose whether to add a hoop. This is a great option if you are just starting out and don’t really want to invest too much into buying lots of threads.
The plus points
You have everything you need in front of you to start stitching straight away. Also great if it’s for a gift.
The downsides
You can’t choose your own colours or fabric. The lines are permanent. You can only stitch the design once (although if you have bought a kit I am happy to supply you with the pdf pattern too). Less choice
Some of my patterns need a little more concentration. Quiet place uses a lot of french knots in her hair so you might want to practice french knots before you begin stitching her. Mother nature has quite small elements so can be a little fiddly. If you use the pdf you can always enlarge it so it’s not so fiddly. Putting up the tree has quite a few fun stitches in the tree that I don’t normally use but it also has photos and instructions for the stitches.
I am always happy to help if you get stuck with your stitching whether it’s a pattern, a panel or a kit. I want your stitching experience to be fun rather than frustrating :)
Some final notes
I have beginner tutorials over here
I have a monthly pattern club over on patreon if you would like to stitch regularly
I hope you find these notes helpful. You can find patterns panels and kits in my Etsy shop.
Please feel free to comment if you have any questions