Let's Stitch

Here are simple illustrations for creating any of these decorative stitches. Mix-and-match any of the stitches to create your very own special look. Start by threading your needle and tying a knot at one end. Place your garment into an embroidery hoop and tighten. Pull your thread up from the back side, and follow diagrams below to begin stitching. For ending the stitching, tie a knot on back side of garment.

Back Stitch
(Creates a continuous line of stitching)

Bring the needle up at 1, down at 2, up at 3, down at 4. Continue making even stitches, forming a continuous line.

Running Stitch
(Allows equal amounts of fabric and stitches to show)

Bring the needle up at 1, down at 2, up at 3, down at 4. Continue this pattern, keeping the stitches evenly spaced.

Stem Stitch
(A more dimensional stitch that works well on curves)

Working from left to right, bring the needle up at 1, down at 2, up at 3, down at 4, continuing this pattern.

Straight Stitch
(Can be randomly placed for free form effect)

Bring the needle up at 1, down at 2, up at 3, down at 4. Continue this pattern, keeping the stitches evenly spaced.

Satin Stitch
(Used to fill in areas; also gives dimension)

Bring the needle up at 1 and down at 2, bring the needle back up at 3, right next to point 1 and down at 4. Continue this pattern, keeping the stitches close to each other.

French Knot
(Looks like a bead when stitched)

Bring the needle up at 1 and then wrap the thread under and then over the needle. Hold the thread tightly as you insert the needle back into the fabric and pull through to form a knot on top of the fabric.

Split Stitch
(Stitch works best with DMC Pearl Cotton or an even number of Floss strands.)

Bring the needle up at 1 and then down at 2, bring the needle back up at 3, piercing the thread to split in half and then down at 4.

Beading

To stitch on a bead, simply place a bead onto your threaded needle, slide it down to the fabric for correct positioning and then continue with your stitch. Make sure that the beads have a hole large enough to accommodate a threaded Chenille Size 22 or Embroidery Size 8 needle.