Felt Kit Skill Levels: Swan, Blackbird, Cat and Three Vases
By Mary Engelbreit, Licensed Art Studio, St Louis, Missouri | Published: 2026-11-03
Category: Buying Guides
Compare four Mary Engelbreit felt kits by design complexity and included materials. Find the right first project or your next challenge.
Quick answer
If you are new to felt embroidery, start with the Spring Swan Felt Kit or the Cute Cat Felt Kit. The Blackbird Cherry Branch Felt Kit and Three Vases Felt Kit suit stitchers who want a slightly more detailed nature scene.
Why design complexity matters more than stitch count
All four kits share the same core format: two vellum pattern sheets, a full-color instructional diagram, felt, and thread. What changes is the design itself. The Spring Swan and Cute Cat kits use simpler shapes and fewer layered elements, so a beginner can focus on basic stitches without juggling many pieces. The Blackbird Cherry Branch and Three Vases kits add branches, blossoms, or multiple vase shapes that require more careful placement and layering.
The trade-off between speed and detail
Simpler kits finish faster, which helps you build confidence and see results quickly. More detailed kits take longer but give you a richer finished piece that stands out on a wall or as a gift. If you want a quick weekend project, choose Swan or Cat. If you enjoy a slower, more absorbing stitch session, Blackbird or Three Vases will keep you engaged.
What the kits do not tell you
The catalog does not specify exact finished sizes, stitch types, or time estimates. That means you should treat the designs as a guide, not a strict difficulty rating. Your own pace and comfort with embroidery will matter more than any label. When in doubt, pick the design you like best—enjoyment is the best motivator for finishing.
Trade-offs at a glance
- Spring Swan Felt Kit: Simplest design with the fewest layered pieces. Best for a first-time stitcher who wants a quick, satisfying finish. Choose this if you need a confidence boost before tackling more complex scenes.
- Cute Cat Felt Kit: Simple cat shapes that work well for ornaments or appliqué. Slightly more playful than the Swan but still beginner-friendly. Pick this if you prefer animals over nature scenes and want a versatile finished piece.
- Blackbird Cherry Branch Felt Kit: Adds branches and a bird, requiring more careful placement. Suits stitchers with some experience who enjoy nature motifs. Expect to spend more time on layout and layering than with the Swan or Cat.
- Three Vases Felt Kit: Multiple vases mean more separate elements to cut and arrange. The most detailed of the four, ideal for a patient stitcher. Choose this if you want a longer project with a rich, layered result.
Product facts
- Three Vases Felt Kit: Includes two vellum pattern sheets, a full-color instructional diagram, felt, and thread. You get all the materials needed to start stitching right away, with clear visual guidance for the multi-vase design.
Three Vases Felt Kit - Spring Swan Felt Kit: Includes two vellum pattern sheets, a full-color instructional diagram, felt, and thread. The swan’s simple shapes make it a good first project, and the included materials remove guesswork.
Spring Swan Felt Kit - Cute Cat Felt Kit: Patterns are taken directly from Mary’s personal projects. You are stitching an authentic Mary Engelbreit design, which adds charm and collectibility to the finished cats.
- Blackbird Cherry Branch Felt Kit: Includes two vellum pattern sheets, a full-color instructional diagram, felt, and thread. The cherry branch and blackbird require more layering, so the clear diagram helps you place each element accurately.
Which kit fits you?
Best for
- Beginners who want a quick, low-pressure first felt project
- Crafters making handmade ornaments or small gifts
- Anyone who prefers animal or nature designs with clear instructions
Not for
- Stitchers looking for advanced techniques or large-scale projects
- Crafters who want a kit with pre-printed fabric or no cutting required
- Anyone who needs a specific finished size before buying
