Bonnet stitch

The Bonnet stitch is a variation of buttonhole that forms a line of stitches with upright twisted, looped prongs. When you first look at the directions, some stitches look distinctly uninspiring. Bonnet stitch is such a case. It looks like a double buttonhole (I call it a herringbone with its …

Bullion Knot Stitch

People either love or hate bullion knots, but I am in the love-them camp! They are one of those hand-embroidery stitches that can be tricky to work, so if you have trouble with them, do take time to read my tips. Tips before you start Bullion Knot stitch  The main …

How to work Wheatear stitch

Wheatear stitch is an easy yet versatile stitch that is often used to depict wild grasses and wheat, as in the sample above. This sample uses various forms of wheatear. Wheatear consists of two straight stitches worked diagonally in a V-like shape before a chain stitch laces together the stitches at the …

French knot

French Knot Tips and Tricks A french knot is a difficult stitch for some people, but I have a tip or two in this tutorial. I am putting them upfront so you notice them before you embark upon learning the stitch. Stitcher’s problem #1: Your knot pops through the fabric …

Detached Chain Stitch

Detached Chain is often one of the first stitches people learn. Many people call this stitch: ‘daisy stitch’, ‘lazy daisy stitch’, ‘tall chain stitch’, ‘loop stitch’, ‘tied loop stitch’, ‘picot stitch’, and ‘knotted knot stitch’. But don’t let those names lead you into thinking that you can only make flowers …

Cretan stitch

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

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 …