Stitch library

12 essential hand embroidery stitches

Each stitch has a numbered diagram, three short steps and a tip. Numbers mark holes in the fabric; come up from the back or go down to the back as each step says.

Line stitches

Draw outlines, stems and letters.

Diagram of Running stitch Line stitchesRunning stitchFor dashed lines, borders, quick outlinesDiagram of Backstitch Line stitchesBackstitchFor crisp outlines and letteringDiagram of Split stitch Line stitchesSplit stitchFor soft outlines and padding under fillsDiagram of Stem stitch Line stitchesStem stitchFor flower stems, vines, and curving lines

Loops & knots

Add flowers, leaves and texture.

Diagram of Chain stitch Loops & knotsChain stitchFor bold outlines, stems, and letteringDiagram of Lazy daisy Loops & knotsLazy daisyFor petals and small leavesDiagram of Fly stitch Loops & knotsFly stitchFor leaves, ferns, and grassDiagram of French knot Loops & knotsFrench knotFor flower centers, dots, and texture

Filling stitches

Cover shapes with color.

Diagram of Satin stitch Filling stitchesSatin stitchFor smooth, solid fills in small shapesDiagram of Long & short stitch Filling stitchesLong & short stitchFor shading petals and larger areasDiagram of Seed stitch Filling stitchesSeed stitchFor speckled texture and light fillsDiagram of Cross stitch Filling stitchesCross stitchFor counted designs on grid fabric such as Aida
Cover of Hand Embroidery for Beginners by Mrs. Embroidery

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Learn the basics with the free Beginner Guide

18 illustrated pages: 12 essential stitches, the Spring Wreath and butterfly projects, clean tracing sheets and a printable practice tracker. Pay what you want, even $0.

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