STITCH LIBRARY

Basic Embroidery Stitches

Building blocks for every project

24 Stitches Step-by-Step Tutorials All Levels

I like to think of basic embroidery stitches as building blocks. Much like any other skill, embroidery requires a strong foundation. Learn and practise these simple stitches until you know them by heart — you'll find yourself returning to them again and again.

Even if you've been embroidering for years, you may discover something new here. A stitch you haven't tried before, or an easier way of working one you've struggled with. All you need to get started is a hoop, some fabric, and a skein of embroidery floss.

BROWSE ALL 24 STITCHES

Click any stitch to learn how

A – C

Blanket Stitch

Ideal for finishing edges, blankets, and decorative borders.

Bullion Knot

Creates raised, coiled stitches for flower centres and buds.

Cable Chain

An elegant variation with a twisted link between each loop.

Chain Stitch

A versatile loop stitch for outlines, curves, and filling.

Chevron Stitch

A zigzag border stitch with a distinctive geometric look.

Colonial Knots

A firm, flat alternative to French knots.

Coral Knots

A knotted line stitch that adds bumpy texture along outlines.

Couching

Lay thick threads flat with tiny holding stitches on top.

C – L

Cretan Stitch

A leaf-filling stitch that creates a braided spine down the centre.

Feather Stitch

A branching stitch for ferns, vines, and seam embellishment.

Fishbone Stitch

Overlapping angled stitches that create realistic leaf shapes.

Fly Stitch

A Y-shaped stitch used for scattered leaves and light borders.

French Knots

Classic raised dots for adding texture and fine detail.

Herringbone Stitch

Criss-crossed stitches for borders, bands, and crazy quilting.

Lazy Daisies

Quick loop stitches that form simple, charming flower petals.

Long and Short

Blended rows of varying lengths for realistic shading effects.

P – Z

Padded Satin

Raised, smooth filling that gives a dimensional, silky look.

Raised Buttonhole

A stumpwork favourite that creates three-dimensional shapes.

Split Stitch

A smooth outline stitch worked by splitting the previous stitch.

Stem Stitch

The essential stitch for stems, outlines, and flowing curves.

Twisted Chain

A chain variation with a decorative twist along the line.

Whipped Chain

Chain stitch wrapped with a second thread for a rope effect.

Woven Picots

Freestanding woven stitches that form leaves or petals.

Zigzag Chain

Alternating chain stitches that create a zigzag border.

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BUILD YOUR SKILLS

Create Your Own Stitch Sampler

Here's a tip I always share with beginners: practise each new stitch on a scrap of fabric and label it. Before long, these little experiments become a project all on their own — your very own stitch sampler.

Think of it as your stitching yearbook, a record of all the stitches you've met and mastered. Keep it tucked in your needlework basket as a handy cheat-sheet for future projects.

And don't worry about making it perfect — a sampler is the ideal playground to experiment, make a "happy little accident" or two, and discover which stitches become your favourites. Have patience, practise, and persevere.

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GETTING STARTED

Choosing the Right Stitch

If you're stepping into embroidery for the first time, there's no need to feel overwhelmed. You could start with a ready-made kit, but be warned — some kits offer little more than a quick diagram and a "good luck" note for instructions. Stick with kits that name the stitches, so you can look them up here or in a reference book.

As you grow more confident, start thinking about how your finished piece will be used. A stitch that looks lovely in a hoop may not be practical on a shirt that needs regular washing. Bumpy stitches might feel uncomfortable on a cushion, and raised textures could send glasses sliding on a tablecloth.

The best way to learn? Experiment with different stitches on scrap fabric. See how they look, how they feel, and which ones suit your project best. Did you know it's possible to create a beautiful project with just one stitch? Don't be in a hurry to complicate matters — start simple and build from there.

EXPLORE MORE TECHNIQUES

Beyond the Basics

Once you've mastered these foundation stitches, there's a whole world of specialist techniques waiting for you.

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Hardanger Stitches

Geometric counted thread embroidery with cut and drawn thread work.

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Pulled Thread Stitches

Delicate openwork patterns created by pulling fabric threads apart.

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Needlepoint Stitches

Canvas work stitches for rich textures and decorative designs.

Every stitch you learn is a new tool in your creative toolkit.
Start simple, keep practising, and enjoy the journey.

Stay connected between projects

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