Fern stitch is a quick and easy stitch to work. It is ideal to use in floral sprays. And at Christmas time, it is ideal in simple wreaths. You can also work this stitch in groups of 3 to make a bird footprint. It is perfect for creating a trail of prints across a sandy beach scene.
In this sample, I have worked it on the diagonal to keep the demonstration simple, but this stitch is ideal to work on flowing curves. The other way you can work it is row-upon-row as a diagonal filling stitch. So it is also useful to use in geometric patterns. For those who like highly decorative, embellished surfaces, there is also a beaded version of Fern Stitch
How to work Fern Stitch
I worked this demonstration of this stitch in cotton perle # 5 thread. Fern stitch consists of a simple arrangement of 3 straight stitches.
Bring the thread from the back of the fabric and work a straight stitch at an angle.
Next work a vertical straight stitch on the left side, followed by a vertical straight stitch on the right side.
I repeated this unit of 3 straight stitches along the line.
You can vary the length of the side spines to create an organic line, and by adding French knots or beads to the spiky ‘arms’ of the stitch, it can sit even better in a floral spray. And, if you want to emphasise the central line, you can further decorate the spine by whipping the central line with another thread of a different colour or texture.
It is a very simple stitch that lends itself to all sorts of applications. And it’s great for beginners or children.
Floral-themed Stitchers templates for hand embroiderers
With this set of stitchers templates, you can create your own floral-themed designs. You can easily combine petal and leaf shapes with the curved edges of the templates to create all sorts of floral and organic motifs. You will be able to create hundreds of different patterns to embroider. It is the ultimate mix-and-match fun for stitchers.
The set comes with an e-book with instructions and is filled with patterns and designs that you can create and use as jumping-off spots for your own designs.
They are available now in the shop here
Enjoy your stitching!
Thanks for this fun stitch. My sample is here.
http://hobbysewing.blogspot.com/2020/09/tast-25-beyond-tast-25.html
Thanks for this fun stitch. My sample is here.
HI Sharon,
The fern stitch sampler is started here-
https://jizee6687.wordpress.com/category/tast-2014/40-134-fern-stitch/
Thank you,
Chitra
A great little stitch that became philosophical and educational!
http://queeniepatch.blogspot.jp/2014/10/tast-134-fern-stitch.html
Oh yes Queenie I agree – it is important to feel at ease with the rhythm of a stitch
Here are my samples of #134 – http://hokkaidokudasai.blogspot.jp/2014/10/take-stitch-tuesday-134-fern-stitch.html?m=0
Thanks!
I liked this one! Played a little with beads as well… http://210920746822434353.weebly.com/my-stitchery-journal/2014-staying-connected-week-forty-one
Thanks for the instructions! I really like this stitch! http://princessbubblescreates.blogspot.ca/2014/10/take-stitch-tuesday_14.html
Here’s my Tast 133 sample.
http://linsartyblobs.blogspot.co.uk/2014/10/tast-133.html
Hi Sharon, this is my first time posting to TAST. Thank you forrthe wonderful information you give us. I am learning so much.
I hope this links to my blog.
http://www.nickersmarie.blogspot.com.au/2014/10/take-stitch-tuesday.html
Nicky in Waldport, Oregon.
HI Nicky I took the liberty of adding a link to your comment- you just need to copy the web address from the top field in your browser and paste it into your comment here. If it has the http bit in the address it will become a link and people can visit your blog and see what you have done.
Hi Sharon,
A very nice stitch, haven’t tried it before. looking forward to explore this stitch. I am back from stitch free vacation. lots of catching up to be done. Earlier worked 133rd week triple chain stitch sampler-
http://jizee6687.wordpress.com/category/tast2/22-triple-chain-st/
Thank you,
Chitra
Hello Sharon, I will enjoy the new stitch and I have a really large smile on my face!
Hi Anneliese pleased you are smiling!