7 Basic Embroidery Stitches For Beginners

If my Pinterest feed is any indication, it looks like embroidery is experiencing a resurgence in modern crafting. From floral to geometric, from flat to thick stitches and everything in between, it’s amazing to see all the beauty and artistry being created from this traditional craft. It’s got me so inspired that I’ve decided to revisit this childhood activity and start embroidering for my home. If you, too, are inspired to try embroidery for yourself (or, like me, dusting off those threads and needles), then stick around as I share these 7 Basic Embroidery Stitches For Beginners.

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BASIC SUPPLIES

It doesn’t take much to start an embroidery project. All you need are a few basic supplies:

Embroidery needle – Embroidery needles in sizes 1-10 are used for most embroidery techniques and can be purchased as a package (like this one).

Embroidery floss – ‘Floss’ is the term used to describe embroidery thread (Typically up to 6 strands are twisted together to form a single thread of floss. For this project, I’ll be using 6-strand floss).  DMC Cotton Embroidery Floss is one of the most versatile for most embroidery projects. (You can also check out DMC’s website here to see all of their products).

Embroidery (small) scissors – You can use any pair of scissors, but I find that small scissors are easier to use for such a delicate craft like embroidery.

Fabric – Normally the best fabrics to use are those with a lower thread count (allowing the needle to pass through a bit easier), including cotton, linen, muslin, flour sack, and aida. (Since aida often comes pre-starched, it is a bit stiffer and may need to be washed to soften the material before you start). I used cotton cloth in this tutorial. (DMC sells a variety of aida and other fabrics here, but you can also find any of the other fabric mentioned above on Amazon, Etsy – including at this shop – or other craft stores in your area).

Embroidery hoop – An embroidery hoop keeps the fabric taut for easy designing. Many crafters are now using the hoop itself as a frame and hanging their piece as is. Hoops come in a variety of sizes. For this tutorial I used an inexpensive 5-inch, bamboo hoop, but you can also find variety packs like this one or this one.

USING AN EMBROIDERY HOOP

An embroidery hoop is actually made of 2 hoops. Separate the hoops by unscrewing the top.

Place your fabric over the inner hoop.

Place the outer hoop back around the inner hoop and tighten the screw.

Tip:  Before you twist the screw all the way, pull on the sides of the fabric until it is nice and taut. Then tighten the screw fully.

Now, let’s practice some embroidery stitches!

7 BASIC EMBROIDERY STITCHES FOR BEGINNERS

1.  Running Stitch

The most basic of all embroidery stitches is the running stitch which is useful when outlining a design.

To create a running stitch, begin by pushing your threaded needle upwards through the fabric.

After the needle and thread have been pulled up as far as they can go (make sure to knot the end before you start), create your running stitch by ‘weaving’ under and over the fabric in one, continuous motion, as far as you can or wish to go.

Below, I’ve created 2 stitches using the running stitch technique.

Create as many stitches or rows as you wish. For this practice run, I’ve created 3 row (the first row has 2 threads showing, the second has 3, while the third has 2).

2.  Backstitch

Unlike the running stitch, the backstitch creates one, continuous line of thread. It’s great when creating word designs or for outlining a design.

Start by pushing the needle up through the fabric and going one stitch forward, poking the needle back down again.

Next, poke the needle up, about one stitch length in front of the first stitch. Pull the needle up and then go back towards the first stitch (i.e., ‘backstitch’) and poke the needle through the end of the previous stitch.

This is what creates that solid line of stitches. Continue moving up one stitch length for as long as you need to create your line.

3.  Satin Stitch

The satin stitch is used to fill shapes with solid, smooth stitches. The satin finish is created using side by side stitching.

First, start by creating a single stitch.

Next, push your needle up and then down again, this time keeping as close to the first stitch as possible.

Continue creating as many stitches this way until you have completed the shape you want to create – in this case, a triangle.

You can create any kind of smooth shape using this method.

4.  Stemstitch

The stemstitch got its name because it is most commonly used to create stems of flowers or vines. It’s also great to use when creating cursive words or anything with curves.

First, create a regular stitch.

Next, push the needle up again NEXT to the same stitch (halfway or 1/3 of the way – it’s entirely up to you).

Continue until you have enough stitches for the desired effect.

5.  French Knot

French knots are a lot of fun to make. They’re often used as decorative accents or create interesting fillers in a design.

First, bring the needle up through the fabric.

Next, wrap the floss 1-3 times around the needle (depending on what size of a knot you’d like to create).

Holding the floss taut, push the needle back down immediately next to the first hole and push all the way through.

Continue creating as many knots as you wish for the desired effect.

6.  Lazy Daisy

As with all the previous stitches, start by pushing the needle up through the fabric.

Push the needle back down immediately next to the first hole (being careful not to poke the needle back into the same hole and undo your work).

Pull the thread downward, but not all the way. You’ll want to leave a loop at the top.

Now, push the needle up through the fabric again just inside the loop you’ve left out.

Pull the needle all the way up. Then push it down over the other side of the loop.

Push the needle down until a small stitch is there to secure the loop.

Create your second petal the same way.

Continue creating petals all the way around.

7.  Woven Wheel

As a weaver, I just had to include the woven wheel stitch! It is by far one of my favourite stitches.

Start by creating a 5-pointed start as your base (for the weavers out there, this is like creating your warp – you’ll see what I mean in a moment).

Begin by pushing the needle up through the fabric and create one stitch.

Next, push the needle up through the fabric and down the fabric again immediately next to the first hole of the first stitch – this will form the center point of the star.

Continue creating angled stitches in this way until you’ve created all 5 points of your star.

Now, it’s time to start weaving!

Start, by pushing the needle up through as close to the center as you can.

Moving clockwise, begin weaving the needle over and under, alternating between each stitch. (For example, over the first stitch, under the second stitch, over the third stitch, under the fourth, and over the fifth…)

Continue alternating stitches, going over and under, round and round, until the 5-pointed star is completely covered.

Tip:  Don’t weave too tight. This will allow for a fuller, more textured look.

Once you’ve completely covered the 5 points of the star, tuck the needle somewhere under your floral design, pulling the needle all the way through to the back until the thread disappears.

Embroidery Sampler

Creating this basic embroidery sampler is a great place to start before embarking on your first design. I’m already excited to begin embroidering again and feel that much more prepared to start creating some pretty pieces around the home.

These 7 basic embroidery stitches for beginners are a great place to start when creating basic designs. They are by no means an exhaustive list, but they do comprise some of the most common embroidery stitches. With these you can start creating floral designs, cool abstract pieces or even text and cursive writing that’ll take your crafting game up a notch.

Happy embroidering 🙂