Embroidery Tips

If you're new to embroidery or need a refresher, I've compiled a list of my go-to stitches.

Back Stitch

The back stitch is a basic stitch that is great for outlining when embroidering and for securing fabric when sewing. Depending on the look and the thickness you want to achieve, use any number of strands from 1 to 6.

Bring the needle and thread up from the back at point A and insert back into the fabric at point B. Bring the needle up at point C and insert back again at point B. This will leave you will a line of stitches with no gaps. Keep each stitch the same distance apart for an even look.

Seed Stitch

The seed stitch is a short stitch and is great for filling in color, adding texture, smaller designs, etc. The stitches can vary in size, spacing and direction.

French Knot

French knots are great for adding texture and detail to your work. They can be tricky at first, but after a little practice will become quite easy. I find it best to use 3 strands of thread.

Bring your needle and thread up from the back and wrap the thread around the needle two or three times.

Keep the thread taut as you insert the needle back into the fabric next to where you came up and pull the needle from the back side. Make sure to not insert back into the same spot or the knot will be pulled through the backside.

Woven Wheel Stitch

The woven wheel stitch is a fun stitch to use for roses. It is best to use 6 strands of thread for a full look.

Draw a circle on your fabric if you don’t already have a pattern and add 5 even spokes inside the circle. Make 5 stitches where the spokes are drawn then bring the needle back up near the center.

Begin weaving the needle over and under each spoke. Be careful to not snag any of the thread or pull the thread too tight. Continue weaving until you reach the edge and the spokes are covered.

Single/Detached Chain Stitch

This is a great stitch to use as detail when making flowers and leaves.

Bring the needle up at point A. Leave a loop and bring the needle back down at point B. Point B is right next to point A, but not the same hole. Bring the needle back up at point C, which is inside the loop and back down at point D.

The stitch from point C and point D secures the loop.

These stitches can be spaced out however you like depending on the design you want to make.

Thread Painting / Long and Short Stitch

Thread painting is a great way to fill in designs with color, especially when using more than one color. It is exactly what it sounds like – think of painting your design, but with thread. Your stitches will most likely be going in the same direction, just like a brush stroke. This technique is similar to seed stitches, except these stitches usually vary in length, alternating between long and short stitches. It is best to use 1 to 3 strands of floss for this design.