Inspiring
new ways of
embroidering
Discover how to create a unique voice for your embroideries with the stitches you already know.
—I’m Karen Barbé
I’m a designer, embroiderer, and author from Chile based in Chicago, US.
Since 2007 I’ve been inspiring and teaching thousands of makers through my blog and social media, in-person and online classes and with my book Colour Confident Stitching — How to create beautiful colour palettes.
BOOK + ONLINE COURSE
Color palettes
made easy
Some people seem to be born with an eye for color but for many, choosing colors is a struggle. Creating beautiful color palettes is a skill that you can learn.
BLOG
Crafts stories
It all started here. It was 2007 and I had left my job as a designer. I wasn’t sure how to move into the crafts world. So I started a blog and let things flow.
-
![]()
How to create custom cross-stitch patterns
Have you ever wanted to transform your own designs into custom cross-stitch patterns? Let me show you how I translate my designs into cross-stitch.
-
![Patches woven with a round piece of cardboard]()
Creative mending: Patches
Mend, mend, mend! Learn how to repair holes, protect elbow areas, or just add a touch of cuteness to your favorite sweater with these patches that are woven in a cardboard loom.
-
![]()
How to organize embroidery thread
How do you store and organize your floss? Here I share the system I use to keep all the skeins well-organized in my studio.
-
![]()
The hours behind a photo
When someone stole one of my photos to promote their own embroidery workshop, I was enraged but I decided to take the opportunity and educate about the real work behind any photo.
-
![]()
5 lessons I learned at RSN
Two months of full-time training in hand embroidery at the Royal School of Needlework distilled in these five essential lessons about embroidery… and life.
