Sometimes when I’m sampling a stitch, it can become a way of checking that I’ve got the technique right. Very important for a left-handed person. I often find that stitches can sometimes not look the same as the book, because I’ve twisted the thread the wrong way or something.

I’m often asked this question when I mention to friends or anyone who’s interested that I’m doing the Royal School of Needlework’s Certificate in Technical Hand Embroidery. And to be honest I’m not really sure that there is an easy answer, as there are so many reasons.