These throwback crafts are giving Grandma... in the best way

Just call it a stitch in time (get it?).

- BY ANNIE LORENZANA

A needle and a little bright thread can instantly spruce up a basic white tee, plain pair of jeans or canvas tote bag.

With embroidery, you can add dainty details like flowers, initials or even your favorite quote onto the pockets, collars, sleeves and sides of your favorite pieces.

Start by snagging a DIY embroidery kit (we heart the Clever Poppy Stitch Sampler Kit, $40, cleverpoppy.com) to learn some basic stitches (it's easier than it seems, promise!). When creating your first project, stick to a stiff, medium- or heavyweight fabric like cotton, denim or linen. While you can embroider on stretchy fabrics, it may cause puckering.

Draw your design on a dissolvable stabilizer sheet first, then affix it to your clothing before you arrange it in your hoop. Once you're finished stitching, you can simply rinse the paper off with water to reveal your pretty handiwork.

SUPPLY LIST: 1. Loops & Threads Vintage Embroidery Floss, $8, michaels.com 2. Sulky Stick’n Stitch Printable Stabilizer Sheets, $16, walmart.com 3. No. 1 Embroidery Hoop, $24, modernhoopla.co 4. DMC Gold Embroidery Needles, $5, michaels.com 5. Flower Thread Scissors, $12, wild-hand.com

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