Learning hand embroidery is both fun and relaxing, plus it's an easy way to create beautiful art with fabric and thread.
1) BACKSTITCH
Backstitch is so easy to learn that you'll have it down within the first few stitches. This basic stitch is likely to be the stitch you'll use the most. Backstitch is useful for any kind of outlining, but it's also a stitch that pairs well with other stitches, making it a key stitch to learn.
It's also easy to embellish with weaving or wrapping, and quickly transforms into the more decorative Pekinese stitch.
2) RUNNING STITCH
Running stitch is a simple embroidery stitch that is good for making dashed outlines and adding details to your embroidery. It's also the basis for Japanese sashiko embroidery.
Although basic, it's adaptable and can become complex. For example, you can change the look by adjusting the length and spacing or adding a second row of stitches between the first. It's also another stitch that works well with weaving and wrapping.
3) STRAIGHT STITCH
The straight stitch hardly requires an explanation, because it is as simple as bringing the needle up through the fabric and then going back down. But it's worth exploring the many uses for this building block embroidery stitch.
Use the straight stitch to form stars, scattered fills, textures and more. Practice length and placement so you can work this versatile stitch into your work.
4) STEM STITCH
Stem stitch is another basic stitch that's perfect for creating smooth outlines. It works well for both straight lines and curves, and despite its name, it isn't only for embroidering stems. Use a stem stitch on just about any lines in your stitching.
Like so many stitches, you can adjust the width of stem stitching or use it for fill stitching. Just try to keep your stitch length consistent to create a beautiful result.
5) FLY STITCH
The fly stitch is worked similar to a detached chain stitch, but rather than making a petal or teardrop shape, fly stitch forms a V shape or sometimes a soft curve.
Try fly stitch in a row, scattered as fill, stitched in a radius, or plenty of other variations.
Credit to: Spruce Crafts
