Tips & Inspiration

Red double-deckers, the clock on the Thames, a quiet mews lane with flower boxes – London has a vibe that is excellent for embroidery. And almost always at the heart of this image is the same landmark: Big Ben. In this article, you'll learn how to embroider London, what kits are available, and for whom it makes a lovely gift.

Table of Contents

• Why embroider London?
• Which London kit suits you?
• Large cityscape or mini motif?
• Sizes and material
• London as a gift
• Frequently asked questions

Why embroider London?

London is a rewarding motif because it has so many recognizable elements: the Gothic towers of Westminster, the clock face of Big Ben, the red of a double-decker bus or a telephone booth. These contrasts — grey stone, red accents, a blue sky — immediately give an embroidery piece character.

For many, London is also a city with history: a city trip, a year of study, a time when they lived there. More city motifs in Embroidery Travel — Wanderlust Motifs.

Which London kit suits you?

We have two London motifs, each with its own atmosphere:

• Big Ben & Westminster — the iconic clock tower and the Houses of Parliament on the Thames, with a red double-decker bus. The classic London postcard image.
• London Mews at Big Ben — an atmospheric side street with elegant cream-colored terraced houses and Big Ben at the end of the street. More intimate and homely.

Both belong to Monuments & World Places and Cities & Streets.

Large cityscape or mini motif?

• The large kit is a full-fledged cityscape with lots of detail and a focal point format. Expect several evenings to weeks — see How long does cross-stitching take?
• The mini version is part of the World Cities Mini Bundle: Big Ben as a small motif, alongside the Eiffel Tower, Colosseum, and Statue of Liberty. Quick to finish and can be hung directly in the mini embroidery hoop. See our Mini Cross Stitch Guide.

Sizes and Material

The large London kits are available in several sizes, from 20×30 cm (from €29.95) to 50×70 cm. They are pre-printed canvases: the motif is already on the fabric, so no counting is necessary. More in Pre-printed Cross Stitch (No-Count). Thread, needle, and instructions are included.

London as a Gift

An embroidered London is suitable for:

• Lovers of British culture — from the Royals to English tea.
• Someone who has lived or studied there — a tangible souvenir.
• Travelers — as a souvenir of a city trip. See also Embroidery Travel and the collection Travel & Adventure.

Get started with London

👉 The classic image: Big Ben & Westminster.
👉 Small and quick: the World Cities Mini Bundle.
👉 More cities: check out Cities & Streets.

Frequently Asked Questions

What London embroidery kits are available?

Two motifs: Big Ben & Westminster on the Thames with a red double-decker bus, and an atmospheric London Mews lane with Big Ben at the end. Big Ben is also a small motif in the World Cities Mini Bundle.

Is Big Ben suitable for beginners to embroider?

The small Big Ben motif from the Mini Bundle is very suitable for beginners. The large cityscapes have more details but are pre-printed, so you simply follow the colors on the fabric.

In what sizes can London be embroidered?

The large London kits are available in several sizes, from 20×30 cm to 50×70 cm. The mini version is small and fits into a mini embroidery hoop.

Is an embroidered Big Ben a good gift?

Yes, especially for lovers of London, British culture, or someone who has lived, studied, or vacationed there.

Can I also have my own London photo embroidered?

Yes. You can have your own London photo turned into an embroidery kit — using our Custom Photo option.