Hobbies & Games

Embroidery Stitches

A Complete List of the Stitches on This Site

By Cheryl Fall, About.com Guide

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Here you will find a complete list of the embroidery stitches featured on this site. Includes the basic stitches that every beginner to embroidery should learn, as well as variations of well-known embroidery stitches and stitches for a wide range of embroidery types.

1. Stem Stitch and Stem Stitch Filling

Stem stitch is one of the most common embroidery stitches. It is worked as a thin line and can be used to outline embroidered shapes, as flower and plant stems, and in tendrils. Stem stitch can also be worked as a filling.

2. 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.

3. Chain Stitch - Detached Single

Learn to work a single, detahced chain stitch.

4. Lazy Daisy Stitch

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.

5. Cable Chain

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.

6. Square Chain

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.

7. Fly Stitch

The Fly stitch is a surfacoidery stitch that can be worked singly, as a scattered or engineered filling, and in rows.

8. Feather Stitch

These two stitches are worked similarly, creating an open airy line of embroidery stitching that can be used for borders, around shapes, or to attach appliques.