What is TAST?
TAST or Take a Stitch Tuesday is a hand embroiderer’s challenge that started in 2007. Yes, it is that old, but I continue to run it, as literally thousands of people have enjoyed it – and this has given me immense pleasure to see so many people introduced to embroidery and who then go on to enjoy stitching.
The idea of the challenge is to work as many of the proposed stitches as you can. Each stitch is announced on Tuesday mornings – hence the name! With every announcement, there is a link to one of my stitch tutorials in my Stitch Dictionary that way, if you’re unsure of the stitch, you can find out how to do it.
TAST 2026
The next round of TAST will start the first Tuesday in January 2026 which falls on the 6th of January — save the date!
Although a new stitch appears every week, you do not have to stitch every week, so don’t worry if you’re a bit busy, or something gets in the way. With this challenge, you can do one stitch a month, one every two weeks, or one a week. It is totally up to you. This challenge is guilt-free and designed for busy people who want to build up their hand-embroidery skills. If you miss a few stitches, no one is going to reprimand you. Just join the catch-up crowd – there will be many people in the same situation and it’s a place to make friends, or simply skip a few stitches but don’t stop! Just keep stitching 🙂 We will be having four catch-up weeks throughout the year.
There are 2 Parts to TAST – you only need to stitch 1!
There are two parts to TAST:
- The first is a series of stitches that are suitable for beginners to intermediate stitchers.
- The second part, called Beyond TAST, is for intermediate stitchers and those stitchers who have worked the first part.
TAST For Beginners
If you are learning embroidery, the challenge will be to learn the stitch. The first 15 to 20 stitches in TAST are foundation stitches. Please note, I mean the first 15 stitches of the TAST stitches, NOT the Beyond TAST stitches. You need to know these basic stitches in order to master the more complex stitches. Most of the other stitches are either based directly on the foundation stitches or at least on the same hand movements you learned in the foundation stitches. Many people aim for the first 20 stitches and then dip in and out of the challenge as the mood takes them. That is fine too. If you want to learn the basics of hand embroidery, choose the first 20 stitches.
If you’re an experienced stitcher and you want to explore hand embroidery stitches a bit further, then Beyond TAST is ideal for you. See the information below about Beyond TAST.
Is there a TAST Project?
There is no particular set project for TAST. You can stitch anything you like. The idea is to experiment with stitches. The fabric you stitch on, the format you choose, or the project you make is totally up to you. Some people make a sampler, others a fabric book, some make a crazy quilt block, while others make fabric postcards. You can include the stitch on a current project too! The challenge is to work the stitch – it does not matter where.
What materials and tools do I need for TAST?
The material you choose to stitch on really depends on the project you have in mind. You do not need to go out and buy special threads or fabrics. You can stitch:
- on anything you choose,
- in any way you choose,
- using anything you choose.
The idea is to explore the stitch in as many different ways as possible. I have, however, written an article What hand embroidery supplies do I need? – which offers some guidance for anyone who is just starting out. These are suggestions only and the choice is yours.
I also have 2 chatty videos What fabric can I use for hand Embroidery? Is a video that answers the question. Many beginners do not realise that you can use all sorts of material to embroider on so I show various fabrics and point out some of the pros and cons.
Choosing Threads for Hand Embroidery mainly points out there is more than stranded cotton floss to stitch with and shows you some threads available on the market.
Tips
For those who are just starting out, one tip is to test the stitch on small scraps of fabric or keep a ‘doodle cloth’. Just test it out a bit before using it on your project.
When learning a stitch, allow yourself to experiment first. Start off with a freeform sample on a small piece of fabric. Try thick threads, thin threads, shiny threads, and dull threads. Change your scale, colour, and texture, and see how it looks. Focus on these, as you learn the stitch and then move to a more controlled and traditional sample of the stitch.
Why work this way? If you start off with a free-form sample you can learn the hand motion and rhythm of the stitch before trying to bring it into tight control. Once you have the rhythm and motion feeling right in your hand then try and work a traditional sample of smaller, controlled stitches. Many people want a perfect stitch sample instantly. But really, you are trying to master two skill areas at once. By this, I mean some people try and master both the rhythm of the stitch and the refinement of keeping it inline or inside a shape, etc – at the same time. For them, it can be an exercise in frustration! So my tip is to build your skill development one step at a time. This is also useful to remember when teaching young folks too.
If you have trouble with fabric tension, read my article on How to bind and use an embroidery hoop – as it covers not only binding a hoop, but what size to use.
Also, I have a tutorial online that covers How to start embroidery without a knot.
The Beyond TAST stitches
For people who have done TAST, or are experienced embroiderers, Beyond TAST offers a more complex stitch to explore. These will be announced each week alongside the TAST stitch.
Of course, as with regular TAST, this is a guilt-free challenge, with a loose structure so you can swing in and out of it – joining in some stitches and skipping others – if need be. It is up to you to use the Beyond TAST challenge, in whatever way suits your life and encourages your creativity. My main aim in running these challenges side-by-side is so people who are new to hand embroidery can see how rich, diverse and creative stitching can be.
How to join
Follow Pintangle and have it delivered to your inbox
You can have Pintangle delivered to your inbox — In the side bar use the Subscribe to Pintangle box or If you are on a mobile scroll to the bottom the of the page to find the Subscribe to Pintangle option. In either case type in your email address and click on the Subscribe button below. Then check your email inbox for a confirmation email and click the link to confirm your subscription. If you don’t see a confirmation email, check your spam folder — sometimes the computer puts it there.
TAST Interviews
I ran a series of interviews during 2017 to mark that the Take a Stitch Tuesday Challenge had been running for a decade. I interviewed stitchers about their hand embroidery and featured their work. It makes for an interesting read! Make a cuppa and browse the stitching stories of these wonderful women who gave up their time to answer my questions.
Interview with Maya Mathew of Million Little Stitches
Interview with Elizabeth of Sew in Love
Interview with Nell Loops of Artisanloops
Interview with Melody Lord
Interview with Barbara B of Spiel mit Textil
Interview with Christine B of Patchwork Allsorts
Interview with Gerry Krueger of Older Rose
Interview with Kimberley our Chicken Little Lady
Interview with Chitra of Jizee6687’s Weblog
Interview with Queeniepatch of Queenie’s Needlework
Interview with Maureen of CrazyQstitcher
Interview with Angela of Princess Bubbles Creates
Interview with Renee of Hand Stitched Treasure
Interview with Annet of Fat Quarter
Where to Share
The whole point of this challenge is to share what you have learnt and done. Most people join the TAST facebook group. For those doing Beyond TAST it is the same Facebook group. If you are a hashtag-type person, others use these hashtags regularly #tastembroidery, #takeastitchtuesday and #pintangletast on places like Instagram twitter etc.
If you are not a social-media type person and do not like Facebook I have the TAST flickr group. Or you can photograph your sample, share it on your blog, or wherever you hang out online, and leave a comment each week with your full web address so people can visit your page and see what you have done. In other words, put your address in the comment and include the http:// bit as then it will become a live link. Make it easy for people to visit you. Please, if possible link back here, and share news about TAST on your social networks so that people hear about the challenge.
Where are the past stitches?
If you want to find the previous stitches you can find them on the Category page here.
Just work your way back! Goodluck and Enjoy TAST.
My book for creative stitchers
If you enjoy my site you will gain real value from my book: Creative Stitches for Contemporary Embroidery: Visual Guide to 120 Essential Stitches for Stunning Designs
Feeling stale? Wondering how to add sparkle to your embroidery? I have aimed Creative Stitches for Contemporary Embroidery to be suitable for both beginners and seasoned embroiderers. It introduces techniques to encourage your creative interpretations of stitches. I guide you towards discovering play-points in your embroidery by varying the height and width; by stacking stitches; or by filling multiple rows with the same stitch. With creative variations and demonstrations of tiny tweaks, You will be ready to head off down your own creative path and, of course, illustrated with plenty of eye candy!
Pingback: Monthly Art Project – Paper, Plastic, String – and Fabric and Thread too
Difficult to try to join. Hard to understand. But looks lovely and I would love to join
Betty just join the face book group – click on the link and it will take you there. Answer the questions so I know you are not a spammer and you are in the group! It’s not difficult.
Pingback: Beyond Tast: Pattern Darning
Pingback: TAST Catch Up 5 out of 5. I Did It!
Pingback: TAST Catch Up 4 out of 5
Pingback: TAST Catch Up 3 out of 5
Pingback: TAST Catch Up 2 out of 5
Pingback: TAST Catch Up 1 out of 5
Hi! I tried twice to subscribe, but it gave me an error. I subscribed years ago but haven’t gotten an email in a long time – could that be the problem? I’m not sure what email I used back then, though. I’m so glad you’re still doing it! 🙂
Laura Sorry you are having trouble. I just sent you an email basically asking if you received a confirmation email when subscribing as you need to confirm that you want to subscribe and it could be going to your spam folder.
Looking forward to TAST in 2020
Pingback: A little bit of stitching – Site Title
Hi Sharon, if I want to work further into a Stitch than I did last time in TAST can I still add previous postings with new bits?
Or would you prefer only new work for this year? I should have asked this previously but had not struck me until the weekend.
Yes sure Lesley the challenge is very flexible – do what brings you satisfaction
I thought I’d signed up to the 2018 TAST challenge but don’t seem to be receiving the emails informing us of the stitch each week. Fortunately I have a friend who lets me know. Is it possible to check and see if I am on the list and if I’m not how do I go about signing up. Many thanks
Patricia When you sign up you get a confirmation email you need to click through and confirm that you want to receive emails from me – the software dose not allow me to simply to add you to the list. Why? that is what spammers do – they create lists of peoples emails and send uninvited emails. So the software makes sure I am not being a baddie by asking you to confirm and give permission to send an email. If you dont see a confirmation email arrive after signing up check your spam box. So that is long winded way of saying you need to sign up again – the link is in the sidebar of the site or if you are on a mobile or tablet scroll to the bottom and look for the follow options
Pingback: WIP-TAST-ic Wednesday 1 | a case of the Crafties
I have collected my threads and selected my cloth. I’m ready to go Beyond! [Cue the soundtrack.]
How do I get a Pingback of a post I write to appear in your comments? I often blog about my stitching progress
hi Diane if you link it should ping back. When I approve them they are published
Hello. So exciting! I’m interested in Stitch 1, good to know that I don’t have to finish after one week, if I don’t have time. A lot of generousity with knowledge!
Just joined and very excited. Thank you! Looking forward to this fun year ahead of me.
Happy new year. Thank you for the first stitch. As I am experienced I would also like to do Beyond TAST as well. How do I sign up for that one please.
Jan No need to sign up just join in.Its the same Facebook group too
Pingback: Biting off more than I can chew? – Paper, Plastic, String – and Fabric and Thread too
I live in York, England and I love the generosity of the needlework community. Thank you Sharon for sharing your time, skills and expertise to those of us who are so excited about starting this journey. My best wishes to all xx
Pingback: Small finishes | a case of the Crafties
I would like to join. Not sure how much I will get done but will give it a try!
Hi Marylyn – as long as you subscribed to Pintangle – ie followed the directions in the article above you will be subscribed – have fun
Hi Sharon …
Stumbled across Pintangle today and WOW! Love what I see! I’ve signed up for posts to be delivered to my email.
Want to be part of TAST, too! Excited!
Margaret
Hi Sharon, I’m hoping this is where I sign up for TAST 2018. I’m looking forward to it.
Thanks’
Hi please add me to mailing list of weekly stitches in 2018, thank you.
I want to take part and please send me a notification every week.
Oh my dear friend Sharon, how much time has passed! This is a great idea for me too! A new project! I love what you did and do! I just put my mail in your newsletter. Hugs and love!
Pingback: 1 Year’s Stitches | CrazyQstitcher
Hi Sharon! I am so excited to finally join TAST for 2018. I have a quick question – I already follow you through feedly (a newsfeed app), so is it still necessary to join the email subscription?
I also wanted to say I LOVE your new book. I have been collecting supplies to make my first crazy quilt project, and never had the confidence to stitch it. The book is amazing – so clear, so clever, so fabulous. I tell everyone I meet who sews about it! 😀 Thanks for having this blog and doing all you do:D
CaLynn I am so pleased you like the book. No need to sub to the email subscription if you use feedly ( I use it too ) Thanks for such a lovely comment and enjoy TAST
I just found you and am excited to jump into your challenges for the new year. I’ve been pondering what direction to go in the new year and the TAST and 2020 project looks perfect.
I will go visit the Facebook groups too. My mind is now spinning with ideas.
Thank you!
Have fun exploring those ideas pleased you are joining the challenge
Hi Sharon,
Do I have to sign up for next year’s Beyond TAST or will it be with the other TAST information. I am not sure how much time I will have at the beginning of the year but want to try. Still not finished my 365 Quilt from 2016 and finding it a challenge to complete.
Thanks for a marvellous year of stitching and plenty of challenges along the way.
Hi Lesley If you have subscribed to Pintangle you are good to go
I just stumbled onto TAST. I have embroidered for many years and I look forward to learning new stitches in the coming year. Thank you!
Sharon, I️ think I️ signed up for TAST. Can you verify?
HI Paula there is no sign up – just join in
I did this TAST either last year or the year before and really enjoyed doing them. I think I woud like to join in again this year. I put allthose stitches in a cloth book adding pages as each was filled up. I think I would like to try a different route this time. I may already be on you mailing list.
If you received this article in you email – then you are on the mailing list
Pingback: Rainbow Stitch Embroidered Sampler | Mostly Knitting Blog
Pingback: TAST Catchup Part 2 and More! | Mostly Knitting Blog
Pingback: TAST Catchup Post – Part 1 | Mostly Knitting Blog
Pingback: A Year of stitches – 3rd Hoop | CrazyQstitcher
Pingback: Revisiting Pekinese Stitch for TAST | Mostly Knitting Blog
Pingback: Algerian Eye Stitch Embroidery Sampler for TAST | Mostly Knitting Blog
Pingback: Revisiting Shell Chain for the TAST Embroidery Challenge | Mostly Knitting Blog
Pingback: Basque Stitch Embroidery Sampler for TAST | Mostly Knitting Blog