Why I Choose Sustainable, High-Quality Materials for My Embroidery Kits

When I started designing embroidery kits under Tired Starling Studio, I knew I didn’t want to make just another craft product. I wanted to create something thoughtful. Something high quality, beautiful, and as low-impact as possible.

Owning a product-based business doesn’t always sit comfortably with me. As someone who tries to live simply and only buy what I need, the idea of adding more ‘stuff’ to the world isn’t one I take lightly. But I also believe that craft can be powerful. It can connect us to ourselves, slow us down, and even help us take better care of the planet.

Here’s how I try to honour those values in every embroidery kit I create:

Zero plastic (almost) Wherever possible, I’ve chosen not to include plastic in my kits. The only exception is the biodegradable cello bags used for my stick and stitch sets. If you know of a better alternative, I’m always open to suggestions. I want my products to bring joy, not more waste.

100% organic cotton fabric Cotton might seem like a sustainable option because it’s natural, but conventional cotton is water-intensive and heavily reliant on pesticides. I use 100% organic cotton instead. It’s grown without harmful chemicals, uses less water, and has a lower environmental footprint overall.

Beechwood embroidery hoops from Elbesee All my embroidery kits include high-quality hoops made in the UK by Elbesee. These beechwood hoops are sturdy, reusable, and have brass screws that give a secure hold. Compared to plastic or bamboo hoops, they’re longer-lasting and more sustainable.

DMC embroidery thread DMC thread is smooth, colourfast, and doesn’t fray as easily as cheaper alternatives. I want my kits to feel genuinely enjoyable to use, and good-quality thread makes a big difference when you’re stitching.

Recyclable gift boxes and paper packaging The packaging is part of the experience, and I design it to feel special, but never wasteful. My gift boxes are fully recyclable, and I only use paper-based wrapping and inserts.

Mindful product choices Every time I create a new product, I think about what it’s actually bringing into the world. My embroidery kits can be used to upcycle clothes, personalise second-hand finds, or repair what you already own. They’re tools for creativity, not just things to buy.

And maybe most importantly, they give people a reason to slow down. In a fast-paced world that constantly pushes us to consume, embroidery is a quiet rebellion. It’s not about chasing trends. It’s about being present, working with your hands, and finding joy in small, intentional moments.

Want to browse my sustainable embroidery kits? You can find them here.