If this idea intrigues you at all, don’t be shy about giving it a try. Stitching the small squares makes a perfect travel project, easy to pick up and put down whenever you have a few quiet moments. It may take time, but there’s no need to rush — the real joy is in the process. Let's jump right in!

• Fabric: I prefer the most traditional route — a high-quality 100% cotton muslin in ivory. To determine how much fabric you’ll need, start by choosing the finished size of your project, then decide on the square size you’d like to use. I prefer a 9½" square; with a ¼" seam allowance on all sides, this yields a 9" finished square. Once you’ve settled on both your overall size and square dimensions, a little simple math will tell you how many squares are required — and, in turn, how much fabric to purchase. Your local fabric shop staff can easily help you calculate yardage if needed.
• Backing fabric: in the same or similar high quality muslin.
• Embroidery Hoop
• Thread: High quality sewing machine thread such as Gutterman, in ivory and dark red. Also, quilting thread in ivory and quilting needles if you are going to hand quilt.
• Floss: Twelve skeins (more or less, depending on size of your project) of DMC 6 strand floss in Turkey Red. I used color #304.
• Needles: One package #8 embroidery needles and quilting needles if you will be hand quilting. My favorite is made by John James.
• Penny Squares: You can find suitable designs from coloring books and children's books and also from Penny Square books that have been reprinted and are still available.  For these I'd ask my local quilting shop first, but they are sold on Amazon, and you can also check out eBay. You can aso find free patterns on the internet. To get you started you can print out these darling FREE full size patterns! When printing, size up or down to suit your square. Finding the patterns is the fun part! 
• Light Box: This is so helpful but not necessary. I borrow this one from my grandson.
• Transfer pen: Use a water soluble pen made for fabric.
• Quilting Stencil: If you are going to hand quilt, purchase a stencil to fit your square. You can find a good selection here.
• Wright's Bias Tape Extra Wide Double Fold (no subs) in color Ivory or Ancho.
• Thin quilt batting in the correct size if you will be making a bed quilt. This can be purchased after all the embroidery and piecing is done.

• Machine wash and dry your fabric, then cut into perfect squares. I prefer a 9.5" square--with 1/4" seam all around to make a 9" finished square.
• Transfer the embroidery pattern onto your fabric squares using the water soluble pen. A light box helps with this but is not necessary. See Photo 1 above.
• Using a hoop and 2 strands of the 6 stand floss, (see photos 2 and 3 above) embroider your square using the following stitches: 

1. Basic Stem Stitch--use for outlining 95% of the time.
2. Lazy Daisy Stitch--use for leaves and flowers
3. French Knot--use for flowers and tiny details
4. Chain Stitch--use when you want a more pronounced line than the stem stitch.

Photo 4. Arrange them in a pleasing way.

Photo 5. Machine stitch squares into rows and press seams open.

Photo 6. Align seams when stitching, pressing seams open.

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