'1' indicates where the needle comes up through the fabric, '2' indicates where the needle is reinserted (down) and so on...
1. Split stitch
2. Blanket stitch
3. Hidden / Running stitch
4. Star / Smyrna stitch
5. Chain stitch
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Put down that dusty encyclopedia of embroidery stitches. This is what you're looking for to get started:
1. Split Stitch - For a continuous, running line. Make a small stitch
(1-2), and bring the needle up for the next stitch through the center
of the previous stitch, 'splitting' the threads. If you keep your
stitches short, it will resemble a chain stitch (see 5).
2. Blanket Stitch - This can be used along the edge of your fabric, or on the surface (shown). My explanation is a little different, and is for using it as a top stitch (not wrapping around the hem). Work from left to right. Make
a diagonal stitch (1-2), then when you bring your needle up (3) to make
the next stitch, come up under the first one, pulling the floss down to
make a right angle. Repeat.
3. Hidden or Running Stitch - This is the broken-dash stitch. Just run your needle
through several folds of fabric at once to work quickly, or leave a space
in-between stitches as you make them.
4. Star or Smyrna Stitch - To make stars and little accents. Stitch
length can be varied. Start with a 'plus' sign, and then stitch an 'x'
across the top. For larger stars, finish with a tiny stitch across the
center to prevent snagging.
5. Chain Stitch - Pull floss up through fabric and reinsert next to where
the needle just exited. Without pulling completely through, leave a small
loop of loose floss instead of making a stitch. Now come back up under
to make your next stitch, bringing the needle up through the loop of the
previous. Repeat along your pattern line.
There are hundreds of variations and other stitches: Lazy Daisy, Feather Stitch, Satin Stitch, just to name a few. For starting out, stitches like the split and blanket will give plenty of diversity to your designs.
Once you've gotten the hang of some stitches, you are ready to wield your fancy needlework on vintage clothing, western shirts, skirts, pillowcases, tea-towels, cloth napkins, curtains...anything you dare! Whatever you do, make it unique, make it yours and have fun.
*More stitching diagrams can be found here!*
Wait! Have more questions? Need to know about knots? Working on dark fabrics? Laundering and care for your embroidery? Additional stitches? Don't worry, I covered all that and more in my...
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