Basic Embroidery Stitches

Quick Links to Stitch Index

Basic embroidery stitches are the building blocks of all needlework whether counted or free style.

I have tried to categorize the needlework stitches but you will find some fit into more than one section so are repeated where appropriate.

The free embroidery lessons and projects on this needlework site show many examples of embroidery stitches and you will find ideas on how to use them to create simple flowers and take part in the Embroidered Flowers Challenge here.

I thought it would be helpful to start building an index, so that it was easier for you to find them when you needed them.

Enjoy your stitching.

Surface embroidery stitches

Lazy daisy stitch - often used for simple embroidered flowers and in Crazy Quilting, or for a challenge try this strawberrry.

Stem stitch - one of the main stitches in Redwork embroidery

Whipped chain stitch

Fly stitch

Cross stitches

Fractional cross stitches - i.e. half cross stitch, quarter stitches and three quarter stitches

Long armed cross stitch

Reversible cross stitch - make the back the same as the front

Knotted stitches

French knots - learn how to make perfect french knots.

video showing how to do french knots

Straight stitches

Satin stitch kloster blocks- for hardanger

Pattern darning

Pulled work stitches

Cobbler stitch

Diagonal raised band

Single Faggot stitch

Diamond eyelets

Four sided stitch - diagrams for horizontal and vertical

4 sided stitch - worked diagonally

Honeycomb Stitch

Pulled double back stitch

Pulled satin stitch

Ringed back stitch

Three sided stitch

Needlepoint stitches

Tent stitch including continental, half cross stitch and basketweave

Velvet stitch gives a wonderful furry effect to your needlepoint.

Looped stitches

Doves eyes

Square filet

Needlelace stitches

Other embroidery stitches

Needleweaving

Overcast bars

This list of stitches will grow with the site and should build into a useful index over time.

If you find a stitch on the site that isn't listed here please let me know and I will direct you to a free blackwork chart to say thank you.

Stitch books

The first one has pride of place on my shelf and covers surface embroidery stitches, canvas or needlepoint stitches, smocking stitches, pulled stitches and drawn thread stitches. At the back it also has sections covering general information and working practice.