Feather Stitch

Feather stitch is a wonderfully versatile, decorative, surface embroidery stitch. It is also known as single coral stitch, or briar stitch. Feather stitch is found extensively on traditional English smocks, Dorset embroidery and on crazy quilts. You can easily give a contemporary twist to the traditional uses of feather stitch, …

Buttonhole Stitch

Buttonhole stitch, or blanket stitch, as many people call it, is actually the foundation stitch for many varieties of Buttonhole. This stitch is often used along the edge of projects — often blankets — hence the name. Never underestimate a stitch-like buttonhole, as it is a marvellously versatile stitch. You …

Fly Stitch

Fly stitch is a simple stitch that you can use for many things, such as in the sample above. In this piece of contemporary embroidery, I worked fly stitch in stranded cotton floss, perle #8 cotton, perle #12 cotton over layers of chiffon and net to produce a watery effect. …

Raised Close Herringbone Stitch

Raised Close Herringbone The Raised Close Herringbone stitch is usually worked in the shape of leaves and incorporated in floral sprays. It is a self-padding stitch that adds texture and interest to a spray.  I recommend using a blunt tapestry needle when working Raised Close Herringbone Stitch. This avoids splitting …