Basic embroidery stitches

There are many embroidery stitches and techniques. Especially, recently embroiders worldwide have created a lot of modern stitches and techniques. However, just several traditional and basic embroidery stitches can be absolutely enough to create beautiful embroidery projects. I will introduce some popular and basic embroidery stitches below with instruction and illustration.

Stem stitch

Create each stitch overlaps the previous stitch to one side, forming a twisted line of stitching.

When working along a tight curve or a smooth line, take smaller stitches.

Back stitch

Bring the needle up a stitch length away from the end of the previous stitch. Then take it down at the end of the previous stitch.

Satin stitch

Create the straight stitches that are parallel and close to one another but make sure they don’t overlap.

It is normal if the edge is a little uneven or the finish not quite as satin-like as you expected.

French knot

Wrap the thread around the needle once for a small knot (twice for a larger knot). Take the needle down close to the place where the needle came to the front. Gently pull the needle down through the wraps to create a French knot.

Chain stitch

Bring the needle up through the fabric then take it back down through the same hole to create a loop. Bring the needle back up another stitch length away and do the same as the previous stitch to create the second loop.

Lazy daisy

Bring your needle up through the fabric then take it back down through the same hole to create a loop. Make a tiny holding stitch over the loop to anchor this lazy daisy stitch.

Straight stitch

Bring the needle out from the fabric and put it down through the fabric to create a straight line of any length.

Woven wheel

First, make five straight stitches to form a star. Bring the needle up near the center. Weave the needle over and under each straight stitch spoke until the circle is filled.