Embroidery Stitches1. Back Stitch

The Back Stitch is a basic embroidery and sewing stitch used to produce a thin line of stitching, to outline shapes that will be filled with satin stitch, or to stitch fabric pieces together.

2. Blanket Stitch

The Blanket Stitch is a basic stitch that can be used to create an edging, used as a surface embroidery stitch, or to applique elements in place on an embroidery project. It is worked using open half-loops of stitching, similar to a hand-worked buttonhole stitch.

3. Bosnian Stitch

The Bosnian stitch can be used in a surface embroidery, freestyle or counted thread embroidery project where a zigzag line is needed. There are several different ways the stitch can be worked, and two variations are given here in this article.

This page features a method for working the Bosnian stitch on one pass, while the next step shows a quick-stitch method that is worked in two passes.

Regardless of the bethod you select, this stitch should be worked while having the embroidery fabric held taut in an embroidery hoop for best results. This will ensure that the stitches are not worked too tightly or loosely.

4. Buttonhole Stitch - Crossed

The Crossed Buttonhole Stitch is a variation of the standard buttonhole stitch, a common surface embroidery or edging stitch. It gets its name from the cross stitch-like pattern created when working the stitch, and is a beautiful accent to a cross stitch or embroidery project.

The crossed buttonhole stitch, like the blanket stitch, is a versatile stitch than can be worked free-hand on the surface or counted, to ensure accurate spacing. Work the design along a hemmed edge, to outline a shape or create a decorative band.

5. Cable Stitch

The Cable Stitch can be worked along a straight or curved line on plainweave or evenweave fabric, and can be grouped into rows as a filling stitch.

6. Chain Stitch and Chain Stitch Filling

Learn to work the basic Chain Stitch, the chain stitch as a filling, as well as the proper way to change thread when working this easy stitch.

7. Chain Stitch - Cable

The Cable Chain features rows of linked chain stitches worked in a straight or zigzag pattern. The linked chains cen be used as outlines or borders.

8. Chain Stitch - Detached Single

Learn to work a single, Detached Chain Stitch. This stitch forms the basis of stitches like the lazy daisy.

9. Chain Stitch - Filling

Chain Stitch Filling is worked in multiple, concentric rows until an item is completely filled.

10. Chain Stitch - Lazy Daisy

The Lazy Daisy is not a stitch per se, but is instead a group of single, detached chain stitches arranged in the shape of a flower. Learn to work a basic lazy daisy stitch.

11. Chain Stitch - Feathered

The Feathered Chain Stitch is a decorative hand embroidery stitch that utilizes detached chain stitches arranged in a zig-zag pattern as if working the feather stitch, forming a hybridized stitch.

This highly textured surface embroidery stitch is wider than a standard chain stitch, making it perfect for use in wide bands and rows.

12. Chain Stitch - Square

The Square Chain Stitch is a chunky, open version of a standard chain stitch. This stitch can be used alone as an interesting border or outine stitch, or pass ribbon or other trims under the stitch for a multi-layered effect.

13. Chain Stitch - Twisted

The Twisted Chain Stitch is worked similarly to a standard row of chain stitch, with the exception of the second insertion point of the needle being outside the previous stitch. When used singly, a stitch resembles a small fish. Add a French knot eye and you have an easy element to use in a beach-themed project.

14. Chevron Stitch

The Chevron Stitch is a surface embroidery stitch worked using long diagonal stitches topped with a horizontal cap stitch. This stitch can be used in straight rows and bands. It can also be stitches along a curved edge if guide lines are carefully marked on the fabric.

15. Chevron Stitch - Double

The Double Chevron Stitch can be used in bands and borders, and may be worked in a single color or two colors. It is worked similarly to standard chevron stitch but in two passes. The first pass is worked as a standard chevron stitch, while the second pass weaves through the first.

16. Colonial Knot

The Colonial Knot is a larger, sturdier knot used in surface embroidery, especially candlewick embroidery using heavy threads on sturdy cotton or linen fabrics.

Learn more about this knot by visiting the Candlewicking Tutorial.

17. Cretan Stitch - Open

The Open Cretan Stitch is similar to feather stitch, as it uses interlocking curved stitches, but is made using stitches that are vertical along the top and bottom edges, rather than curved.

It can be used to outline shapes, as a border, or to join two pieces of material together using a decorative, open lacy stitch.

18. Cross Stitch

Cross Stitch is commonly worked on Aida fabric by stitching one stitch over each square in the fabric, or counted by working over two threads when using an evenweave fabric.

However, cross stitch can also be used as a surface embroidery stitch when working with pre-stamped items, hot iron or other embroidery transfers.

19. Cross Stitch - Chinese

Unlike standard cross stitch, which is worked diagonally, Chinese Cross Stitch is worked using a single horizontal and two vertical vertical straight stitches (groups of three). It makes a pretty border or edging on a project, and can be worked in a single row, or multiple rows.

The stitching area can be pre-marked on the fabric, worked freestyale, or worked as a counted stitch.

20. Cross Stitch - Long-Armed or Elongated

The Long-Armed Cross Stitch, sometimes referred to as an elongated cross stitch, can be used in bands and rows, or two outline or frame a section of a design in counted thread embroidery projects. The stitch is worked nearly identically to a standard cross stitch, with the exception that the second leg of the stitch is elongated. When worked in rows, the stitches cross each other and resemble a braid.

21. Cross Stitch - Upright

The Upright Cross Stitch can be used as a scattered or engineered filling stitch, or in bands and borders. It is worked similarly to standard http://embroidery.about.com/od/Embroidery-Stitches/ss/Cross-Stitch-And-Partial-Cross-Stitch.htm" >cross stitch, with the exception of the stitches being worked vertically and horizontally, rather than diagonally.

Upright cross stitch can be worked as a counted stitch on linen or Aida embroidery fabric, or pre-marked on a plainweave embroidery fabric.

22. Ermine Stitch

The Ermine Stitch can be worked singly or in rows, or scattered as a filling stitch. It's made from three stitches - a vertical stitch crossed by two diagonal stitches - and is easy to work.

This stitch can be used as a counted stitch, or as a surface embroidery stitch and can be worked freestyle or pre-marked on the fabric for perfect placement. It gets its name due to its resemblance to the furry tail of an ermine.

23. Eyelet Stitch - Basic

The Basic Eyelet Stitch, also knows as a star stitch or Algerian eye, can be worked singly, in rosws, or clustered together as a filling. Learn to work a basic 12-spoke eyelet with these directions.

24. Eyelet Stitch - Algerian

The Algerian Eye stitch is work in the same manner as the basic eyelet, but has just 8 spokes and is over a counted number of threads in the pattern. As for other eyelet stitches, work the stitch from the outside edges to the center, forming an indentation in the center to make a small hole or eye.

25. Feather Stitch

Feather Stitch is light and airy. These two versions of the stitch are worked similarly, creating an open line of embroidery stitching that can be used for borders, around shapes, or to attach appliques.

26. Feather Stitch - Closed

Closed Feather Stitch forms a band with closed edges, rather than open, lacy sides. This stitch can be used along stright lines, or along curved lines if carefully spaced. It can also be used as a couching stitch and looks nice holding ribbon in position on a fabric.

27. Feather Stitch - Double

In the Double Feather Stitch, stitches are worked in left and right groups, forming a more intricate - and wider - band of stitching. Use this stitch for bands and rows, or to add pizazz to a thick hemmed edge.

28. Feather Stitch - Single

The Single Feather Stitch has stitches aligned to one side.

29. Feather Stitch - Straight Variations

The same stitch used in the Single Feather stitch can be used to create variations of the same stitch, as in this Straight Feather variation.

30. Fern Stitch

The Fern Stitch is a surface embroidery stitch used to create an open, lacy stitch along a straight or curved line. It's beautiful worked as tree branches, ferns, or seaweed in a project.

Each section of the fern stitch is worked as a group of three straight stitches, all worked into the same ending hole. The groups are stitched repeatedly to make a row.