Arrow or Arrowhead stitch

Two varieties of Arrowhead stitch are listed in various stitch books. One is a horizontal version, and one is vertical. Some books call the vertical version Upright Arrow, while others simply call both versions Arrow stitch. Some books refer to the horizontal version as Zig-Zag stitch. Both varieties are good …

Magic Chain Stitch

Magic Chain Stitch is a fun, light-hearted stitch that both children and adults love. It is called Checkered or Magic Chain — because it changes colour. It is useful to use on small gifts, like Christmas tree decorations, purses, bags, etc. This stitch can hold a curve well. I have …

Buttonhole Wheel Cup

I discovered the Buttonhole Wheel Cup while experimenting with buttonhole wheels. I am sure I just re-invented the stitch, and somewhere someone else will have had the same thoughts. They make great middles to flowers like daffodils, and I use them all over the place in my textured embroidery, as …

Italian Border Stitch Tutorial

Italian border Stitch is perfect for borders and edges. You can work this stitch where you would normally use buttonhole to finish an edge. Worked in a compact manner, it forms a neat line, with the knot reinforcing the edge. Since this stitch is actually a variety of fly stitch, …

How to hand embroider Knotted Loop Stitch

Knotted loop stitch is often described as being ideal for borders, but if you play with the height and spacing of the arms, it can be a very interesting stitch to explore. Even though it is normally worked between two parallel rows, it can be stacked or worked free-form. Here, you …

Pistil Stitch

Pistil Stitch Pistil stitch is really a French Knot with a tail. It is ideal for the centres of flowers, or arranged in a circle as a flower motif. The weight of the thread will determine the size of the finished stitch. You can also work this stitch using silk …

Sheaf Stitch

Sheaf Stitch is a quick, easily worked hand embroidery stitch that is ideal for beginners and children, yet versatile enough to keep advanced embroiderers intrigued. We often underestimate this stitch. It looks good in a thread with a firm twist, such as cotton perle #5 or Cotton Perle #8 if …