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Long & Short Stitch Shading, Lesson 2: Inside the Box

Continuing with the series of long and short stitch shading lessons, here's Lesson 2: Inside the Box. In this lesson, we'll be stitching element one on the sampler, the two boxes in the top left corner.

If you're just joining us for the long and short stitch shading lessons, be sure to check out the previous posts in this series: Supplies and Lesson One: Setting up.

At the end of this post, you'll see a series of three videos on the basic long and short stitch. (I couldn't quite cram it all into one 10-minute video!)

Materials:

1. Project in hoop or frame, with Element One: Boxes centered in hoop (top left corner of the whole sampler)

2. #9 or #10 crewel (embroidery) needles (I use a #10)

3. Small, sharp embroidery scissors

4. DMC stranded cotton in the following colors: 814, 347, 349, 351, 353, 3855, 745, Ecru

NOTE: There is a difference between the step-by-step photos and the video tutorial for this lesson. In the step-by-step photos, I began the top of the box with bright red (349). In the video tutorial, I began the top row in dark red, (347) and worked six rows of color. The directions, however, are written with the bright red (349) as the first color, with five rows working to the lightest yellow (745). You can work the box either way, with five or six rows. If you work five rows, start with bright red (349). If you work six, start with dark red (347).

All stitching is worked with one strand of floss.

To Begin

1. Begin with the smallest box.

2. Anchor your thread according to your favorite method, or use the method demonstrated in the video tutorial, part 1.

3. Work a split stitch line across the top of the small box in bright red (349).

Draw vertical lines, from the center to each side of the box, to mark your stitch direction. Use a regular pencil for this. The vertical lines will help keep your stitches straight up and down. (This is demonstrated in the video, part 1).

First Row

1. Bring your needle up through the fabric, about 3/8" below the split stitch line, in the top center of the box. Take your first stitch over the split stitch line and back into the fabric. Now, working down the row to the right, space about six directional stitches more or less the same length all the way to the right edge of the box. This is illustrated in the video, part 1. after placing your directional lines (which are "long" stitches), go back to the center and work to the right, filling in "short" stitches of varying lengths, moving down the row.

2. You want your stitches to lie right next to each other, as they would in satin stitch, so make sure that you space them correctly - not too close that they bunch up, but not too far apart that you can see any fabric between them.

3. Continue working across the fabric to the right side of the box, alternating the size of your stitches between long and short. Vary their lengths. For a natural-looking long and short stitch (less formal and rigid-looking), stagger the length of your stitches between several lengths - some long, some a little shorter, then a bit longer, then shorter again, then shorter yet, then a little longer, then long, then short, then slightly longer, etc......! You want the bottom edge of your stitched row to be jagged, but you want ot keep an overall consistent length across the longest points of the stitches.

4. When you reach the right edge of the box, end with a long stitch on the pencil line. This is approximately what your progress should look like so far:

Long and Short Stitch Shading Tutorial on needlenthread.com

Long and Short Stitch Shading Tutorial on needlenthread.com

5. Now, move back to the middle of the box and work from the center to the left side of the box, doing the same thing.

Long and Short Stitch Shading Tutorial on needlenthread.com

6. If you're like me, one side will look better than the other. I don't know why this is! For me, the second half that I stitch always looks better than the first, even if I switch directions and stitch from the center to the left first.

Refer to the Long and Short Stitch Video, part 1, below, to see this technique worked out.

Subsequent Rows - up to, but not including, the last row

1. After the first row, each row is worked in the following sequence of colors:
---- Row 2: 351
---- Row 3: 353
---- Row 4: 3855

2. For subsequent rows, after the first row, bring your needle up from the back of your fabric into the first row of stitches, in the center:

Long and Short Stitch Shading Tutorial on needlenthread.com

3. Stitch some longer directional stitches from the center towards the right edge, dividing up the stitching area as you did with the first row (demonstrated in the video, part 2).

4. Stagger the entry point at the top of the stitches, so that some begin higher and some lower than the others. Work into the long stitches of the first row, about one-third the length up into the long stitches.

5. Work the short stitches of the second row high up into the first row of stitches, bringing the needle back down into the fabric to make a "short" stitch in the second row. Again, stagger your stitches, varying their length by varying where the stitches emerge in the previous row and where they go down into the fabric.

Long and Short Stitch Shading Tutorial on needlenthread.com

6. Continue from the center to the right edge, and then work from the center to the left edge of the box. You can find this technique demonstrated in the Long & Short Stitch Video, part 2, below.

Long and Short Stitch Shading Tutorial on needlenthread.com

You'll work each row in this manner, filling in the square, until you get to the last row.

Long and Short Stitch Shading Tutorial on needlenthread.com

Make sure that you're taking your stitches deep into the previous row, so that the colors blend well. Again, the video will help with this!

Long and Short Stitch Shading Tutorial on needlenthread.com

The Last Row

1. Split stitch the base line of the square in light yellow, 745.

Long and Short Stitch Shading Tutorial on needlenthread.com

2. Finish the last row in the same manner of the previous rows, but working the base of the stitches over the split stitch line, as you did with the beginning of the first row.

To help reduce "information overload" in one post, tomorrow I'll post the rest of Lesson Two, which is the second box, worked on the diagonal!

You may print, if you wish, a PDF of the entire lesson (including the second box):

Long and Short Stitch Shading, Lesson Two: Inside the Box (PDF)

Long & Short Stitch Shading Video Tutorial - Part 1

Long & Short Stitch Shading Video Tutorial - Part 2

Long & Short Stitch Shading Video Tutorial - Part 3

If you have any questions or comments, need clarification on anything, or have any suggestions that I'm able to implement concerning the lessons, don't hesitate to leave a comment below. Additionally, you can subscribe to the e-mail newsletter (right hand column) or my RSS feed to ensure you don't miss the next lesson! Advantages of the newsletter include that it's in a better format for printing (compared to the webpage) and you can reply directly to it to send me an e-mail (and attach pictures, if you wish).

Long and Short Stitch Shading Lessons - Related Posts

Supplies for Long and Short Stitch Shading Project

Lesson One - Setting Up

Long and Short Stitch Shading Lesson INDEX

Labels: embroidery lessons, long and short stitch, needlepainting, needlework pictures, needlework tutorials, pictures, stitchalong lessons, video tutorials

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Turkey Work Embroidery Stitch Video Tutorial

Aha! I bet you thought I'd given up on expanding my video library of hand embroidery stitches! I finally managed to re-video (if that's a word) turkey work!

Turkey work, also called ghiordes knot, is an embroidery technique that creates a plush pile. It's great for dimensional embroidery, stumpwork, and the like. I've seen many a bumblebee embroidered using Turkey work, as well as thistle tops and other grass / flower motifs.

The term "Turkey work" has nothing to do with the bird, by the way. It's from Turkey, the country - it's a rug stitch commonly used there, and the technique has been adapted into surface embroidery. This is a fun technique - not so much in the stitching, which is rather bland (more or less, just a backstitching technique, where every other stitch is left in a loop), but the trimming and fluffing is Great Fun!

Turkey work or ghiordes knot used in surface hand embroidery

Turkey work or ghiordes knot used in surface hand embroidery

This is a clump of Turkey work from the top. It's four rows of loops. In the video, I only stitched two rows, to show you the technique.

Turkey work or ghiordes knot used in surface hand embroidery

This is the pile from the side. Pretty, fluffy stuff, isn't it? I used a whole piece - all six strands - of DMC stranded cotton. You can use any kind of thread for Turkey work, but I like stranded cotton, and as many strands as feasible, because it separates into a nice, thick carpet when fluffed.

A couple points:

1. The closer you work the rows and the smaller your "locking" stitches - and the closer together your loops are - the thicker your pile will be.

2. An eyebrow comb is a handy thing to use for fluffing, but if you don't have one, just run your needle through it until you get the fluffy look you want.

3. In the video, I worked both rows from left to right, but you can work the rows in either direction as you return on each row. Just reverse the way the stitch goes. Once you get the hang of the movement of the stitch, you'll be able to figure that out, no problem!

By the way, I'm back to considering whether or not I should script these videos before I actually open my mouth and start yammering...

Here's the video:

For more hand embroidery stitch videos, check out my Video Library of Hand Embroidery Stitches!

Labels: embroidery tips and tricks, Hand embroidery stitches, needlework pictures, video tutorials

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Video Tutorial: Vandyke Stitch

Here's another video tutorial for a hand embroidery stitch to add to your repertoire. The Vandyke Stitch creates a decorative band between two parallel lines. It's a fairly easy stitch to work, so let's see how it's done...

The Vandyke stitch can be worked vertically or horizontally (I'm working it vertically in the video) between two parallel lines, and it can also be worked on gentle curves. The characteristic look of the stitch is long horizontal arms, with a raised chain-like stitch down the middle, on top of the bars. You can vary the look of the stitch by changing the length of the arms, or by increasing or decreasing the space between the side lines, even while working down the line.

Vandyke Stitch used in Hand Embroidery

Vandyke Stitch

Here's the video:

For more hand embroidery stitch videos, visit my Video Library of Hand Embroidery Stitches Index, where you'll find instruction for over 50 hand embroidery stitches presented in video format.

Also, just a little reminder: I'm giving away one of Trish Burr's books this week. If you haven't joined the drawing, it's not too late! Just add a comment to the post announcing the drawing, answering the question posed about YOUR topic preference for Trish's next book.

Enjoy!

Labels: beginner embroidery, Hand embroidery stitches, video tutorials

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Video Tutorial: Trellis Stitch

The trellis stitch is a filling stitch used in hand embroidery. It's detatched from the fabric, like the detached buttonhole, but it makes a fuller filling than the buttonhole. It can be worked closely packed, with a firmer tension on your stitches, or you can pull the stitches out a little bit to give your embroidery the trellis look, with larger open holes between the stitches.

The trellis stitch is used in stumpwork quite a bit. It's a good stitch for adding dimension, especially when stitched in a circle. An excellent example of trellis stitch worked in a circle (spiral trellis stitch) can be found on Just String, where Jeanne worked up a gorgeous photo tutorial, using an amazing sampler she's working on, to show you how to do the spiral trellis. She even shows you how to make your circle stand up from your fabric, or lay flatter. It's really a terrific tutorial and her stitching, as always, is minutely perfect, so do check that out when you get a chance.

Another great source of information on the trellis stitch can be found at The Embroiderers' Story, the blog associated with the recreation of a 17th-century embroidered jacket at Plimoth Plantaion. There, you'll find several posts about the trellis stitch, and if you take time to stroll through the website, you'll probably find even more, as there are lots of photos of motifs worked with trellis stitch. You'll also find, in PDF form, some photo instructions for trellis stitch, worked out by Tricia Wilson Nguyen. The stitch method is slightly different from the method I'm showing you below, although it is the same stitch. If you check out Tricia's directions and look at her up-close photos, you'll see a difference in the way the threads set up - the loop on mine stays more or less vertical, while hers cross into each other a little more. They look more distinctly like a trellis. But you'll notice on the lower right hand section of her finished trellis stitch photo (in the PDF) that the stitches look vertical there. I think it has to do with the wrapping and pulling of the thread. I lay my thread on the fabric and pull the stitch down. In the Plimoth Plantation directions, the needle points upwards, and the working thread is wrapped around the needle for each stitch.

I learned the trellis stitch through Erica Wilson's Embroidery Book, which is no longer in print, but can be found used through Amazon and other used book sources. Although the book is mostly in black and white (including the illustrations), it is an excellent resource for learning stitches, especially if you are interested in historical embroidery. The stitches are shown through drawn diagrams, but they are very clear, and have lots of good explanations along with them. I think this is one of my favorite older stitch dictionaries. BUT - be warned - it doesn't have the same kind of "eye candy" as the new books today have.

Here are some photos for you - they're super-up-close...

Trellis Stitch used in Hand Embroidery

This is the little rectangle worked in the video. The stitches are kept pretty close together, and you can see the vertical direction on the loop.

Trellis Stitch used in Hand Embroidery

These stitches are pulled a little apart, so you can see more of the ground fabric, as the holes between the stitches are bigger.

Trellis Stitch used in Hand Embroidery

Here, I started building a circle. The "wall" goes pretty much straight up at this point, because I hadn't begun to decrease, by leaving out a stitch. If you vary where you begin your decreasing, you can get different dimensional effects.

Before you watch the video, a few notes:

1. Let it buffer a bit before playing. The video is almost 10 minutes long (sorry)! And ... yes ... I do manage to prattle most of the time (sorry!). Oh, and do ignore the end - "That's pretty good!" What was I thinking?? But having just managed to record almost 10 minutes of audio instructions off the cuff (well, ok - it was about the fifth time through it, after making all kinds of silly blunders and starting over!), I just couldn't re-do it, just because I sound like a dork at the end.

2. Try to ignore my ever twisting thread. The disadvantage of filming, especially long sequences, is that I can't drop my thread to let it untwist!

3. I'm using perle cotton #5. Trellis stitch works well with all kinds of threads, though, and the results can be a lot finer and "airy" looking if you use a lighter thread - it just depends on the look you want.

4. It's not a hard stitch, and it works along pretty quickly once you get the rhythm going. Don't be intimidated by it!

5. Have fun with it!

Here's the video:

For more video tutorials of hand embroidery stitches, please feel free to visit my Video Library of Stitches, where you'll find about 54 stitches listed now!

Enjoy!

Labels: Hand embroidery stitches, pictures, video tutorials

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Replay on the Coral Stitch: Testing a New Video Host...

Here I go again - you can help me out by giving me some input on your preferences for my embroidery tutorials, or you can just ignore this article as one of those "technical" posts that are really boring...

This is the thing: My coral stitch video that I uploaded a little while ago is not playing.... and it's not the only one - the split stitch video refuses to play, too. I need to re-upload them to Google to see if they will "take." Both videos played fine when they were first uploaded, but now...? Who knows.

Anyway, I'm still searching to see if I can find a better way to host the videos.

Today, I'm testing vemeo. So here's the coral stitch on vemeo - the problem right now is that you can't watch a comparison on the other one, because, as far as I can tell, it isn't playing. I'm going to try to fix that, though, in the next few minutes!

If you mouse over the video, the controls show up so you can adjust volume or pause.

If you have any feedback on preferences, don't hesitate to leave a comment! Thanks!

Labels: beginner embroidery, Hand embroidery stitches, video tutorials

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Trial Run on Diamond Stitch Video - You Decide!

Here's your opportunity to help me with a project! I'm testing new video hosting for my hand embroidery videos. I thought I'd try Blogger's video upload feature for my Knotted Diamond Stitch video that I posted this morning, to see if it works out better than Google video. My embroidery stitch videos are "ok," but I've always been a little disappointed with the compression, so I want to try different ways of posting them. So - if you want to leave me some feedback, I'd love to hear your opinion!

This morning, I posted the Knotted Diamond Stitch video tutorial, going about it the same way I have for all my hand embroidery videos. The reason I use Google is simple: You Tube has little "ads" for more videos at the bottom of each video, and, since I don't think I can control those, I am wary of using them! But I found out (yes, I'm slow) I could post video through blogger, thanks to my brother, who pointed that out to me. Since I haven't used blogger before for this, I want to do a test run, and, if you see a big difference on your side of the screen, I'd love some feedback! So the purpose here is a kind of comparison, between this video below, and the knotted diamond stitch I posted this morning.

You can check out the original post, where you'll find tips and tricks on working this stitch, as well as a photo of what it looks like when completed.

I really value your opinions, so don't be shy! Let me know what you think! If it's clearer, and it looks like blogger might be a better option, I may convert.

Labels: Hand embroidery stitches, video tutorials

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Video Tutorial: Knotted Diamond Stitch

Knotted Diamond Stitch is the latest addition to my video library of hand embroidery stitches! It's a decorative band stitch that's easy and quick to work, and looks great!

The knotted diamond stitch makes a decorative band of diamond shapes between two parallel lines. It can be worked horizontally or vertically. It would make a great seam treatment in crazy quilting, it could be used as an edge treatment on a towel, or for lines in band samplers. I was thinking it would make a neat edge border around the outside of a card, for paper embroidery, but I haven't had a chance to try that yet!

Knotted Diamond Stitch - a Decorative Band Stitch

Knotted Diamond Stitch - a Decorative Band Stitch

You can build on the stitch, too, by adding other elements to it - like French knots or colonial knots in the centers of the diamonds, or daisy stitch petals coming off the points of, or placed in the "V" between, the diamonds.

Some hints which I touch on briefly in the video:

I find the stitch faster to work if you lay your thread on the fabric in the correct arrangement, rather than wrapping the thread around the needle for each knot.

When you work from the right to left (forming two knots, one on each side - you'll see it in the video), lay your thread down in the shape of a "C" (equivalent to wrapping your thread over and around the needle counter-clockwise).

When you work the center knot coming back (from left to right), lay your thread down in the shape of a "G" (again, you'll see this in the video) - this is equivalent to wrapping your thread over the top of the needle, and back around, clockwise.

It also helps at first to mark off even spacing for the "X" that's formed by the stitch, until you can judge it by eye.

I'm using perle cotton #5 in the video (and in the photo above). It's a nice thread for this stitch, although it works well with other threads, too.

Here's the video:

You can find more videos (51 of them!) in my Video Library of Stitches, as well as a link for solving playback issues, if you have trouble viewing the videos on your computer.

Labels: beginner embroidery, Hand embroidery stitches, video tutorials

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Video Tutorial: Coral Stitch

The coral stitch used in surface embroidery is a line stitch, with little knots worked along the line. Here's a video tutorial to show you how it's done.

The coral stitch is worked from right to left. It's a kind of "self-couching" technique, because you are "couching" or tying the working thread down with the working thread by forming knots over the thread.

You can work the coral stitch on straight or curved lines, and you can space the knots close together or farther apart. The stitch looks best, I think, when the knots are evenly spaced.

Strangely enough, you can also use the stitch as a filling, by working rows of coral stitch close together within the area to be filled. To do this, you stagger the position of the knots, so that they fit between the knots on the line before.

Here's the video:

For more video tutorials for hand embroidery stitches, visit my Video Library of Hand Embroidery Stitches, where you'll now find 50 video tutorials for 50 different embroidery stitches or techniques! Enjoy!

Labels: beginner embroidery, Hand embroidery stitches, video tutorials

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Video Tutorial: Mountmellick Stitch

Ahhh. Back to the video tutorials for hand embroidery. This is the first embroidery video I've edited in a long time! This video shows you how to work the Mountmellick stitch. I'll tell you a little bit about the stitch, show you a photo of it, and then ... the video!

Mountmellick stitch is named after Mountmellick embroidery, a form of whitework originating in Ireland. Mountmellick embroidery is traditionally worked on cotton sateen, a heavier cotton fabric with a nice sheen. The stitches are worked in a matte cotton thread, which contrasts with the sheen of the fabric. What characterizes Mountmellick embroidery, besides the fabric and threads, is the textured nature of the whitework. The motifs are generally taken from nature (leaves, vines, berries, flowers, etc.), and are worked in different types of textured stitches, with a good splash of satin stitching as well. For more information, you can read my previous article on Mountmellick embroidery.

Mountmellick Stitch

The Mountmellick stitch is a decorative line stitch, made up of little pointed triangles. It takes curves very well and is, in all respects, a very pretty stitch. It stitches up quickly, too, once you get the hang of the method.

Enjoy the video!

For more embroidery video tutorials, visit Needle 'n Thread's Video Library of Hand Embroidery Stitches!

Have fun with it!

Labels: Hand embroidery stitches, video tutorials

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Rope Stitch Hand Embroidery Video Tutorial

I'm always happy when I manage to finish up a new video tutorial for my little Video Library of Hand Embroidery Stitches. I wanted to see it get to 50 stitches long before this - but I'm almost there! I'm going to have a celebration when it hits 50 stitches. Some sort of big ... something. You can all join me!

The rope stitch is a nice hand embroidery stitch, perfect for a thick, corded look, and a member (believe it or not) of the chain stitch family. It looks like overcast stitch on a slant, or trailing on a slant. It's a great stitch for curves, so I worked it over the beginning of a curve in the video. It takes gradual curves really well, and it will take tighter curves well if you shorten your stitches and work carefully around the curve.

The Rope Stitch used in Hand Embroidery

So there's an up-close photo of the stitch for you. You can see at the base how the chain stitch is evident.

To begin the rope stitch, you start with a variation of twisted chain stitch. When you begin the stitch, the needle is going down into the fabric to the right of where you emerged, with your thread behind your needle, then you cross over your needle with the working thread (that's the twisted chain part), then take the thread under your needle, and then pull through. Now, here's the thing - from that point out, the stitch is really just a regular chain stitch! So it's easy.

It's a pretty strong stitch, too, as long as you aren't taking the thread too long across the top, so that it loosens up too much. In older embroidery books (from the 1800's), you'll see that the stitch is often recommended in the place of cording, if the area being stitched is going to get a lot of use.

Enjoy the video! The sound's still a bit crackly. I need new equipment!

For more hand embroidery videos, please visit my Video Library of Hand Embroidery Stitches, where you will find, as of today, 48 embroidery stitch videos! Getting close to 50...!

Labels: beginner embroidery, needlework pictures, video tutorials

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Embroidery Video Tutorial: Raised Chain Stitch Band

Finally, another video tutorial! This is a raised chain stitch, worked down a line of straight stitch bars to form a raised chain stitch band.

This is a composite stitch. There are two embroidery stitches here put together to make the raised chain: the simple straight stitch which forms the bars on which you stitch the chain stitch.

If you wanted to use this stitch as a filling, you would work wider bars (straight stitches) across the area you want to fill and then work multiple lines of chain stitches to fill up the shape.

It's a neat stitch, with good texture and a bit dimensional since it's raised. I'm working it from top to bottom here, but you can work it from right to left (right handed stitchers) or left to right (left handed stitches), or from bottom to top, and along curves.

Raised Chain Stitch that forms a band or line

Raised Chain Stitch that forms a band or line

There's a close-up photo of the stitch, which I worked in two colors so that it would be easier to see. You can work it in a single color, or in two shades of the same color, for things like vines and stems and so forth.

I must apologize for the crackly sound in the video! I'm going to discover what I can do to rectify that (perhaps a new mic) and, when time allows, rework the sound on these. But in the meantime, here's the video:

For more hand-embroidery videos, visit my Video Library of Stitches, where you'll find some 47 videos.

Labels: beginner embroidery, Hand embroidery stitches, video tutorials

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A Video Tutorial for Ribbon Embroidery: Gathered Flower

Just so you know right off the bat, this isn't one of my embroidery video tutorials. I was squizzing around the internet the other day looking at stumpwork, when I came across some nice sites and some tutorials.

The following video tutorial is for a gathered flower - the finished product is a flower made up of petals of gathered ribbon, with beads or French knots in the center. The teacher on the video is Di van Niekerk, who wrote the book Ribbon Embroidery and Stumpwork, which I've reviewed.

If you haven't seen Di van Niekerk's website, Crafts Unlimited, you should take a look at it. She's got heaps of beautiful stuff on there. For example, there's a whole page of royalty-free downloadable images perfect for all kinds of craft applications. They would make a great starting point for embroidery pieces, either with ribbon or thread or both. You can also print the designs on paper or on fabric and stitch over them, or use them for greeting cards and so forth. I think my favorite downloadable image is "Mother Goose."

Di van Niekerk's Crafts Unlimited - click to visit her downloadable images

The images aren't free - they are about US$13.08, according to today's conversion rates. The investment would be worth it for a royalty free image that you can use over and over again in different applications, especially if you're looking for a starting point for some ribbon embroidery or stumpwork!

Probably the most tempting thing on her site, for me, is her book A Perfect World, which is another panel embroidery featuring small motifs in stumpwork and ribbon work, much like the one featured in her previous book, Ribbon Embroidery and Stumpwork. The finished product looks fantastic, and each of the little motifs could be worked individually in smaller projects.

Di van Niekerk's Crafts Unlimited - Click here to see the book

While you're looking at the book, be sure to click on the "Glimpse of A Perfect World" underneath the book image, which will take you to a flash preview of the book that you can flip through. Nice! You can pick up the book through Amazon right now for just over $17 new, which is a good deal!

Here's Di van Niekerk's video tutorial for a gathered ribbon flower. Enjoy!

For more video tutorials of hand embroidery stitches, be sure to visit my Video Library of Hand Embroidery Stitches, where you'll find video tutorials for about 46 stitches!

Labels: book review, embroidery books, ribbon embroidery, stumpwork, video tutorials

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Detatched Buttonhole Filling Video Tutorial

I've had buttonhole filling on my embroidery video list for a long time! It's been one of those "unlinked" stitches that's been nagging me. I finally got around to filming the stitch - in two varieties, detached and attached.

In detached buttonhole filling, you don't pass through the fabric as you work the buttonhole filling. In attached, you do. Attached buttonhole filling gives you more scope, I think, for varying the placement of stitches, so that you can create effective filling patterns. The detached buttonhole, though, gives you a bit more room for dimensional effects, since you can take out part of your foundation fillings and fold the buttonhole area back on itself - or make petals or leaves that stand away from the fabric.

Detached Buttonhole Filling

Here's a photo of the filling. I worked the edge and the filling in contrasting colors for the sake of clarity.

And here are some in-progress photos of a leaf-shaped area filled with the buttonhole filling.

Detached Buttonhole Filling

First you start by outlining the shape.

Detached Buttonhole Filling

Then you begin to fill it from the wide part to the narrow part.

Detached Buttonhole Filling

You have to decrease the number of stitches in the rows as you work towards the tip.

The stitch begins with outlining your shape to be filled, using either a reversed chain stitch, like I do in the video, or you can regular chain stitch, split stitch, or even backstitch. The advantage of the reverse chain is that it provides you with the loops to catch your buttonhole stitch in, and it tends to be a bit rounder or fuller than a regular chain.

The stitch is not so complicated, but if you aren't familiar with how buttonhole stitch works, you might want to take a look at the buttonhole video tutorial. This will help you get the knack for buttonhole, especially where the working thread goes in relation to the needle.

Here's the video:

For more video tutorials, please visit my Video Library of Stitches.

Have fun with it!

Labels: Hand embroidery stitches, needlework pictures, pictures, video tutorials

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Woven Picot - another Embroidery Video Tutorial

There are many dimensional embroidery stitches that I really like, but I think one of the most fun is the woven picot. You can do a lot with it! It's an easy embroidery stitch - it looks more advanced than it actually is! It's a great stitch for adding texture to your embroidery project, and it doesn't necessarily have to be free standing. To help you get it down, here are some photos and a video!

The woven picot that I'm going to show you in the video, and that you can see in the photos below, is the "typical" shape and size, but don't limit yourself! You can play with this stitch for a lot of different effects. Take, for example, the seaweed in this piece on Valquiria's blog, Qualquer Motivo. She has elongated the woven picot and turned it and tacked it down, to make a really nice interpretation of underwater vegetation.

Woven Picot Stitch used in Hand Embroidery

Woven Picot Stitch used in Hand Embroidery

You can do all kinds of things with this stitch - flowers come to mind right off the bat, as does any kind of leafy greenery. If you like to build up stitches for a dimenstional effect, this is a great stitch for that. If you're into stumpwork, you're bound to come across the woven picot.

Woven Picot Stitch used in Hand Embroidery

I think it's a fun stitch!

In the video, I'm using a tapestry needle and #5 perle cotton. You can use practically any kind of thread with this, but it does really well with thread that has a little more "body" to it.

Without further ado, here's the video:

To learn more hand embroidery stitches, please visit my Video Library of Stitches. You'll find video tutorials for 45 stitches here at Needle 'n Thread --- and more coming!

Enjoy!

Labels: Hand embroidery stitches, needlework pictures, pictures, video tutorials

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Embroidery Video: Ladder Stitch

Ladder stitch in hand embroidery can be one of two stitches. There's the surface embroidery technique that creates a decorative band that looks a lot like a ladder, with edges that look like a chain stitch. There's also a drawn thread technique called ladder stitch that produces a ladder-like strip of remaining threads in the design area. The ladder stitch in this video tutorial is the former - the decorative band used in surface embroidery.

Although the ladder stitch involves several steps to get it going, it's not a hard stitch at all. The most important thing to remember if you want your embroidery to look really good is to be careful with your tension! I'll tell you up front, in the video here, the tension is not exactly what it should be - you'll see that for yourself at the end of the video. The right side of the ladder seems to pull a bit inwards. But the technique is there, and, in watching the video, you'll learn to do the stitch with ease.

The ladder stitch works ok on gentle curves, but it's not a stitch that's well suited for circles or tight curves.

You can vary the distance between the sides of your ladder to get a dimensional effect - to set a perspective, for example. You can start small at the top of your ladder and go wide at the bottom (or visa-versa). You can even vary the distance (gradually) between the two sides of the ladder, all the way down (like an hour glass). The changes have to be gradual, though, over several stitches. If you try to change the distance between the sides of the ladder too quickly, you'll lose the look of the chain stitched edge and pull it out of whack.

Here's a photo of the finished sample that's worked in the video:

Ladder stitch used in hand embroidery

The left hand side looks fine, but the right hand side is pulling inward and it looks a little whacky! This is just a slight tension problem and is easily remedied by be careful with your tension as you go.

Here's the video:

For more video tutorials for hand embroidery stitches please visit the Video Library of Hand Embroidery Stitches index. With the ladder stitch, there are 44 videos available on Needle'NThread! When I hit 50, we should do something to celebrate!

Labels: Hand embroidery stitches, video tutorials

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Embroidery Video Tutorial: Roumanian Couching

Here's another video tutorial for a hand embroidery stitch called Roumanian couching, which is used primarily as a filling stitch.

If you want to read about this type of self-couching embroidery technique, please see my post on Bokhara couching, where you will find photos of both Bokhara and Roumanian couching, and more information on different types of couched filling.

Here's a photo of Roumanian couching, with one couching stitch:

And here's a photo of Roumanian couching, with two couching stitches:

Here's the video for Roumanian couching:

For more hand embroidery video tutorials, please visit my Video Library of Hand Embroidery Stitches.

Labels: Hand embroidery stitches, needlework pictures, pictures, video tutorials

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Bokhara Couching Embroidery Video Tutorial

Bokhara couching is a filling technique used in surface embroidery. Unlike regular couching, Bokhara couching uses only one thread, which serves as both the laid thread and the couching thread. Here's some information on the stitch, as well as a video tutorial to help you with it.

First of all, there are heaps of variations that can be worked with Bokhara couching. It's a great couching stitch for forming patterns in your couched threads. Some embroiderers demonstrate Bokhara couching with a horizontal straight stitch couched down by vertical tiny straight stitches; others show the couching stitch alternating placement row by row (to form a bricking pattern). The point is, you can really work out any kind of overall pattern to your couching stitches - there's no "one look" to Bokhara couching.

There are other types of "self couching" techniques (where the couching stitches are worked back over the laid thread, using the same thread) - Roumanian couching and Klosterstitch come to mind.

The difference between these couching techniques are subtle. The principle difference between Bokhara couching and Roumanian and Klosterstitch is that the couching stitches are generally small and very visible, forming a pattern. In Roumanian couching, the couching stitch is meant to work back into the design, making a subtle textured difference, but not highly noticeable. With Klosterstitch, the couching thread is meant to be as invisible as possible - yes, it necessarily forms a kind of smooth texture overall, but Klosterstitch is meant to fill a solid area without creating any kind of secondary pattern on top of the couching.

All of this is rather difficult to explain without pictures, so...

Bokhara Couching

This is Bokhara couching. Notice the small couching stitches, and the diagonal pattern being formed by them.

Here's another shot of Bokhara, with a different pattern worked up. The design is being worked in an inch square, with #5 perle cotton. Not a very good choice of design with that thread in such a small space, but just so you have an idea.

Roumanian Couching

Here's Roumaniann couching. Notice that the couching stitch (that's the middle "wave") is much longer, and it doesn't really serve to form as visible a pattern, although there is a noticeable wave and a difference in texture (it isn't a smooth line, like satin stitch).

Roumanian Couching

Here's Roumanian couching with two couching stitches across the laid thread.

A note on the three forms of couching: According the Historical Needlework Resources website, all three names - Bokhara, Roumanian, and Klosterstitch - are used interchangeably. I don't want to be argumentative about it, but for the most part, it seems to me that they are subtly different. Klosterstitch is even "less visible" than Roumanian couching - and, from what I've seen looking hither and thither about the place, Klosterstitch is more often worked on the vertical rather than the horizontal. I suppose this is a matter of the stitcher's preference, though.

In any case, I'd put Klosterstitch and Roumanian couching a bit closer in looks than I would Bokhara, because it seems to me that Bokhara couching is always described using small couching stitches that form a pattern on top of the laid threads. The other two don't.

All that having been said, if you're looking around, trying to figure out how to do Bokhara couching, you probably don't care about the differences and similarities! So I'll get on with the video!

For more embroidery stitch videos, please visit my Video Library of Stitches index, where you'll find over 40 embroidery stitch videos!

Have fun with it!

Labels: needlework pictures, pictures, video tutorials

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Making Embroidery Stitch Videos - What a Hoot.

Guess what I've been doing this weekend? Yes, the title gives it away - making more embroidery stitch videos. When I began (yesterday morning), I was organized, enthusiastic, and patient. After working all day yesterday and a good five hours straight this afternoon, I'm feeling a bit impatient and cranky - so I thought it would be a good time for a break! I also decided to take some photos of my embroidery recording set-up and tell you how I go about making the embroidery video tutorials.

The first thing I do is make a list of what embroidery stitches I want to get done during the recording session. I'm always Really Optimistic when I make this list! I end up with a list of 25 or 30 embroidery stitches that I'm just Sure I'll be able to record. Um... well, suffice it to say, optimism is always a good thing at the beginning of a project, but it's even better in the middle!

Next, I gather up supplies and frame up a piece of fabric suitable for the stitches I want to do. In this weekend's recording session, I used all perle cotton, and so far, I haven't changed my fabric yet (which indicates rather clearly how few stitches I've accomplished!)

Then, I make space to set things up. But it's Christmas still, and I have a tree to contend with.

Making Embroidery Stitch Video Tutorials

Making Embroidery Stitch Video Tutorials

In the miniscule living room, I set up a straight chair, my embroidery stand (more about that later! It's new, and it's a gem!), a light, a small portable table to hold things, and my tripod set-up for the camera.

Making Embroidery Stitch Video Tutorials

I make sure the light and the camera are as well situated as they can be. Usually, I have the light from the window as well, to balance things out, but there's a Christmas tree in the way this time.

Making Embroidery Stitch Video Tutorials

As you can see, the couch and the tripod tend to vie for space.

Making Embroidery Stitch Video Tutorials

Once the furniture part of the endeavor is situated, I move the camera aside while I put lines and squares and such on my fabric, planning out the first video - what stitch, where on the fabric, and so forth. This weekend, I decided to mark very clear lines on the fabric, to help ease the stress of lining things up properly while stitching with a camera in front of my nose.

Making Embroidery Stitch Video Tutorials

This is my view as I stitch. The item that I'm recording is located right smack under the camera there. Now you know why some of the stitching seems rather slow and awkward! It's a matter of getting my hands in and out and around that camera, without knocking the whole set-up over!

After I've recorded the stitches on my camera - starting over, clipping, stopping, starting, deleting, trying one more time, shifting positions, deleting again, and starting and stopping a few more times for good measure - I take the camera to my computer and unload everything, and recharge the battery if necessary.

Opening Nero Vision Express, I make a movie - only not the whole movie. In Nero, I blend together any clips and make any cuts in the clips. Then I export the whole movie as an .avi file, and take it into Windows Movie Maker, where I add the title clip and closing clip, and the transitions between those and the video. I mute the sound on the video (be thankful!), and then I save the whole thing as a "test" of the movie.

Then, I watch the test several times, thinking my way back through the stitching, and recalling what I was saying in my head as I went (sometimes, not a good thing... riffemrackemfrickemfrackem comes to mind quite often!). Now's the time to open up Audacity, and, while I'm watching the test video, I record the voice instructions. I hate that part. I don't like hearing my own voice!

Next, I take the audio clip into Windows Movie Maker and insert it into the video, and run through it once to make sure it's in the right position, and the audio and video are synchronized.

Once the sound and the video are situated, I save the whole thing in "best quality" on my computer. I watch it again to make sure it's not too horrid... and then I upload it to Google video, where all my hard work gets compressed and somewhat muddled, but is still clear enough to make a lot of people happy with the videos!

Finally, when time allows, I unleash the thing on the public by writing a post here about the stitch.

And that, my friends, is how I make the embroidery stitch videos!

So far this weekend, I filmed the following stitches:

Bokhara couching
Roumanian couching
Buttonhole filling - detached and ... un-detached? attached!
Rope stitch
Raised chain
Raised stem
Coral stitch
Scroll stitch
Ladder stitch
Pistol stitch (elongated French knots)

(Ooooooh - so much for my list of 30!)

Well, tomorrow is another day!

Labels: pictures, video tutorials

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Drizzle Stitch Video Tutorial

Finally, another hand embroidery tutorial to add to the Video Library of Stitches! It's been a while... but here's the Drizzle Stitch.

The drizzle stitch is a "texture" stitch. It makes an individual, almost-upright, slightly twisted "tower" on your fabric. It's difficult to explain what it looks like! So here are some photos of it instead:

These are the two purple drizzle stitches from the video. They're worked in a coton a broder. They're not as pretty as the stitch could be, so I tried it with Trebizond, which is a three-ply twisted silk.

I think it's much prettier. The needle is there to give you a sense of size. They're not as big as they look! These are made with five cast-on stitches.

Here they are from another angle. They look rather like a caterpillar.

And here they are from the top. You can see the shadow - they do stick up off the fabric...

You might wonder how this stitch can be used in embroidery - as I mentioned above, it's a great way to add texture to clusters. So, for example, you might stitch a cluster of them in the middle of a flower, or among any kind of encrusted areas on textured embroidery.

The video takes you through two drizzle stitches, since it's a slower stitch to work. For materials, you may wish to have a needle threader handy, since you have to re-thread your needle while it's still in the fabric (embroidery is always much easier with the right tools!)

I'm trying to figure out a way to provide better quality videos. Right now, I'm uploading the videos to Google video, but they lose a lot in resolution and quality. Anyway, bear with me - there may be future developments along this line!

I hope you have fun with the drizzle stitch!

Labels: beginner embroidery, Hand embroidery stitches, video tutorials

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Rosette Chain Stitch Video Tutorial

Here's a video tutorial for another hand embroidery stitch - the rosette chain stitch.

This is one of those embroidery stitches that I have always thought looks complicated in diagrams. It's a whole lot easier when you see someone work it!

The rosette chain stitch is much like the oyster stitch, but it's worked in a line, around curves, etc. The oyster stitch is more often seen, I think, individually.

You can curve this stitch really nicely around borders. You can work it close together, so that your line comes out looking like a tight, textured braiding, or you can space them out, to get a bumpy, scalloped-looking line. You can work it in circles:

However you decide to work it, the rosette chain is a nice stitch - and once you get the hang of it, it's quick, too.

In the video, I'm using Trebizond (twisted silk). Perle cotton works great for this stitch, but really, you can use any thread - the finer the thread, the more delicate the effect.

For more embroidery stitch videos, please visit my Video Library of Stitches Index.

Have fun with it!

Labels: beginner embroidery, video tutorials

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Embroidery Video Tutorial: Cable Chain Stitch

There are many variations on the chain stitch used in hand embroidery. Here's one that produces a "realistic-looking" chain, with a small link between each of the loops in the chain stitch. It's called the cable chain stitch.

This stitch can be worked in lines, around curves, in circles - any way that you would normally use a chain stitch, except perhaps as a filling. That's not to say it couldn't be used as an interesting filling! I haven't tried it, but I would imagine that, worked in rows, alternating the location of the stitches in each row, it would make an interesting filling.

This is what the cable chain stitch looks like when worked:

The stitch begins the same way a chain stitch does, but after the first loop of the chain is created, you wrap your thread once around the needle and insert the needle on the other side of your first chain stitch loop (instead of inside it, like with the chain stitch). Then you make another chain stitch, and continue in that fashion.

Here in the video, I'm working down a line, from top to bottom, but the stitch can easily be worked from right to left (for right-handed stitchers - left to right for left-handed stitchers).

The list of hand embroidery video tutorials is still growing, so stay tuned!

Labels: beginner embroidery, Hand embroidery stitches, video tutorials

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Embroidery Video Tutorial: Double Chain Stitch

Here's a video tutorial for the double chain stitch used in hand embroidery. This is a quick, easy stitch which creates a wide decorative band. It looks somewhat similar to the closed herringbone stitch, but it's created with the same (few) easy steps used in the chain stitch.

This stitch would look great as a border. It can be worked on curves or straight. You work on two parallel lines, and you can certainly vary the boldness or delicacy of the result by choosing different weight threads, and working across wider or narrower lines.

In the video, I'm using perle cotton #5 because it shows up better. I've worked this stitch in a single strand of DMC or silk in very tiny stitches, and achieved a kind of lacy effect. If you're embroidering anything miniature that needs trim on it - for example, a little Dutch girl or sunbonnet girl on a quilt square - you can add a nice pretty border on the edge of a dress with it.

It also makes good seam embellishment for crazy quilting, or it looks great as a band on samplers. Some of my students are presently having fun adding it to their embroidered notebook covers.

Here's a close up of the double chain stitch so you can see what it comes out looking like:

In the video, I'm working from top to bottom down two parallel lines. You can mark the lines, or, if you're using an even-weave fabric, you can follow the weave of the fabric. The stitch can also be worked from right to left (for right handed stitchers).

Here's the video:

For more video tutorials for hand embroidery stitches, please visit my Video Library of Stitches Index.

Labels: beginner embroidery, Hand embroidery stitches, video tutorials

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Oyster Stitch Video Tutorial

At long last, another update to the Video Library of Hand Embroidery Stitches - this tutorial is the oyster stitch.

The oyster stitch is an isolated stitch. In trying to describe what the oyster stitch is, I would say it's a combination stitch using the twisted detached chain stitch which is "surrounded" by an "open" chain stitch, or even a fly stitch.

The oyster stitch makes a filled oval shape, suitable for flower petals or individual buds and accents.

Here's the video:

Have fun with it!

Labels: beginner embroidery, video tutorials

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Bullion Rose Bud Video Tutorial

Here's a video tutorial for a rose bud made out of bullion knots. The bullion knot can be used to make beautiful roses and rose buds, and, believe it or not, they're actually really simple to make once you get the hang of it!

The video tutorial for the bullion rose bud is rather long. It covers not only making the bullion rose bud, but also beginning and ending your threads when making little flowers like the bullion rose bud.

This is the bud that I make in the video. The filming was done a bit farther away than usual, but I think you can get the gist of the method pretty clearly. This is the order of stitching:

1. The first center bullion in stitched in dark pink or red. It's the bullion on the left in the picture.
2. The second center bullion is stitched in dark pink or red, to the right of the first stitch. It's a little bit longer than the first stitch.
3. The third bullion is stitched in medium pink, to the right of the second stitch, starting just above and to the right of it, and wrapping down below the middle of the two center stitches.
4. The fourth bullion is stitched in medium pink, to the left of the first center stitch. The stitch actually begins above the first center stitch, and wraps around below bullion #3.
5. The fifth bullion is stitched in medium pink, immediately to the left of bullion #4, and a little bit lower, wrapping around below and slightly to the right of the last stitch.
6. The sixth bullion is stitched in light pink, to the right of bullion #3 (on the right side of the bud). It starts slightly lower than bullion #3, and wraps around below the end of bullion #5.

After the sixth bullion is completed, a fly stitch is used to add the green at the base of the bud.

This may sound confusing, but if you watch the video, you'll see how easy it really is to make perfect little bullion rose buds!

You'll need three colors to make this bud: a dark pink or red, a medium pink, and a light pink. I'm using 2 strands of DMC in the video, with a milliner needle, on a tightly woven, high thread count muslin.

Here's the video:

If you want to learn basic embroidery stitches, check out the rest of the embroidery video tutorials available in my Video Library of Stitches. Feel free to share the link with stitching friends, or people just getting into the art of embroidery!

Have fun with it!

Labels: beginner embroidery, Hand embroidery stitches, video tutorials

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Palestrina Stitch Video Tutorial

Here's another video tutorial for hand embroidery stitches - this one is for the Palestrina stitch. Palestrina stitch is used for outlining or filling and is common in both Jacobean designs as well as in Mountmellick embroidery, the latter because it gives a highly textured line or fill area.

The line produced in Palestrina stitch is bumpy! Evenly spaced along the line are knots that have one little arm that extends slightly, and which, when exaggerated, gives a barbed look to the completed stitch. I like this particular online illustration of Palestrina stitch at Mani di Fata. You'll find there a photo of the stitch, as well as drawn instructions for completing it.

Palestrina Stitch viewed from above

To create a filled area with Palestrina stitch, you simply work rows of it next to each other, alternating the placement of the knots, and creating a highly textured filling. You can work the first row from left to right, then come back from right to left (either turning your hoop over or working the stitch backwards), or you can work all rows from the same direction. One thing I have noticed when using Palestrina stitch as a filling, though, is that the knots do look slightly different when worked from different directions. It doesn't ruin the look of the filling at all, to have the alternating rows also reflect the directional change - but you should practice with it to see which look you like better.

Palestrina Stitch viewed from the side

You can also vary the look of the Palestrina stitch by working it on a diagonal (instead of using straight stitches in line, as I do in the video). When you work your knot around a straight stitch worked diagonal to the line you are covering, the effect is much like a buttonhole stitch that has a knot at the anchoring point. You can futher alter the look of the stitch by increasing the length of the "arm" of the first wrap stitch. After watching the video, play around with the stitch to see what you can do with it!

In the video, I'm working on 36 ct. Edinburgh linen, using perle cotton #5. You can work this stitch on any fabric, though, and with any thread, really. The finer the thread, the finer the line. It takes curves well, too, by the way!

Enjoy the video, and please let me know if you want any clarification on anything!

For more video tutorials for hand embroidery stitches, please visit the Video Library of Stitches Index.

Labels: beginner embroidery, Hand embroidery stitches, video tutorials

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Video Tutorial for Bullion Knots!

Finally, a video tutorial for bullion knots used in hand embroidery! I've received heaps of requests for this stitch, and I've finally managed a video that isn't all fingers and no needle and thread! To do this, I filmed a bit further back than usual, so the stitch is not as "close up." Still, the method is visible.

The bullion knot needs a little practice to get it just right, and to be able to vary your technique to get the results you desire. Some useful tips before watching the video and trying the stitch:

1. The needle you use in important. While it is not impossible to create bullions with other needles, you'll get easier results with a milliner (or straw) needle. The difference between milliner needles and other needles is that the entire shaft of the needle is the same diameter, so the eye doesn't bulge. This makes it easier to pull the needle through the wraps in the thread. If you don't have a milliner needle, invest in a packet of various sizes. If you want to try the stitch without one, go for it! Just remember that, when you're pulling your needle through the wraps of thread, you'll really want to make certain that it comes through easily, so you may have to relax the tension on the wraps a little bit.

2. When you wrap your threads around the needle, you want them to follow the natural twist of the thread. So, for most stranded cottons and everyday threads, you're going to wrap your thread clockwise around the needle. The way to tell if you're going in the right direction is this: if, as you wrap your thread around the needle, the strands of thread start to untwist and separate, you're going in the wrong direction.

3. If you're having trouble getting the needle through the wraps, you can roll your thumb over the wraps lightly, back and forth, which will loosen them. Another trick is to roll your needle between your finger and thumb, back and forth in small movements, before you pull your thread through.

In the video, I'm using a milliner needle with two strands of stranded cotton (DMC). I'm working on Edinburgh linen (36 ct) which is set up in a hoop. I prefer working bullions in hand, without a hoop, because, as you pull your thread through, you can gauge the "finish" of the stitch by the little pleat that will form in the fabric. Then you simply smooth the pleat out, and the stitch will lie right down. This doesn't really happen in a hoop, but it doesn't matter - you can get results that are just as good in a hoop!

Also, I prefer working bullions on a smaller weave fabric, like a good muslin or a batiste (for little girls' dresses and such) or on doctor's flannel for blankets and whatnot. But that's just a personal preference.

You can do great things with bullions! The A-Z of Bullions put out by Country Bumpkin publications has so many ingenious ideas for the stitch - besides the typical bullion rose bud or rose, you can create teddy bears, clowns, other flowers, and all kinds of neat texturized accents. It's a fun stitch that, with a little practice, will surely become a favorite.

So, here's the video! Enjoy - and let me know what you think. If you think the stitch requires more explanation, don't hesitate to let me know!

For more video tutorials for hand embroidery stitches, visit the Video Library of Stitches Index.

Labels: Hand embroidery stitches, video tutorials

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Seed Stitch Video Tutorial

Here's a video tutorial for the seed stitch used in hand embroidery. This is a very simple filling technique! Seed stitch looks great when it's worked either in a uniform pattern (as it is in the video) or when it's worked randomly. Some photos of seed stitching are also included.

Seed stitch adds not only color but also texture to an area that you want to fill. Depending on how you work it, seed stitch can provide heavy filling or very light filling. For example, if you want an area to be densely filled, work your seed stitches close together. If you want an area only lightly filled, work them randomly and far apart. You can also shade with seed stitch, by varying the proximity of your stitches. For darker shaded areas, the stitches would be close, and, as you work towards the lighter areas, you would space the little stitches out more. Think of stippling in art!

Essentially, seed stitch is merely tiny straight stitches. You can double them, so that two stitches lie right next to each other, or you can work them as single stitches, as I do in the video.

Here are some basic examples of seed stitch in photos.

seed stitch in whitework embroidery

The leaf above is worked in white on white, using coton a broder #30. The outline is worked in a whipped stem stitch, and inside the leaf, seed stitching is used to add density and texture. (More photos of this particular piece of white on white embroidery worked in simple stitches).

seed stitch in embroidery sampler

You can see seed stitching in this project right below the green and pink chain. Here, the seeding is worked randomly, as a light filler. (More photos of this "sampler" worked on red felt - it will eventually be the cover of a large needle case.)

Now for the video. Again, this is a very basic, simple stitch! In the video, I am filling half a leaf, using purple coton a broder. There is no sound in this video, as the stitch is self-explanatory, once you see it worked. Enjoy!

For more video tutorials for hand embroidery stitches, check out the Video Library of Stitches Index. Thanks!

Labels: beginner embroidery, pictures, video tutorials

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Embroidery Stitch Video Tutorial: Colonial Knot

The colonial knot is used in hand embroidery in the same applications as the French knot. Here's a video tutorial to help you get the hang of the colonial knot.

This video tutorial for the colonial knot will show you just how easy this stitch is - and perhaps it's a lot easier to see it worked than to figure it out from a book. I hope you find it helpful!

In the first couple knots, I had a problem with fingers - they do tend to get in the way - but the problem is solved as the tutorial progresses.

For ideas for application, check out these flowers made from French knots. Pretty much anything you can do with a French knot, you can do with a colonial knot!

If you enjoyed this tutorial and want to learn more basic hand-embroidery stitches, be sure to check out my Video Library of Stitches Index. There are now 28 videos available for your learning pleasure! Enjoy!

Labels: beginner embroidery, Hand embroidery stitches, video tutorials

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Embroidery Stitches: Fern Stitch Video Tutorial

The Video Library of Embroidery Stitches expands again with a video tutorial on the fern stitch. This is a simple stitch that can be used in a number of hand embroidery applications: as a decorative border, as greenery in embroidered flower arrangements, to make curves and lines interesting, etc.

The basic unit of the fern stitch is three straight stitches that converge at the same point. You can achieve interesting and varied effects with the stitch by widening it as you work down the "fern" (or stem), by taking it narrower, by curving it, by overlapping it - play around with it, and you'll see how versatile it is!

Here's the video - have fun with it!

For more video tutorials, please visit the Video Library of Embroidery Stitches Index.

Labels: beginner embroidery, Hand embroidery stitches, video tutorials

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Lattice Work Video Tutorial

Lattice work is used as filling or for backgrounds. Worked on a plain ground (with only the fabric behind the lattice stitches) it can be easily managed by beginners. Adding a colored background (for example, a background worked in satin stitch) kicks the stitch up a notch to intermediate level. Here's a video tutorial on working lattice stitch over a satin stitch ground.

Whether you decide to work lattice stitch over another layer of ground stitches or right on top of the fabric is up to you, depending on what effect you want. The principles for the actually lattice part of the technique are the same: lay down your crossing threads, then couch them at the intersections.

In the video below, I'm taking you through the satin stitching for the background of the lattice work, and then laying the lattice threads, then couching them, and finishing with a decorative border. Here's the result of the piece I'm working on in the video. It's about an inch square.

Since I'm working with untwisted silk threads (flat silk) for the blue background, I cover some techniques of working with these threads in the video.

A few notes about the video itself, before you launch in: 1. It's rather long - almost 10 minutes; 2. The sound is just slightly "off" - after editing the video and sound three times and saving the file to check again and again, I finally had to leave it as it is. It's not too bad, but you'll see me doing things right before you hear me talking about them! Sorry about that!

Although I would classify this as an intermediate technique overall (especially when embroidering the background in satin stitching in flat silk), it is still accessible for beginners. It just takes patience! You can certainly stitch the background with other threads - and you can simply use a filling stitch such as long and short stitch, instead of satin stitch. Experiment with it! And, while this is worked on a square, keep in mind that lattice stitching can be used to fill any shape or background.

Here's the video:

For more video tutorials, please visit the Video Library of Stitches Index.

Labels: Hand embroidery stitches, pictures, silk, video tutorials

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Chevron Stitch Video Tutorial

The Chevron Stitch is used in hand embroidery to work decorative bands and seam embellishments. It's a great stitch for smocking, too. Chevron Stitch is a lot like the herringbone stitch, differing only slightly by the fact that the stitches on the upwards stroke do not cross over the downward stroke stitches. It also sports a little straight stitch cap at the top and base of each triangle shape.

The stitch is pretty simple. In the video, I'm working on a counted fabric, which makes it even easier, but it can be worked on plain weave as well. I think it's more suitable to straight lines than curves, but you can play around with it to see how it takes curves for you. You can make up composite bands with it (that is, layering the stitches), and get creative with spacing and height.

This is what the stitch looks like:

You can find more images of the Chevron Stitch in my mini-sampler here.

Here's the video:

For more video tutorials, please visit the Video Library of Stitches Index.

Labels: beginner embroidery, Hand embroidery stitches, video tutorials

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Wheat Stitch Video Tutorial

If you are a beginner at hand embroidery, one of the first stitches you will probably learn is the chain stitch. The chain stitch has many variations, and one of them is the wheat stitch. This stitch, illustrated below, is simple to work and produces a line that resembles a shaft of wheat. The stitch can be used in all kinds of applications - it would make great background greenery in flowers and gardens, it can also serve as a seam embellishment in crazy quilting, and it can serve as a simple decorative line. Of course, it can also work as individual stalks of wheat.

Below, you can see a tiny example of wheat stitch used in church embroidery, worked in one strand of YLI silk on linen. This example is rather small, but you can see how the wheat motif is simple to execute using the wheat stitch. If you vary the types and weights of your threads, you will achieve a different look.

Experiment with this stitch! It has a lot of potential as a useful stitch in any embroiderer's repetoire.

The video below is not filmed using my new contraption - rather, it's one I've had in the works for a while. Still, it came out "ok" - you'll get the gist of the stitch.

Have fun with it!

For more hand embroidery video tutorials, please visit the Video Library of Stitches Index.

Labels: beginner embroidery, Hand embroidery stitches, pictures, video tutorials

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Embroidery Video Tutorials - an Update

The hand embroidery video tutorials seem to be quite a hit. If you have not checked out the Video Tutorial Library, feel free to take a peek at some of the short videos that demonstrate basic embroidery stitches. For beginners and even beyond, it's nice to be able to see a stitch as it is worked. If you've ever attended an embroidery class, you know how nice it is to get the hang of the stitch while you watch it in progress, rather than having to make heads or tails of written instructions or simple diagrams. You might also know what it's like to get home and say "Now, how did she do that again?" So this is why I began putting together this little video library of stitches - to help beginners begin and to help other expand their repertoire of stitches.

You've probably noticed lately that not too many tutorials have been posted, and there's a reason for this...

Have you ever tried to hand embroider while hugging an unbalanced and flimsy tripod - with the tripod between you and your work? If you have, you can guess where I'm going!

Here's the little fellow I've been working with. It has bendable legs, stands about 6 inches tall, and works fine for macro stills on the table. But when there's a lot of movement going on around it, and your arms and hands must pass back and forth here and there, forget it!

What I need is something that will allow my camera to rest, floating, just above the frame or hoop, leaving the area between me and my embroidery free, so that my hands can move in a normal fashion and so viewers can get a sense of what it's like to work a stitch naturally.

Today, I ventured out to find The Needful Thing. I was introduced to very nice tripods and optional arm attachments that would allow me to do just exactly what I wanted. The least expensive set up would cost me more than the camera - not to mention that the tripods themselves were rather bulky and looked very exaggerated with my Olympus Stylus 800 attached to them!

Fortunately, I was in one of those wonderful long-time, personal service shops (Wolfe's Camera), where the service was spectacular and the salesmen knew exactly what they were doing and what they were talking about. After explaining precisely my needs, what I would be using the set-up for, and how my budget would only provide half or less of what the tripod gear was going for, they rigged up this:

I know that it doesn't look like much, especially lying on my bed, but it is a glorious light stand used for photography, with a fully-adjustable-in-every-way-imagineable arm (also for lights), topped with a camera or tripod head, also adjustable. It's somewhat lightweight (which is fine for my camera), expands and contracts all over the place, and is Just What I Wanted, at the perfect price!

Don't you love to find Just The Thing when you're looking for it? I certainly do! So now, I can venture back into the filming arena and hopefully, in the near future, you will enjoy the results!

Thanks for your patience! I'll have some up for you soon!

Labels: video tutorials

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Video Tutorial: Double Herringbone Stitch

Here's a video tutorial for the double herringbone stitch, which is a variation of the herringbone stitch in the last video tutorial. Just like the regular herringbone, this stitch can be used as a decorative band or edging.

The double herringbone is simply the herringbone stitch worked twice - usually in different colors, and alternating the placement of the stitches. First, you work a line of herringbone stitch in one color (here's the herringbone stitch video tutorial), and then, in another color, you work on the same row, but between the stitches of your first row. Basically, you end up creating a band of diamond shapes. The trick to make the stitch look right is to "weave" your stitches. That is, when you are working the second set of herringbone on top of the first, when you go from the top row to the bottom row, you cross over the bar of the stitches already there. But when you go from the bottom row to the top, you take your needle under the stitch that's already there. You'll see this more clearly in the video!

There's no sound on this video. Just to point out the flaws in advance: in the first two or so stitches, I pick up only one thread in the fabric. I should be picking up two. Also, at the end of the video, you'll notice that, as I cross under the last stitch, it looks very loose. That's because I haven't anchored it yet! But you'll still get a clear notion of how the stitch is worked, despite the flaws!

The same rule applies in this stitch as in the herringbone stitch: when working on the bottom line, your working thread should be above your needle. When working on the top line, your working thread should be below your needle.

Here's the video. Have fun with it!

For more video tutorials, please visit the Video Library of Stitches Index.

Labels: beginner embroidery, Hand embroidery stitches, video tutorials

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Cretan Stitch Video Tutorial

The cretan stitch is used in hand embroidery to create bands, to fill (any shape - leaves, for example), and it can be worked closed or open, depending on the effect you want.

In this video tutorial for the cretan stitch, I'm working a closed band, vertically from top to bottom. You'll notice at the end of the video that the band forms a wide, almost-filled strip with a braid-like pattern down the middle of it.

Experiment with the cretan stitch for a different look, especially in creating fillings or decorative edges (for example, in crazy quilting). You can see the cretan stitch used in my "sampler" book cover here. It's the brighter green, upside-down "V" area towards the base of the first photo.

Here's the video:

For more video tutorials for hand embroidery, please visit the Video Library of Stitches Index.

Labels: beginner embroidery, Hand embroidery stitches, video tutorials

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Video Tutorial: Herringbone Stitch!

The video tutorials are back, and here's one for herringbone stitch, another versatile and easy embroidery stitch for beginners, and used often by all levels of embroiderers.

In the video tutorial for the herringbone stitch, I'm working across two parallel lines from left to right. I've marked the lines on the fabric, as well as the intervals for the stitch. You'll be able to eye-ball the intervals yourself once you've worked the stitch a bit.

The herringbone stitch can be used in a lot of applications: lines and borders, crazy quilt embellishments, methods of couching, etc. You can also vary the stitch, by interlacing other threads or ribbons through it. The double herringbone stitch will be covered in another tutorial - it's a good example of variety in this stitch.

Here's the video:

For more video tutorials for hand embroidery stitches, please see the Video Library of Stitches Index.

Labels: beginner embroidery, Hand embroidery stitches, video tutorials

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Checkered or Alternating Chain Stitch Video Tutorial

The chain stitch is perhaps one of the most common stitches in hand embroidery. By itself, it's pretty versatile. Add all the variations, and you can do just about anything with the chain stitch! Here's the alternating or checkered chain stitch...

With this stitch, you end up with a chain stitched line wherein two colors alternate with each stitch. In the video tutorial, I use dark purple and light purple, and I end up with a line that progresses in dark-light-dark-light loops of chain stitches.

This stitch is kind of fun, because you're working with two different colors of thread in the same needle. Don't be intimidated by the sound of it! If you can do the chain stitch, you can do this! It's just a matter of looping one of the colors of thread under your needle instead of both. You might want to check out the chain stitch video tutorial if you aren't familiar with that stitch yet.

And, on a final note, I really have to apologize for this shaky video! One of these days, I'm going to get a better tripod! In the meantime, the concept is there, so once you pick it up, you can expand the applications of the stitch.

Have fun with it!

For more video tutorials for hand embroidery stitches, please visit the Video Library of Stitches Index.

Labels: beginner embroidery, Hand embroidery stitches, video tutorials

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Heavy Chain Stitch Video Tutorial

The heavy chain stitch used in hand embroidery is a variation of the regular chain stitch, but it creates a wider, thicker chain stitch band. It's an easy stitch to execute. When you want a bolder line, you can substitute it for the regular chain stitch. This video tutorial will show you the basic concept of creating a heavy chain stitch band.

Remember that the heavy chain stitch can be used for any kind of line - whether curved or straight. In the video, I'm working it vertically in a straight line, but don't limit yourself to straight lines with this stitch! It takes curves well.

If you're not familiar with the regular chain stitch, you might want to check out that video tutorial for chain stitch.

Here's the video for the heavy chain stitch:

For more video tutorials for hand embroidery stitches, please visit the Video Library of Stitches Index.

Labels: beginner embroidery, Hand embroidery stitches, video tutorials

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Satin Stitch Video Tutorial

Of all the hand embroidery stitches that exist, I think the most beautiful, when done well, is the satin stitch. I love this stitch! It does take a little practice to get the hang of satin stitching, and it is true that it is not a very "forgiving" stitch.

But perhaps this adds somewhat to its beauty - because we not only admire it for the pleasure it gives us when we see beautifully worked satin stitch, but, when we know what goes into it, we can truly appreciate the "art" behind the embroidery.

Don't let this deter you if you are a beginner! In concept, satin stitch is very easy. It just takes a little practice to get the edges right and to gauge the distance between your stitches.

If you aren't familiar with what satin stitch looks like, you'll find some close-ups of a piece that is worked entirely in satin stitch and stem stitch here.

The following video tutorial is for the padded satin stitch, to be precise. However, the same concepts work with non-padded satin stitching. The tutorial is rather long (almost 8 minutes). I filmed it in stages, from outlining, to padding, to satin stitching. I hope you find it helpful!

For more video tutorials, please visit the Video Library of Stitches Index.

Labels: beginner embroidery, Hand embroidery stitches, video tutorials

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Ribbed Spider Web Stitch Video Tutorial

The spider web stitch and the ribbed spider web stitch are both "woven" embroidery stitches, either used as isolated accents or used in clusters. They aren't a line stitch or a filling stitch, and they aren't really a "small" detached stitch that can speckle a background lightly, either.

Mary Thomas, in her Dictionary of Embroidery Stitches, categorizes both stitches as "isolated" stitches. They add interest to embroidery, as well as texture.

This tutorial focuses on the ribbed spider web, or the backstitched spider web. Instead of weaving your needle merely over and under the spokes of the wheel in a constantly forward motion, with this stitch, you go forward under two spokes, and back over one, forward under two, back over one - just like a backstitch, except you're working over "spokes" arranged in a wheel shape.

Now, the spider web stitch can have any number of spokes - from 5 on up. Usually, with the regular spider web (woven in a constantly forward motion over and under the spokes, without backstitching over one), you're going to definitely use an odd number of spokes. In the ribbed spider web, it isn't as important, and an even number (8) is fairly regularly portrayed in popular stitch dictionaries (see Mary Thomas's, as well as the Embroiderer's Handbook).

In the video below, I've used 8 spokes. I've worked one with the centers crossing (the larger one used for the video), and next to it, you'll be able to see one where I've separated the spokes so that the center is empty. It's up to you, of course. You could always mount a bead in there, or work some other textured stitches, like a cluster of drizzle stitches.

Have fun with this stitch!

Here's the video:

For more video tutorials, please check out the Video Library of Stitches Index.

Labels: beginner embroidery, Hand embroidery stitches, video tutorials

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Fly Stitch Video Tutorial: Vertical Fly Stitch

The fly stitch can be worked both horizontally and vertically. In this video tutorial, you'll see the fly stitch worked vertically.

Besides working fly stitches in horizontal rows or vertical columns, the stitch can also be isolated, to create "filled" (loosely filled) background areas, or to create small accent-like stitches across a "canvas." Experiment with it! It's a fun and quick stitch!

If you'd like to see the fly stitch worked horizontally, check out the horizontal fly stitch video tutorial.

Here's the fly stitch, worked vertically:

For more video tutorials, please visit the Video Library of Stitches Index.

Labels: beginner embroidery, Hand embroidery stitches, video tutorials

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Fly Stitch Video Tutorial: Horizontal Fly Stitch

The fly stitch is another basic embroidery stitch used for straight and curved lines, seam embellishments in crazy quilting, and general surface embroidery techniques.

The fly stitch can be worked horizontally and vertically. In this video, it is worked horizontally. I'll show you the vertical fly stitch next.

Here's the video:

For more video tutorials for hand embroidery, please visit the Video Library of Stitches Index.

Labels: beginner embroidery, Hand embroidery stitches, video tutorials

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Double Feather Stitch Video Tutorial

Variations to the feather stitch make it a versatile stitch for hand embroidery. Here's a video tutorial for the double feather stitch...

Like the feather stitch, the double feather stitch is used for foliage, sprigs, greenery, etc., in all types of general surface embroidery, and is especially good for Brazilian embroidery, ribbon embroidery, etc. It works great as a seam embellisment in crazy quilting, and as an edging or border stitch on other work.

On the following video, there isn't any sound! (Sorry!) The instructions are basically the same for this stitch as for the feather stitch. The difference with the double feather stitch is that you continue one more step to the left or right as you're working down your "feather."

Here's the video:

For more video tutorials for hand embroidery, please visit the Video Library of Stitches Index.

Labels: beginner embroidery, Hand embroidery stitches, video tutorials

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Feather Stitch Video Tutorial

The feather stitch is an easy stitch for hand embroidery. It's worked vertically, from top to bottom in a kind of back-and-forth, right-and-left motion.

You can use the feather stitch in hand embroidery for edges and borders, it's used often in crazy quilting as a seam embellishment, and it also makes a good foundation of foliage or stems in flower designs, in Brazilian embroidery, etc.

Here's the video:

You'll find more video tutorials at the Video Library of Stitches Index.

Labels: beginner embroidery, Hand embroidery stitches, video tutorials

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Buttonhole Wheels Video Tutorial

Once you know how to do the buttonhole stitch, it's just a matter of "working it" a bit to master variations of the stitch. In this video, I'll show you how to work a buttonhole wheel, which can be effectively used in all kinds of embroidery - I like to use them for flower-like accents and for adding texture and such to designs.

If you want to see some embroidery with buttonhole wheel techniques, you can check out these hollyhocks and these other flowers embroidered with buttonhole stitch.

If you haven't tried the basic buttonhole stitch yet, you might want to check out the video tutorial for buttonhole stitch as well.

Here's the video for buttonhole wheels:

For more video tutorials, please check out the Video Library of Stitches Index.

Labels: beginner embroidery, Hand embroidery stitches, video tutorials

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Daisy Stitch Video Tutorial

The detached chain stitch, also known as the "lazy daisy" or just "daisy" stitch, is a pretty popular embroidery stitch. It's perfect, of course, for flowers, but can be used in lots of different ways.

Besides working daisy-type flowers with the detached chain stitch, you can also work the stitch as a ground stitch, to fill in parts of embroidery designs where you want a speckled effect, heavier, for example, than seeding. You can create background patterns with detached chain stitches, and play with the stitch in ways to create texture by overlapping stitches, or by "stippling" with them.

It would be interesting to hear from readers about how they have used this stitch in other ways, besides as flowers.

In the meantime, though, you can check out some embroidered flowers that use the detached chain. These embroidered daisies and the pansies on the buttonhole flowers page both make use of this stitch.

I like this example of lazy daisy stitch in action:

As you can see, these aren't daisies, but they come across pretty well with this stitch, I thought! They're worked in two strands of cotton overdyed floss.

Here's the video:

For more video tutorials for hand embroidery, please check out the Video Library of Stitches Index.

Labels: beginner embroidery, Hand embroidery stitches, video tutorials

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Buttonhole Stitch Video Tutorial

The buttonhole stitch is used in many types of hand embroidery - general surface embroidery, crazy quilting, whitework and cutwork, Mountmellick embroidery, needle lace, filet work - you name it, buttonhole stitch fits in somehow. It's a super versatile stitch, and once you have the basic stitch down, it's just a matter of applying it in a variety of ways.

The length and pattern of the stitch can change, according to what you want to do with it. Check out this variety of tiny flowers using buttonhole stitch. These hollyhocks in wool are also worked with buttonhole.

Here's the video:

For more video tutorials for basic embroidery stitches, check out the Video Library of Stitches Index.

Labels: beginner embroidery, Hand embroidery stitches, video tutorials

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Whipped Backstitch Video Tutorial

The whipped backstitch is a simple line stitch that can be used for fine or bold lines. This video tutorial will show you just how simple it is...
First, in order to work the whipped backstitch, you have to know how to work the backstitch. The video tutorial for backstitch will help you learn this basic embroidery stitch.

Second, there are LOTS of ways to whip a backstitch - this is the most basic here. You can change the look of this stitch by whipping a different weight or color thread through your backstitchs. You can also whip the backstitch twice, once in one direction (up through the backstitches) and once in the other (down through the stitches). Use your imagination and experiment!

You can see an example of the whipped backstitch used on linen to create delicate lines in the photo of this linen pall.

Here's the video - it's a short one this time!

For more video tutorials, please visit the Video Library of Stitches index.

Labels: beginner embroidery, Hand embroidery stitches, video tutorials

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Fishbone Stitch Video Tutorial

As you'll see in this video tutorial, the fishbone stitch is an easy embroidery stitch to use for filling in leaves (and other shapes, too). The stitch is a good stepping-stone to satin stitch, as it requires you to keep a neat edge on the outside of your design.

If you vary the weight of your thread, you can make very delicate leaves or bold and heavy leaves. Here's an example of a leaf worked with this stitch:

The video is a bit longer than most, and towards the end, I switch over to working the end of the leaf. Here it is:

For more video tutorials on embroidery stitches, visit the Video Library of Stitches index.

Labels: beginner embroidery, Hand embroidery stitches, video tutorials

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French Knot Video Tutorial

Here's a video tutorial for the French Knot. This knot is used often in hand-embroidery, but a lot of people avoid it, because it intimidates them. Once you work one correctly, you'll find that it's really easy!!!

There are different methods to making French knots. Some people twist their thread three times, some only two. I generally use two twists, but if I want a larger knot, I'll go with three. You can also achieve larger knots by changing the weight of the thread you are using. Instead of, say, two strands of DMC, you can use three or four.

The trick to French knots is to keep tension on your working thread while you're pulling your needle through so that your coils stay in their proper place on your needle.

If you want to see the French knot in application, you can check out these hollyhocks, around which you'll see some knots used for a 'stippling' effect.

Here's the video:

For more video tutorials, please visit the Video Library of Stitches.

Labels: beginner embroidery, Hand embroidery stitches, video tutorials

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Portuguese Knotted Stem Stitch Video Tutorial

Here's a video tutorial for Portuguese Knotted Stem Stitch. This is a line stitch good for outlining, especially when you want a little heavier line with some texture to it.

The Portuguese Knotted Stem Stitch can also be used for filling an area, when it's worked in closely stitched rows, with the "knots" in alternating positions.

This stitch is especially suitable to Mountmellick Embroidery, and can be used equally well in Jacobean work.

I've also got a photo tutorial of the same stitch, if you want to see it in "still life." The photo tutorial shows more clearly what the stitch looks like when worked.

Here's the video:

For more video tutorials, please visit the Video Library of Stitches Index.

Labels: beginner embroidery, Hand embroidery stitches, video tutorials

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Outline Stitch Video Tutorial

Here's another video tutorial for a basic hand embroidery stitch - the outline stitch. It's another versatile, easy stitch!

The outline stitch is a lot like the stem stitch - only the position of the working thread is above the needle as you stitch - or, if you're going upwards on your design, it's to the left of the needle.

Outline stitch can be used for fine lines and it can also be used for filling by working rows next to each other. The noticeable difference between the outline stitch and the stem stitch is that the outline stitch forms a closer twist in the look of your line, so that you don't see the separation in the stitches as clearly as you do in stem stitch.

Here's the video:

For more tutorials, please visit the Video Library of Stitches Index.

Labels: beginner embroidery, Hand embroidery stitches, video tutorials

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Split Stitch Video Tutorial for Hand Embroidery

The split stitch is another easy hand embroidery stitch, perfect for beginners and used often by advanced embroiderers. Here's a tutorial that will teach you two methods of using the split stitch.

The first method covered in the video is the "sewing method" of embroidery, where your hands work on the front of the fabric and do not pass to the back. The second method is the "stab" method, where your working hand passes from the front to the back of the fabric to move the needle.

Each method is correct, depending on how you like to embroider. Personally, I think the "stab" method produces a consistently better-looking stitch, but there isn't that much difference between the two. Once you get the hang of the stitch, it's a very quick stitch to work.

Applications: it's great for outlining, lines, and curves, as well as for filling, when worked in rows right next to each other.

Please excuse the shaky video! It can be somewhat difficult to embroider while hugging a camera! New tripod coming soon!

Here's the video:

For more tutorials on hand embroidery stitches, visit the Video Library of Stitches.

Labels: beginner embroidery, Hand embroidery stitches, video tutorials

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Couching Video Tutorial

Couching is another easy embroidery stitch in hand embroidery, and a great way to create decorative line stitches that scroll and twirl about. It's also widely used for filling areas, and historically was used to great effect during the Middle Ages and Renaissance in a technique called Or Nue. Here's a video that demonstrates couching a single thread for an outline.

There are two threads used in couching - the laid thread (that's the one you're sewing down) and the couching thread (the one you're using to attach the laid thread to the fabric).

As mentioned in the video, the key to good couching technique for outlining (couching single threads) is to make sure your stitches are evenly spaced and always perpendicular to the laid thread.

Here's the video:

Labels: beginner embroidery, Hand embroidery stitches, video tutorials

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Embroidery Stitch Video Tutorial: Chain Stitch

Another basic hand embroidery stitch, the chain stitch is used to outline and to fill spaces. It's a fun stitch to work, and always looks great!

The chain stitch is probably one of the most common embroidery stitches, and adapted to all different techniques, even lace making. The chain stitch works very easily around curves, in lines, or in large spaces for filling. There are many variations on the stitch - heavy chain stitch, whipped chain stitch, twisted chain stitch, checkered chain stitch - you get the idea! Once the basic stitch is mastered, the rest is easy!

Here's the video:

For more video tutorials, please visit the video library of stitches.

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Embroidery Stitch Video Tutorial: Whipped Running Stitch

Another hand embroidery stitch that's great for beginning embroidery - the whipped running stitch. It's a simple, quick stitch to work. This stitch is one of many line stitches that can be used for bold or delicate outlines, depending on your choice of thread.

The whipped running stitch looks great when using two colors of thread, as I did in this video tutorial. However, if you want a solid line out of one color, you can use it for that, too! You can change the look of the stitch by varying the spacing of your running stitches. To learn how to work the running stitch, you can check out the video tutorial or read the illustrated instructions.

If you want to see some examples of whipped running stitches in bold colors, you can explore the article on embroidery for children. This is a simple stitch, and kids especially love it - but it isn't limited to kid use! So have fun with it!

For more video tutorials, visit the Video Library of Stitches Index.

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Embroidery Stitch Video Tutorial: Backstitch

Another simple hand-embroidery stitch, the backstitch is useful in many applications. It's commonly seen in counted-thread embroidery, like counted cross stitch, but it's also used often in free-style surface embroidery. Below, you'll find a video tutorial for this stitch.

You can use backstitch to make bold lines or delicate lines, depending on the fabric, thread, and needle you decide to use. There are several variations of backstitch, including the whipped backstitch and Holbein stitch (or running backstitch). You can find more detailed written instructions on this stitch here.

Here's the video:

For more video tutorials on simple embroidery stitches, please visit the Video Library of Stitches.

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Embroidery Stitch Video Tutorial: Stem Stitch

The Video Library of Stitches continues to expand with the stem stitch. If you want to learn how to do this basic embroidery stitch, check out the video clip below.

The stem stitch is a versatile embroidery stitch. It can be used to outline or to fill an area. When you fill an area, you work rows of stem stitches right next to each other. You can vary the length of your stitches for a slightly different look. If you want to read about the stem stitch in addition to watching the video tutorial, please check out the Basic Embroidery Stitch Index, where you will find stem stitch under the Line Stitches.

Here's the video:

For more video tutorials, please visit the Video Library of Stitches Index.

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Video Library of Hand-Embroidery Stitches - Index

Hand embroidery is easier if you have someone around to show you how to do it. You can certainly find just about any hand embroidery stitch illustrated in a book, but it's not quite the same as sitting down next to a friend who can walk you through the stitches. There are quite a few videos available on embroidery stitches, but I've noticed that they are either for special techniques (such as "crewel embroidery" or "ribbon embroidery") or they are very expensive for only a few stitches. So I thought I'd see if I could manage a library of hand embroidery stitches on video.

The idea of making free videos of hand embroidery stitches came about mostly as an extension to my summer hand embroidery classes that I teach to kids (and now also to adults). It's fun to teach embroidery, and it's fun to see people learn to embroider. Why not let more people learn, by hosting the videos online for free?

I've arranged the stitches according to type, but as the library of embroidery videos expands, I can see that it is going to require a little re-arranging.

Feel free to leave a comment if you have any specific stitch you would like to see on video, by the way. I'm always up to requests, and I plan for the stitch library to keep developing over the years.

And, in case you're interested, here's an article about how I make the embroidery stitch video tutorials.

If you have problems playing the videos, please check out the Google Video Help Center on Solving Playback Issues. I find that the few people I hear from who have a problem viewing the videos solve the problems by looking through the list of FAQs on that page.

Here's the Video Library of Stitches Index:

Line Stitches & Bands

Chain, Fly, and Buttonhole Stitches

Detached Stitches & Knots

Filling Stitches

Basic Long and Short Stitch Shading
Fishbone Stitch
Cretan Stitch
Detached Buttonhole Filling
Satin Stitch
Lattice Work
Bokhara Couching
Roumanian Couching
Trellis Stitch
Turkey Work (Ghiordes Knot) - a plush, dimensional filling

Miscellaneous Embroidery Techniques

Bullion Rose Bud Tutorial
A little over 13 minutes, this tutorial demonstrates how to make rose buds using the bullion knot. It also covers beginning and ending your threads when working small embroidery motifs.

Check back often! As the stitches are posted, the links will be added.

Labels: beginner embroidery, Hand embroidery stitches, video tutorials

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Embroidery Stitch Video Tutorial: The Running Stitch & Finishing Threads

Basic hand-embroidery stitches are relatively easy to learn. To help you learn, I'm putting together a video library of stitches. The first tutorial is the most basic line stitch, the running stitch, followed by how to end your threads in hand embroidery.

To see a written explanation of the running stitch for hand-embroidery, you can look in the Basic Embroidery Stitches index, under Line Stitches.

You can use the running stitch many ways. You can also vary the look of the stitch by varying the length of the stitches vs. the length of the spaces between the stitches.

Here's the video:

More video tutorials will be added along the way, so check the Video Stitch Library index often.

Labels: beginner embroidery, Hand embroidery stitches, video tutorials

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Needle'nThread Daily Newsletter
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Thursday, August 06, 2009

Long & Short Stitch Shading, Lesson 2: Inside the Box

Long and Short Stitch Shading Lessons - Related Posts

Saturday, April 18, 2009

Turkey Work Embroidery Stitch Video Tutorial

Wednesday, September 17, 2008

Video Tutorial: Vandyke Stitch

Tuesday, August 05, 2008

Video Tutorial: Trellis Stitch

Sunday, August 03, 2008

Replay on the Coral Stitch: Testing a New Video Host...

Monday, July 28, 2008

Trial Run on Diamond Stitch Video - You Decide!

Video Tutorial: Knotted Diamond Stitch

Monday, July 21, 2008

Video Tutorial: Coral Stitch

Monday, July 14, 2008

Video Tutorial: Mountmellick Stitch

Thursday, April 24, 2008

Rope Stitch Hand Embroidery Video Tutorial

Monday, April 07, 2008

Embroidery Video Tutorial: Raised Chain Stitch Band

Monday, February 25, 2008

A Video Tutorial for Ribbon Embroidery: Gathered Flower

Sunday, January 20, 2008

Detatched Buttonhole Filling Video Tutorial

Thursday, January 17, 2008

Woven Picot - another Embroidery Video Tutorial

Sunday, January 13, 2008

Embroidery Video: Ladder Stitch

Saturday, January 05, 2008

Embroidery Video Tutorial: Roumanian Couching

Wednesday, January 02, 2008

Bokhara Couching Embroidery Video Tutorial

Sunday, December 30, 2007

Making Embroidery Stitch Videos - What a Hoot.

Sunday, October 14, 2007

Drizzle Stitch Video Tutorial

Sunday, August 26, 2007

Rosette Chain Stitch Video Tutorial

Wednesday, July 11, 2007

Embroidery Video Tutorial: Cable Chain Stitch

Tuesday, July 10, 2007

Embroidery Video Tutorial: Double Chain Stitch

Sunday, June 17, 2007

Oyster Stitch Video Tutorial

Sunday, May 06, 2007

Bullion Rose Bud Video Tutorial

Monday, April 16, 2007

Palestrina Stitch Video Tutorial

Sunday, April 15, 2007

Video Tutorial for Bullion Knots!

Wednesday, April 11, 2007

Seed Stitch Video Tutorial

Sunday, March 25, 2007

Embroidery Stitch Video Tutorial: Colonial Knot

Sunday, February 25, 2007

Embroidery Stitches: Fern Stitch Video Tutorial

Tuesday, February 06, 2007

Lattice Work Video Tutorial

Saturday, February 03, 2007

Chevron Stitch Video Tutorial

Monday, January 01, 2007

Wheat Stitch Video Tutorial

Friday, December 29, 2006

Embroidery Video Tutorials - an Update

Saturday, December 23, 2006

Video Tutorial: Double Herringbone Stitch

Tuesday, December 19, 2006

Cretan Stitch Video Tutorial

Monday, December 18, 2006

Video Tutorial: Herringbone Stitch!

Wednesday, November 29, 2006

Checkered or Alternating Chain Stitch Video Tutorial

Tuesday, November 28, 2006

Heavy Chain Stitch Video Tutorial

Sunday, November 26, 2006

Satin Stitch Video Tutorial

Saturday, November 25, 2006

Ribbed Spider Web Stitch Video Tutorial