They say a stitch in time saves nine, but if you are looking to be the best embroiderer or sewer in your city (and the world, why not) then there is certainly more than one type of hand embroidery stitch you must learn. 

Embroidery for most people might seem like a time-taking job, but for those of you who are truly interested in learning about this amazing art-form, there are many types of hand embroidery stitches that every sewer must know about, ranging from the very basic ones like the running stitch, right upto the more advanced ones like the Bullion knots. 

Curious already? We’ve got you covered! Here are the most interesting types of hand embroidery that you must know about and try right away :-

• Stem Stitch

The stem stitch is one of the easiest and beginner-friendly stitches. It is ideally used to create flower stems and an outline for most hand embroidery stitches, especially for straight or curved lines.

• Running Stitch 

The running stitch is also known as the straight stitch and is one of the easiest to learn. It is generally used to make an outline of an embroidery design. The best part about the running stitch is that it can be used for sewing almost anything, right from embroidery to clothing. 

Read:– Different Types Of Embroidery Work In India

• Satin Stitch

If you want to learn how to add some texture to your design then the satin stitch is something you must learn. This stitch is used to cover certain hand embroidery designs like a leaf which gives a smooth, satin-like appearance to your design. 

• Back Stitch 

The back stitch is a thin-line stitch which is mostly used to outline a design before filling it with satin stitch. The back stitch is the base of many composite stitches and is also used for adding fine detail to hand embroidery designs. 

Read:- 8 Most Popular Embroidery Designs

• French Knots 

While the name sounds fancy and it seems difficult to do, the French Knot hand embroidery is actually quite easy to do if you keep practising it. The French Knot is used to create fine details in the design patterns, for example, creating eyes or round shape designs. It can also be used to fill the center of flowers.

• Lazy Daisy

In the lazy daisy stitch, a loop is first made and then a small stitch is created at the end of the loop which later creates the look of a daisy petal. Hence the name! The lazy daisy hand embroidery is used in making most of the pretty floral and petal designs that you see. 

Read :- Top 6 Embroidery Institutes In India

• Feather Stitch 

The feather stitch is a decorative stitch which usually accompanies French knots or embellishments. This type of hand embroidery is used to make horizontal or vertical fillings and it looks like a series of interconnected ‘V’s. The feather stitch is also called the single coral stitch and can also be used to create beautiful borders. 

• Chain Stitch 

The chain stitch is one of the most common hand embroidery stitches that you must have seen quite often. This basic but amazing stitch forms a chain-like pattern after a series of looped stitches. The chain stitch is particularly used in making curved or straight lines. 

• Blanket Stitch 

This type of hand embroidery stitch is used along the sides of a fabric hem. The blanket stitch is one of the basic and is used in creating decorative lines, borders or as an edge to the embroidery design. You can also use the blanket stitch to make frames and add variations to it by adjusting the length and distance of the individual stitches.   

Read:- Best Embroidery Machines For Home Business In India

• Fly Stitch 

The fly stitch looks very similar to a flying bird when finished. It is usually made just like a detached chain stitch, but instead of making a leaf or a flower petal, you must create a ‘V’ shape or a soft curve. Measure its distances and create numerous stitches in a row such that it resembles a flock of flying birds in your beautiful hand embroidery designs. 

• Herringbone Stitch 

Another difficult sounding hand embroidery, but it really isn’t! Also known as the catch stitch or plaited stitch, the herringbone stitch is quite versatile and is commonly used to hem garments. All you have to do to get it right is draw parallel lines to make sure that you’re getting even spaces in between. The finished stitch looks almost like crosses. 

• Woven Wheel Stitch 

Also known as the woven rose stitch, the woven wheel stitch is quite easy to do. In the woven wheel stitch, numerous straight stitches are made and bundled in a circle to form a slightly-bloomed rose flower. It looks absolutely gorgeous when finished!

• Bullion Knots 

If you want to take your floral hand embroidery designs a notch higher, then the Bullion knot or Bullion stitch is something you definitely must learn. While it is one of the most advanced embroidery stitches out there, if done correctly, you’ll be able to create all kinds of roses and flowers on your fabric. This stitch starts with a basic center and a really long French knot, followed by Bullion knots. 

• Couching Stitch 

Last but not the least, the couching stitch is another interesting stitch because it uses two strands of thread simultaneously. One thread remains on the surface of the fabric while the other thread holds the first one in place with tacking stitches. The couching stitch gives a beautiful 3D texture to the entire fabric which makes it look even more attractive!

Story By: Samikshya Borse