YOUR CASE BRIEFING
Start here, detective
New to stitch-alongs, or new to machine embroidery altogether? This page tells you exactly what you are signing up for, what you need, and what happens after you open your first case. No prior detective experience required.
What you need
The equipment list is short:
- An embroidery machine. Any brand. If it can stitch a 4x4 inch design, you are in.
- A 4x4 inch (10x10 cm) hoop.
- The usual suspects: stabiliser, embroidery thread, and something to stitch on.
Still hunting for a machine or supplies? That is my other hat. You will find honest advice and real support at EmbroideryMachines.co.nz.
What arrives, and when
The moment you join a case, your confirmation lands in your inbox and the case officially opens. Then, for four weeks, a new envelope arrives each week: a chapter of the story, two original embroidery designs, printable pages for your Detective's Notebook, and the occasional bonus puzzle.
Stitch the evidence as it arrives, or save it all up for a weekend of investigating. There are no deadlines on an open case, and the files are yours to keep.
What beginner friendly actually means
Every design fits the 4x4 hoop and stitches out without fancy techniques. If you can hoop up and press start, you can work a case. The trickiest thing I will ask you to do is change thread colours, and the story will give you a very good reason to.
And if you get stuck? Ask. Whatever has gone wrong in your hoop has almost certainly gone wrong in mine first, so you will get a real answer, not a hopeful one.
Ready to choose your first case?
Still have questions? The FAQ has the full interrogation.