Yarn & Sewing
The embroidery stitches to learn first
A handful of stitches covers most beginner patterns. Start with lines, move on to curves, then fill shapes and add dots.
By Spunky Craft Co.
Straight lines: running stitch and back stitch
Running stitch is the simplest stitch there is: the needle dips up and down along a line, leaving even gaps. Back stitch closes those gaps by bringing each new stitch back to meet the end of the last one, which gives a solid line for outlines and words. Both are worth learning first because many other stitches build on them. Aim for even stitch length rather than speed, and draw your line on the fabric so you have something to follow. Six-strand floss can be separated, and fewer strands make a finer line.
Curves and outlines: stem stitch and split stitch
Stem stitch makes a smooth, slightly twisted line that bends well around curves, which is why it turns up on stems, vines and flowing outlines. Split stitch is worked by bringing the needle up through the middle of the previous stitch, so it takes a bit more practice, but it rewards you with a neat, fine line. It is also a useful foundation: DMC suggests outlining a shape in split stitch before filling it with satin stitch to get a crisp edge. Soft, loosely twisted floss is easier to split than tightly twisted thread.
Fills and dots: satin stitch, French knots and lazy daisies
Satin stitch lays straight stitches side by side to cover a shape in smooth, solid color. Keep the stitches close and parallel, and practice on small shapes like petals or leaves first. French knots make little raised dots for flower centers, eyes and texture; keep the working thread taut until the knot is pulled through, and vary the number of wraps to change its size. The detached chain, often called a lazy daisy, makes a single loop that reads as a petal or leaf. Together with the line stitches above, these cover a lot of beginner patterns.