Embroidery Stitches 101

Embroidery floss comes in six strands twisted together. Most stitches call for fewer — the number you use affects the thickness and texture of your work.

1. Cut a length of floss no longer than 18 inches to prevent tangling.
2. Find the number of strands called for in your stitch guide.
3. Separate the strands one at a time or a few at a time by holding the full length of floss at the top and gently pulling a single strand upward.
4. Repeat until you have the right number of strands, then thread your needle and begin.

The straight stitch is the foundation of embroidery — a single, clean line of thread that can go in any direction.

1. Bring the needle up through the fabric at your starting point.
2. Push the needle down through the fabric at your ending point.
3. Repeat as needed, spacing stitches evenly or varying the length for texture.

Simple and versatile, the running stitch creates a dashed line and works well for outlines and details.

1. Bring the needle up through the fabric at your starting point.
2. Weave the needle in and out of the fabric in even intervals along your line.
3. Pull the thread through and repeat, keeping stitch lengths consistent.

The back stitch creates a solid, unbroken line and is one of the most reliable stitches for outlines and fine detail.

1. Bring the needle up through the fabric one stitch length ahead of your starting point.
2. Push the needle down at your starting point, then bring it up one stitch length ahead of where you first came through.
3. Push the needle down through the hole where you first came up.
4. Repeat, always inserting the needle back into the end of the previous stitch to form a continuous line.

The satin stitch fills a shape with smooth, parallel threads, creating a solid, polished look.

1. Bring the needle up through the fabric at one edge of the shape.
2. Push the needle down through the fabric at the opposite edge.
3. Bring the needle up just beside your first stitch and repeat, keeping stitches close together and parallel.
4. Continue until the shape is filled. Keep tension even for a smooth finish.

The long and short stitch blends colors smoothly and fills larger shapes with natural-looking gradients.

1. Start at the edge of the shape. Alternate long and short straight stitches side by side, following the shape's outline.
2. Fill the next row with stitches of consistent length, inserting the needle between the stitches of the previous row to blend them.
3. Continue row by row until the shape is filled. Blend colors by switching thread between rows.

The stem stitch creates a smooth, twisted rope-like line and is one of the most popular stitches for stems, curves, and outlines.

1. Bring the needle up through the fabric at your starting point.
2. Push the needle down a short distance ahead along the line, then bring it back up halfway between your starting point and where the needle went down, keeping the thread below the line of stitching.
3. Pull the thread through and repeat, always keeping the thread on the same side.
4. Continue along the line, keeping stitch lengths consistent for an even, twisted finish.

The chain stitch creates a linked, rope-like line that works beautifully for outlines and lettering.

1. Bring the needle up through the fabric at your starting point.
2. Loop the thread and hold it against the fabric with your thumb.
3. Push the needle down through the same hole you came up from, then bring it back up a short distance ahead, catching the loop as you pull through.
4. Repeat, always inserting the needle inside the previous loop to form the chain.

The lazy daisy stitch forms individual loops that come together to create flowers and other small shapes.

1. Bring the needle up through the fabric at the center of your flower.
2. Loop the thread and push the needle back down through the same hole, bringing it up at the petal tip and catching the loop.
3. Push the needle down just beyond the loop to anchor the petal.
4. Repeat around the center to form each petal.

The cross stitch forms a small X of thread and works well for filling shapes, adding texture, and creating decorative borders.

1. Bring the needle up through the fabric at the bottom left of your X.
2. Push the needle down at the top right, then bring it up at the bottom right.
3. Push the needle down at the top left to complete the X.
4. Repeat across the row, keeping all crosses the same size and ensuring the top stitch always crosses in the same direction for a consistent finish.

The fly stitch forms a small V shape anchored by a short vertical stitch, and works well for leaves, stems, and scattered details.

1. Bring the needle up through the fabric at the top left of your V.
2. Push the needle down at the top right, leaving a loose loop of thread.
3. Bring the needle up at the base of the V, catching the loop beneath the needle.
4. Push the needle down just below the base to anchor the stitch.
5. Repeat as needed, adjusting the width and depth of the V to suit your design.

French knots create small, raised dots of thread and add texture and detail to any design.

1. Bring the needle up through the fabric at your desired point.
2. Wrap the thread around the needle two to three times, holding the wraps in place with your non-dominant hand.
3. Push the needle down through the fabric just beside the starting point — not through the same hole.
4. Hold the wraps against the fabric as you pull the needle through to form the knot.