Meet Michelle Galletta founder and designer of Kiriki Press!  Kiriki Press is a small Canadian business offering modern embroidery kits, patterns & needlework accessories for beginner and seasoned stitchers.

Can you tell us a little about who or what started you on your embroidery journey and eventually launching Kiriki Press?

I had recently graduated with a degree in fine arts, specializing in printmaking, and was still figuring out where I fit in the art world, hopping between arts administration and studio assistant roles. I was firmly embracing the role of a burnt out, starving artist when my brother asked me to be my niece's godmother. With no money for a traditional gift, I decided to fire up my creative engine and make something by hand. While browsing a thrift store, I came across an old embroidery book and thought I’d give it a try even though I’d never embroidered a single stitch in my life. I dove in headfirst and immediately felt a connection to the craft. I was amazed by how meditative the act of stitching was, especially during such a tumultuous time in my life. It gave me a sense of grounding when everything else felt uncertain. After a week of learning new stitches, I was left with a set of three wonky owl dolls. Despite the imperfections, I was incredibly fond of them. More importantly, they re-ignited a creative fire I thought I had lost and laid the groundwork for my first kits. Once I realized I could use my printmaking skills to transfer patterns onto fabric, I saw a clear path for a creative side hustle (which quickly turned into my full-time gig).

Kiriki Press was founded in 2012 with 7 patterns. Over the past 12 years you have added to the pattern collection, launched and concluded a successful embroidery kit subscription service, added a range of wooden embroidery kits and in 2024 launched an advent calendar kit that sold out the same day! What does 2025 hold for Kiriki Press?

Last spring, I got my hands on a shiny new laser cutter, and it’s added a whole new dimension to my design process. After more than a decade of creating intricate embroidery patterns, it’s been a refreshing change to work on kits with simpler stitches that can reach a wider audience. The response to the felt kits has been fantastic, and now I’m focused on ramping up production and preparing to launch them for wholesale. At the same time, I’m eager to get back to my roots and push embroidery stitches in new and innovative directions. I have an exciting project coming up that’s going to involve lots of stitching - along with a much broader colour palette than usual (floss card assembly, here I come!). I can’t wait to share it soon.

How has the process of making by hand changed your life?

I honestly can't imagine my life without Kiriki and the creative work I get to do every day. It’s fulfilling, challenging, and incredibly rewarding… even when the business side of things feels like a grind.

Your kits come in an extensive variety of whimsical images and ideas. Where do you find inspiration for your kits?

Inspiration often strikes from the stitches themselves. My Sheep doll, for example, was inspired by an embroidered bitter melon I came across on Instagram (@konekono_kitsune), where bullion and French knots were used to create the rippled texture - I thought this technique would be perfect for fleece! I also draw on vintage and historical imagery when I'm brainstorming designs for different mediums. I might be researching art deco patterns for brass jewelry, only to stumble upon a textile from the same era that sparks ideas for embroidery instead (like the textures and colour palette for my Moth doll).



Sometimes, a single image will make me drop everything else I’m working on. This happened when I came across The Heavenly Tenants, illustrated by Ilonka Karasz in 1946. When I saw her magnificent illustration of zodiac figures crossing the night sky, I immediately wanted to create something inspired by it. I spent an entire month studying star charts from various cultures throughout the centuries to bring together the design for my Star Map and Constellation Series kits.

What has had the biggest influence on your personal embroidery style and how has it changed since launching Kiriki Press?

The process of designing kits shapes how I approach stitching. I try to offer my customers new experiences, showing them the endless possibilities of even the simplest stitch when it's used in unexpected ways. I love bringing forgotten or obscure stitches back into the spotlight - ones that aren't often seen in modern embroidery. I’m always looking for ways to keep this ancient craft feeling fresh.

Are there any specific skills you would like to explore or expand on to grow your personal making practice? Either at work or in another making realm

I’m trying to tackle three-dimensional dolls. I’ve been working on improving my sewing and pattern drafting skills, and I’m just starting to design some larger dolls. It’s still early days, but I’m really looking forward to where this takes me!

What’s the last creative pursuit you worked on (or are still working on!) and what did you like most about it? Is there anything about the project that is holding you up? How do you get over that hump?

The Advent Calendar was my last big project. I came up with the idea in early July and managed to launch the 12 kits by November. It was definitely the most ambitious project to date, and I never want to work on that kind of timeline again (I’m still recovering!). But despite the rush, designing with felt is still a new experience for me, so almost every day brought a fresh learning opportunity. I discovered new techniques, came up with ideas I hadn’t considered before, and was constantly pushing myself creatively.

As an embroidery designer what do you look for when purchasing/deciding to invest in another designer's pattern?

I opened my own little brick-and-mortar shop in Toronto last year, and it’s been a total joy to become a buyer. First and foremost, I look for original designs—those with a unique style that feel part of a cohesive brand. When choosing kits, the materials have to be top notch, and the instructions need to be clear. I’ve come across plenty of good designs that didn’t quite land because the kits or instructions weren’t well thought out. Good quality materials make stitching easier, and clear instructions keep you engaged without frustration. Without those, even the best design can fall flat.

What advice would you offer to your past self, or someone who is thinking about exploring the world of embroidery?

Don’t worry about making mistakes - just find a stitching style that works for you. The beauty of surface embroidery is that there are so many stitches to explore. If you can’t master a French Knot, don’t let it get you down. Plenty of stitches used to intimidate me, but after practicing some easier ones, I finally got the hang of them. What I love about embroidery is how accessible it is... you can stitch on just about anything, like old bedsheets or thrifted linen shirts. That said, starting with good-quality floss (like DMC or Cosmo) and proper embroidery needles really makes a difference. The cheapy stuff from the dollar store tends to tangle and is much duller, which can make the whole process less enjoyable.

Connect with Michelle and Kiriki Press on Instagram, at kirikipress.com or visit the
kiriki {little design shop} at 2007 Dundas Street West!

Explore the full range of Kiriki Press embroidery kits and accessories available at the workroom.

January 17, 2025 — Alexis Da Silva-Powell
Tags: Canadian learn