My Journey Through Embroidery: From Simple Stitches to a Sacred Masterpiece
- Cathy Scott
- 5 days ago
- 6 min read
Updated: 17 minutes ago
Embroidery entered my life as a quiet, calming hobby, something that I could do with my hands that offered peace, focus, and a rewarding sense of creation. I started embroidering several years ago, not because I was already an artist or had any special training, but simply because I was curious about the craft. I loved the delicate look of embroidered work and admired the beauty that could be achieved through careful stitching. There was something genuinely satisfying about the thought of turning a plain piece of fabric into a work of art, stitch by stitch. Little did I know that what began as a modest hobby would turn into a passion that would grow with each passing year.
My very first embroidery project was ambitious, at least by beginner standards. I purchased a kit that included ten tablecloths, each pre-printed with floral patterns that guided me where to place the stitches. The kit came with thread, needles, and instructions, everything a novice would need to get started. I was nervous but excitedly determined to see it through. I remember sitting at the table, day after day, slowly threading the needle and practicing each stitch. Some of them didn’t turn out perfectly at first. I had to redo several sections until I got the hang of it. But as I progressed, my confidence grew, and my hands moved more fluidly.
When I finally completed those ten tablecloths, I was overjoyed. The results exceeded my expectations. Each one turned out beautifully, vibrant with color and rich with texture. I was proud of my accomplishment and delighted by how simple it was. A kit of stamped fabric and thread had been transformed into something both practical and beautiful. I kept most of them for myself, but I also gave a few away to family members who appreciated the time and love that went into every stitch.
After finishing the tablecloths, I felt encouraged to try more projects. I began working on embroidered pillowcases, using floral and geometric designs that ranged from simple outlines to more complicated patterns. Embroidering pillowcases quickly became one of my favorite activities. I loved the idea of gifting something handmade and cozy, and something that could be used daily and yet was also decorative. I gave many of them away as gifts to my family for Christmas. These handcrafted pillowcases were received with joy, and I cherished the way their faces would light up when they opened a package and found something I had made just for them.
Encouraged by their reactions, I continued to branch out. Over time, I created a wide variety of items. Among my most cherished creations were baby blankets, which I made for my brother and his wife’s babies when they were expecting a new arrival. There is something especially heartwarming about making something for a new baby. Each stitch felt like a small blessing, a quiet prayer for health, happiness, and a beautiful life ahead. I chose soft, pastel colors for the threads, often including simple, sweet motifs like ducks, stars, hearts, or animals.
Then, one year as the holidays approached, I decided to try something a little more joyful and made a Christmas tree skirt. I had seen some in stores, but I wanted mine to be special, personal, meaningful, and unique. I spent several weeks stitching snowflakes, holly leaves, and jolly Santa Claus figures around the edges. The end result was a joyful piece. Placing it around the base of the tree brings a special handmade touch to our holiday decorations.
Alongside the larger projects, I also began to make small embroidered pictures. These allowed me to experiment with different techniques and styles without the time commitment of larger pieces. I framed many of these and hung them in different rooms of my home. Through all these projects, my talent evolved. I became more confident in choosing color schemes, refining my stitches, and working with a broader range of fabrics and thread types. What had started as simple craft kits gradually became uniquely designed and skillfully executed artwork. With each new piece, my embroidery not only improved in technical quality but also began to reflect more of my personality and style.
Of all the pieces I have ever made, one stands out above all others: a detailed and significant embroidered depiction of Jesus in Gethsemane. This religious masterpiece is unlike any of my previous projects, not only in complexity and size but in spiritual significance as well. It is the only embroidered artwork I have made to date that holds a very special place in my heart. The picture shows Jesus kneeling alone upon a rocky outcrop. His hands are clasped in fervent prayer, and His face reflects deep anguish and sorrow. Nearby, an ancient olive tree. After making it, I gave it to a very good friend for his birthday. My friend cherishes this masterpiece and told me how beautiful and professional it looks. He showed it to others, and they had to feel it to believe it was embroidered and not painted.
After that, I focused on embroidered canvas pieces. I bought kits to make: The Last Supper, Jesus with a child, Jesus as our Shepherd, but the largest one I have ever made is The Birth of Jesus. I plan on selling them.
The first one, which I have framed and is ready to sell, is the Last Supper. This representation of The Last Supper, inspired by Leonardo da Vinci’s iconic painting, shows Jesus Christ seated at a long table with His twelve apostles, captured in the solemn yet powerful moment when He reveals that one of them will betray Him. Each figure is stitched with care, and their garments reflect the traditional clothing of their time. The room behind them, though stylized, helps set the atmosphere, simple and reverent, with elements that emphasize the sacred nature of the scene.
The embroidered picture is professionally framed in mahogany wood, adding rich, timeless elegance to the piece. The wood is a deep, warm brown with a beautiful gold trim that perfectly complements the vibrant colors used in the embroidery. The final frame measures 24⅛ inches in length by 15½ inches in height, offering a substantial presence on any wall. It’s more than a craft project. It’s a piece of art.
Without the frame, the picture itself measures 20 inches long and 11½ inches high. It is created entirely with cross-stitch, and every stitch lies flat and even, carefully placed on high-quality, 100% cotton fabric. The threads are also made of 100% durable cotton, ensuring that the colors remain bright and that the piece will last for many years without fading. There are over 47,000 individual cross stitches in the piece, each one made by hand, with patience and care.
What makes this work even more remarkable is the color palette: I used 28 vibrant colors to bring the scene to life. Each apostle’s robes are uniquely colored, and subtle shading adds depth to their faces, hands, and garments. The figures' positioning, facial expressions, and gentle folds in their clothing all contribute to the scene's emotional resonance. There is a manifest sense of drama and reverence, made all the more powerful because it was rendered entirely in thread.
One of the most challenging aspects of this piece was ensuring that each figure stood out clearly while still maintaining the unity of the entire scene. This required careful planning and color coordination. I often worked for hours at a time, lost in concentration, double-checking every thread color and stitch direction. At times, it felt like a puzzle that needed to be solved, but with every completed section, I saw the story unfolding beneath my fingers.
I worked consistently day after day for many months to complete this project. There were moments of frustration, of course, tangled threads, misplaced stitches, and sore fingers. But those challenges only deepened my sense of accomplishment when it was finally done. Seeing the completed piece, beautifully framed and hanging on the wall, brought tears to my eyes. It was not just the beauty of the image, but the sense that I had contributed, in my own way, to the long tradition of honoring sacred stories through art.
I often have visitors remark on its beauty and detail. Many assume it is a print until they look
closer and see the tiny stitches. Their appreciation grows when I tell them that it’s embroidered by hand. Some have even asked if I would consider selling it, but I have always declined. It’s not just a decoration; it’s a part of my story and a symbol of my growth, dedication, and faith.
Looking back on my embroidery journey, I feel an overwhelming sense of gratitude. What started as a simple craft has become a treasured part of my life. It has allowed me to express love to my family through handmade gifts, to decorate my home with pieces that carry meaning and memory, and to challenge myself creatively in ways I never expected. And while I’ve completed many projects that I’m proud of, Jesus in Gethsemane, The Last Supper, and the other canvas pictures will always remain a profoundly personal and irreplaceable part of that journey. I will always cherish the religious masterpieces I have made for the rest of my life.