Types of Stitches

Types of Stitches

There are several different types of stitches in needlework. Since I learn best visually, I have written instructions listed with actual

pictures of each stitch. Use 2 (two) strands of floss for all stitches except back stitches. Use 1 (one) strand of floss instead.

Sometimes, a pattern may ask you to use a different amount of strands, so read all directions before starting your project!

Below you will find basic, fractional and several types of specialty stitches.

Basic Stitches

Back Stitch Back stitches are used for outlining and greater detail. Back stitches should always be done after all other stitching is completed, otherwise, your back stitches will be covered up by other stitches and you have done a lot of work for nothing.	First, bring the thread up from the back of the fabric on the line that you want to create. Make a small backward stitch through the fabric. pic(1)	Second, bring the needle through the fabric a little in front of the first stitch but still on the line. Pull the thread through the fabric. Make the second stitch backward, bringing the needle out a little in front of the second stitch and still on the line.pic (2-3)	Repeat.
(1)	(2)	(3)	(4)

Cross Stitch Is the most common stitch that I use in my patterns. Work the stitches in rows.	When the row is complete, return over the row to complete.	The top stitches should always stay in the same direction; otherwise, your project will look messy.
(1)	(2)	(3)	(4)

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Fractional Stitches

Running Stitch This is a wonderful alternative to the back stitch. Outline the desired area in one direction, then repeat going in the opposite direction.		Half Stitch The half stitch is exactly what it sounds like, half of a cross stitch. People who enjoy needlepoint use this as the main stitch. this is also called a conventional stitch.
(1) (2)

Three Quarter Stitches Three Quarter (¾) Stitches are made by first making a half stitch (pic1),	then just half of that (called a Quarter (¼) Stitch) on top of that. (pic 2).	Again a back stitch can be worked between the two stitches to separate the areas clearly. The use of two three-quarter stitches is shown in the diagram below.
(1)	(2)	(3)

Quarter (¼)Stitch Quarter stitches are easier to work on Evenweave (linen), especially if you are stitching "Over Two" . As you can see in the picture below, the tiny stitches are quarter stitches.	On Aida fabric you have to put your needle down in the center of the Aida square like if you were working "Over One".
(1)	(2)

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Specialty Stitches

Algerian Eye Stitch- Make these adorable stars in a 4 square area.	Working in a clockwise direction, stitch from the outside in to the center hole.
(1)	(2)	(3)

Box Stitch- First create the bottom of the box.	For the top, cross over diagonally in the back.	Create the right side, then left.
(1)	(2)	(3)	(4)

Breton Stitch- Start with a long running stitch.	Go over two holes then wrap around twice before continuing to picture #4.
(1)	(2)	(3)	(4)

Chevron Stitch-	First make a straight stitch(1),	then bring the thread up	through the fabric	in the center of the stitch.(2)	Then continue.
(1)	(2)	(3)	(4)	(5)	(6)	(7)

Ermine Filling Stitch

Small Fan Stitch

Large Fan Stitch

French Knot- A French Knots are tricky, but practice makes perfect! It’s best to practice on a separate piece of fabric before attempting it on your project until you are comfortable with it. Bring the needle out through the right side of the fabric. Hold the thread taut and flat to the fabric then twist the needle round the thread twice.	Pull the thread firmly so that the loops are snug around the needle (Picture 1). Continue to hold the thread firmly, then take the needle back into the fabric one thread away from where the stitching thread emerges from the fabric and insert the needle (Picture 2).	As you pull the needle through the fabric, hold the knot area down so it will sit firmly on the fabric. And voila! You have completed a French Knot! (Picture 3)
(1)	(2)	(3)

Alternatives to the French Knot

If you’re in a rush, or decide that you are unable to master the French Knot, you can always cheat by using an appropriate color bead instead!

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Herringbone Stitch

Italian Cross Stitch (Picture #1)-Start

Italian Cross Stitch (Picture #2)-Finished

Lazy Daisy Stitch- First make a loop stitch (pic 1).	At the half way point, hook a small half stitch to it (pic 2).		Satin Stitch (aka Cushion Stitch)- First create one long stitch. Using the same color, satin stitch over the top. This stitch is generally used in embroidery for filling in areas.	This picture was taking using 28 count Aida fabric so you can see the basic design. This stitch works best on linen.
(1)	(2)		(1)	(2)

Sheaf Stitch- First make three long running stitches. This is usually done 4 squares long. I have doubled it for these pictures for better viewing (pic 1).	Bind the stitches together with a small stitch in the middle (pic 2).
(1)	(2)

Reversible Cross Stitch What is reversible cross stitch and why and when would I use it? Reversible cross stitch is best used on tree ornaments, towels, bibs, tablecloths, etc. This way, there’s no true “wrong” side to your work and it looks good from both the front and the back.	Reversible cross stitch starts out the same as regular cross stitch. The difference is that you alternate stitches, creating a checkerboard effect. This way, your stitches will appear the same on both sides. Continue this way for the entire piece.	Once you've gone through the entire piece the first time, you can then go over the piece again filling the gaps in the same manner as before. To keep the back neat, try to fasten off your threads under their own color
	Front	Back

Star Stitch-

(1)

(2)

How much floss do you use for different fabric counts?- As a rule, you should usually use two strands of floss for 11-22 count fabric. For 24 count on up, it's best to use only one strand of floss. If you have a pattern that asks for a blended entry, then you always use two strands. If it seems too difficult to do petite cross stitch (Over One) on certain thread counts, you can always do half stitches instead for the blended entries. Just make sure that your half stitches are going in the same direction as your completed cross stitches!

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Updated Tuesday, February 07, 2012 1:53 AM

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Reversible Cross Stitch