Particularly decorative traditional embroidery stitches
French knot stitch
This stitch is formed by winding the thread around the needle to form a small, raised knot. We show you how to form a perfect knot in our video,
the secret being to not wind the thread too tightly around the needle. Indispensable for embroidering flowers.
the secret being to not wind the thread too tightly around the needle. Indispensable for embroidering flowers.
Herringbone stitch and threaded herringbone stitch
Herringbone stitch is formed of diagonal stitches which cross each other near the ends.
Sizing and spacing can be variable depending on the required result, the only important thing to bear in mind is to make regular stitches.
Herringbone stitch can also be interlaced, as shown in the diagram below for a more decorative look.
Sizing and spacing can be variable depending on the required result, the only important thing to bear in mind is to make regular stitches.
Herringbone stitch can also be interlaced, as shown in the diagram below for a more decorative look.
Blanket stitch or Buttonhole stitch
Buttonhole stitch and blanket stitch are basically the same, the difference between the two being the spacing in between.
The stitches form an L shape and both the spacing and length of the stitches can be variable.
See also our article about Woven Stitches which will show you how to make a woven blanket stitch.
The stitches form an L shape and both the spacing and length of the stitches can be variable.
See also our article about Woven Stitches which will show you how to make a woven blanket stitch.
Reverse Palestrina knot
Reverse Palestrina stitch is also known as knotted pearl stitch or Palestrina knot. It is a raised stitch made of loops which form a knot.
The name comes from a region of Italy, the local embroidery school made this stitch popular at the beginning of the 20th century.
The name comes from a region of Italy, the local embroidery school made this stitch popular at the beginning of the 20th century.
Fly stitch
Fly stitch is formed with a loose straight stitch and an anchoring stitch which pulls this into a Y shape.
It can be used as an isolated stitch or multiple to form a feathered effect.
It can be used as an isolated stitch or multiple to form a feathered effect.
Feather stitch, double feather stitch and feathered chain stitch
Feather stitch is series of fly stitches worked under each other alternately from left to right.
The double feather stitch is also known as briar stitch, in French it is called thorn stitch.
The feathered chain stitch has a similar zigzag movement but with little loops at the extremities.
Post stitch
Also known as bullion knot, or even worm stitch. Unlike numerous embroidery stitches, this one is easier to make without an embroidery hoop.
After fixing on the fabric, the thread is loosely wound around the needle to form a spiral.
The thread is then gently pulled through the spiral and anchored into the fabric.
It does take a bit of practice to master this stitch but the results are worth it. Afterwards you will be able to make delicate roses, like the ones in our video.
We have used Laine Saint-Pierre here, which gives a slightly puffy effect.
After fixing on the fabric, the thread is loosely wound around the needle to form a spiral.
The thread is then gently pulled through the spiral and anchored into the fabric.
It does take a bit of practice to master this stitch but the results are worth it. Afterwards you will be able to make delicate roses, like the ones in our video.
We have used Laine Saint-Pierre here, which gives a slightly puffy effect.
Leaf stitch
Leaf stitch is in fact a particular arrangement of straight stitches, which allow you to embroider pretty, well-tapered leaves with their veins.
For optimal filling, you can use four strands of Retors du Nord embroidery thread. For finer work, you will only use two.
For optimal filling, you can use four strands of Retors du Nord embroidery thread. For finer work, you will only use two.
Pistil stitch
Pistil stitch is a combination of a straight stitch with a French knot at the end. As the name indicates, it is uses for embroidering flower pistils.
Simple raised satin stitch
This is a very simple way of adding volume to flowers, such as lily of the valley bells.
A couple of crosses are sewn as the base for this stitch, which is then covered with satin stitch to give a lovely raised effect.
Combine with stem stitch and leaf stitch to create a beautiful floral motif.
A couple of crosses are sewn as the base for this stitch, which is then covered with satin stitch to give a lovely raised effect.
Combine with stem stitch and leaf stitch to create a beautiful floral motif.
