Raised Cross Stitch Flower Stitch

I am always a little surprised when people are unaware of this stitch. Raised cross stitch flower is quick and easy to do and these little rose-like flowers are ideal to add to all sorts of hand embroidery projects. Here is a floral spray worked on my hussif  using Raised …

Up and Down Feathered Buttonhole Stitch

Let’s make twiggy bits! Up and Down Feathered Buttonhole stitch is ideal to use for thorny stems in floral sprays. This is a stitch I often use and I think most embroiderers and crazy quilters will particularly enjoy, as it makes marvellous twiggy bits — particularly if you treat them …

Diamond Stitch

I discovered Diamond stitch in Marion Nichols’ Encyclopedia of Embroidery Stitches. Even though Diamond Stitch is normally worked between to parallel rows it can be stacked or worked free form. As a stitch, it is versatile enough to produce some interesting effects, as the pattern it creates as you work …

Breton Stitch

Breton stitch is based on closed herringbone stitch, making it a member of the herringbone family. If you know how to work herringbone you will discover the working rhythm of the stitch much easier to establish. Breton stitch is also known as widow’s stitch. This stitch is easy and quick …

Woven detached chain stitch

As the name indicates, Woven detached chain stitch is just as it sounds – a detached chain stitch that has been woven or laced with thread. The stitch is simple to work. And it also makes delightful little leaf shapes that you can use in floral sprays. It is fun …

How to hand embroider Sailors stitch

I first discovered Sailor stitch listed as a border stitch in Jan Eaton’s The Complete Stitch Encyclopedia listed as a border stitch but have discovered it is extremely versatile. Sailor stitch can be used as an edging stitch that can be worked along the hem or edge of an item. …

Buttonholed Herringbone stitch

Buttonholed Herringbone is a composite stitch that I often get asked about. As the name suggests, it consists of a foundation of herringbone stitch which is then buttonholed. First, work a line of herringbone in a fairly solid thread such as perle 5. If you need a refresher on how …