How to hand embroider Satin Stitch

Satin stitch which is also known as damask stitch is one of the oldest embroidery stitches found and it is worked on traditional embroideries in practically every country of the globe. Traditional embroiderers of China and Japan excelled in the use of this stitch yet it is quite a simple …

Barred Chain Stitch

Barred chain is an extreme form of Twisted chain stitch. As experienced stitchers know, the chain stitch family has numerous varieties, of which Barred chain stitch is an interesting example. Just like Chain stitch, Barred chain stitch is a linear stitch that will follow curves well and can be easily worked …

Chevron Stitch

Chevron stitch is a decorative stitch used in surface embroidery and smocking. Some people consider it a basic stitch that you can use in numerous ways in hand-embroidered projects. The sample above is on a piece of crazy quilting and consists of a row of Chevron stitch, worked either side …

Herringbone Stitch

Herringbone Stitch is an old favourite of mine and of many other stitchers. I think it is a very versatile crossed stitch. You can work it for a border, as a fill, or along a curved line. You can use it in various forms of surface embroidery and I have …

Cretan stitch

Cretan stitch can be used in many decorative ways. With it, you can fill a shape, create a border, create a line, or if you arrange rows of Cretan stitch in lines, it makes a wonderful filling stitch to work within a shape. You can use it to couch down …

Feather Stitch

Feather stitch is a wonderfully versatile, decorative, surface embroidery stitch. It is also known as single coral stitch, and 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, …

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 …