Green and Orange Embroidered Off-White Cotton Silk Shawl

September signals back-to-school and with it, that crucial first-day outfit. A button-front shirt embroidered with a handwritten message is especially fitting for kids with budding penmanship skills.

Treat your tree to one of these handmade delights: spun cotton balls are wrapped in striped crepe paper and glittered to perfection.

Turn your handwriting into a holiday heirloom. One can be made for every member of the family.

You'll be surprised at how quickly a few simple stitches — back stitch, French knot, split stitch, and straight stitch — can create a beautiful, wearable garden.

Write an older student's name in fabric marker, then let her embroider it with a simple backstitch and jazz it up with pom-poms.

You don't need magic beans to cultivate this ethereal pumpkin. The delicate tendrils encircling it are actually fabric appliqués from a crafts store.

Forgot to bring handcrafted throw pillows back from Tangiers? No need to spend the price of a plane ticket on a designer version. Instead, buy a few affordable wide-weave cushions and commission your favorite artisan — here's looking at you, kid — to trick them out, simply by working yarn right into the weave with a tapestry needle. 

Embroidery allows you to embellish almost any accessory, including a pair of your favorite flats! See how a few hand-embroidered rose patches can put a little spring in your step.

The loop of fabric on the back of a necktie is just the spot for a secret message he can keep close to his heart. 

This idea comes from our Digital Editor Alexandra Churchill. Fluffy and lightweight, these heavenly tufts are shatterproof and can be customized to any color of your imagination.