One of my favourite parts of running this business is working on custom orders. They’re often the most meaningful pieces I make — created for a specific person, moment, or memory, and stitched completely by hand from start to finish.
As we step into a new year, I wanted to look back at a few of my favourite custom embroidery orders from the past year. Each one is totally unique, and together they show just how versatile embroidery is — from clothing and accessories to keepsake decor.
A hummingbird top to complete an outfit
One of my favourite fashion-based custom orders was a hand embroidered hummingbird stitched onto a top to perfectly match a maxi skirt the customer already owned.
The aim was to create a complete outfit rather than a standalone piece — something that felt intentional, cohesive, and effortless to wear. The colours were carefully chosen to match the skirt exactly, proving how custom embroidery can help you get more wear out of your existing wardrobe while creating something completely unique.
Baby muslin cloths: thoughtful, gender-neutral gifts
Another standout order was a set of three hand embroidered baby muslin cloths. The first set I created as a baby shower gift, with the gender kept as a surprise. I embroidered a bunny, a goose, and a bees and leaves design onto soft yellow muslins to keep everything neutral and timeless.
Later in the year, I was commissioned to create another set — this time on blue muslin cloths for a baby boy, including the baby’s name embroidered onto one of the cloths. These pieces were simple, practical, and sentimental, making them perfect keepsake gifts.
Wedding flowers, stitched forever
One of the most meaningful decor hoops I created this year was a heart-shaped embroidered hoop inspired by a wedding bouquet. Using photos of the real flowers, I recreated them in thread and stitched “Mr & Mrs Lee” along with their wedding date.
Custom wedding embroidery like this turns a fleeting moment into something permanent — a piece that can be displayed in the home and treasured for years to come!
Custom gloves for everyday life (and lost property!)
Not all custom orders need to be formal or sentimental. Some are simply clever solutions to everyday problems. A returning customer asked me to embroider initials onto two pairs of children’s gloves so they wouldn’t get mixed up or lost at school.
One pair was green with “HMG” stitched onto each cuff, and the other navy with “DWG”. Because these were for children, we chose a more affordable acrylic glove option, proving that custom embroidery can be practical, accessible, and personal without being precious.
A beaded grasshopper using 3D embroidery
This grasshopper embroidery was one of my most technically interesting custom orders of the year. Created as a decor hoop, it features beading and 3D embroidery techniques to add texture, depth, and realism.
Pieces like this allow me to really push my creative skills and experiment with different materials — and they show how embroidery can be both illustrative and sculptural.
A Christmas gift stitched with love
One of the most heartwarming clothing orders I worked on was a blue sweatshirt embroidered with a woman feeding her two cats. This was commissioned as a Christmas gift, based on her daily life and two cats.
Personalised clothing like this is incredibly special. It tells a story, holds emotional value, and becomes something far more meaningful than a mass-produced item.
Why I love custom embroidery so much
Custom orders are at the heart of what I do. Whether it’s clothing, accessories, or decor, every custom piece is:
- Designed specifically for one person
- Hand embroidered from start to finish
- Completely one of a kind
- Made with care, intention, and attention to detail.
If you have an idea — even if it’s vague — I love working with customers to bring it to life!
Thinking about a custom piece?
Custom embroidery is always available through custom orders and requests. From personalised clothing and accessories to embroidered decor hoops and keepsake gifts, I’m always happy to discuss ideas and possibilities!
As this new year begins, I can’t wait to see what stories, outfits, and memories I’ll be stitching next.
