Learn embroidery and add personal touches to your décor

Learn a new craft this year to add personal touches to your textiles.

Among your other new year’s resolutions, make it a goal to learn a new craft technique—

and embroidery is the perfect place to start. You can use it to add timeless cottage details throughout your house with monogrammed napkins and towels, borders on your curtains and tablecloths, and decorative throw pillows and blankets. In her new book, Embroider Your Life: Simple Techniques & 150 Stylish Motifs to Embellish Your World, Nathalie Mornu outlines simple stitches and a variety of ideas for projects and patterns. Here are a few to get you started.

Stem Stitch This is a great stitch for outlines, words and letters, especially as it makes elegant curves. For straight lines, keep the stitch lengths even, but for curves, shorten the stitches so the curve is smooth. To Do: Bring your needle up...

Satin Stitch To Use: This stitch is simple and works well to fill in large areas. For patterns, draw the shape with a water-soluble marker, and fill it in with the satin stitch. Or use a basic running stitch to outline the pattern; then cover the...