Basic Embroidery Stitches
Hand embroidery begins with a few basic stitches. Once these stitches are mastered, it's very easy to move into other specific embroidery techniques. Here, you can see diagrams of different stitches, with an explanation of how to execute them. The stitches are categorized by "stitch families" - for example, outline stitches, chain stitches, detached stitches, knots, filling stitches, etc. Each "family" has its own page. For more complex forms of stitchery, I suggest purchasing a good book, but for the basics, you can pick them up pretty easily here.
If you would like to see video tutorials of these stitches and more, please visit the Video Library of Stitches.
- Line Stitches: Running stitch, whipped running stitch, backstitch, outline stitch, stem stitch, and couching.
- More Line Stitches: Coral Stitch, Scroll Stitch, Portuguese Knotted Stem Stitch
- Chain Stitches
- Detached Stitches & Knots
- Buttonhole Stitch & Its Various Uses
- Filling Stitches - Part I: fishbone and flat stitch
- Filling Stitches - Part II: Satin Stitch
If you would like to see video tutorials of these stitches and more, please visit the Video Library of Stitches.
Posted By: Mary Corbet on Friday, June 23, 2006
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12 Comments:
Dear Mary
thank you so much for your clarity and encouragement in stitching instructions. I am a total beginner, at 44 years old, to embroidery and find it a bit overwhelming - however, your wonderfully illustrated and written instructions inspire me! Vicki Earthrowl
Thanks, Vicki! Don't be overwhelmed! Do it for fun and relaxation, and you'll find that, after a while, you can tackle any of this stuff! Keep going!
Dear Mary,
thanks so much for the cleardescriptions and everything. I am a beginner at 38 years old I will definetly be back so expect to see a lot more of me. Your descriptions were wonderfully described and written descriptions were very clear,
from a loyal embroiderer,
mary(my name to)
Dear Mary,
I am so glad to have found this site! I now have it in my favorites. Thank you so much for the stitch instructions. My question is about the type of thread you used in the satin stitch video. "Cotton Abroder"? I am having trouble finding it, where should I look? I really liked the sheen. My work is usually done with paint...I'm getting into learning to "paint" with thread...your video tutorials are a huge help!Thanks,
Candace Wagner
Hi, Candace - I get my coton a broder through Lacis in California. They have an excellent online catalog, which you can find here:
http://lacis.com/catalog/
If you look under Materials, then Cords & Threads, then Needlework, DMC, etc., you'll find a selection of coton a broder. Look for the one labeled "cutwork thread #25", which comes in 17 colors. That's what I'm using. You can also order #16 in colors, as well as smaller sizes (up to #40) in white.
Hope that helps!
Hi,
This is a very good site for learning the stitches. But I still have some doubts on the thickness of threads to use for each type. Also it would be great if you can show some color combinations for the options that you have suggested
Princy
Hi,
I just found your site and love the videos. I recently fell in love (again) with hand embroidery. The videos have been very helpful as a refresher.
Golden Girl
plz include stamen stitch(hand embroidery) also
Hi, Mec -
This is also called "pistol stitch," I think. It's simply an elongated French knot. You'll find a French knot video tutorial in the video library. All you do is put your needle back into your fabric a bit farther away than you would for a French knot, to give the French knot a tail.
I recorded the pistol stitch a couple weeks ago, so I'll be editing it soon and it'll be available as a video in the next couple weeks.
Thanks,
MC
Hi Mary Corbet
thank u for the information.
mec
I have a hard time keeping the back of my designs neat and smooth...any tips? Also - Do you knot the end of your thread in order to hold the start of the stitch? How about at the end? If so can you recommend a knot that is smooth so the back of my designs are just as pretty as the front?
Hi -
I use a waste knot to start, and I either stitch towards the knot, or I clip the knot when I'm finished with that thread, thread my needle, and run the beginning thread through the back of my stitches.
For ending, I run the thread through the back of my stitches, weaving it, or wrapping it, depending on the types of stitches I've used.
You can see how to end threads on this video tutorial for running stitch:
Running Stitch and Finishing Threads
Hope that helps!
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