01VIDEO LESSON
Running stitch
A dashed line for seams, light outlines and decorative borders.
40 stitches to know.
A practical catalog of 20 foundational stitches and 20 more textured techniques. Each technique has a purpose, and confirmed video lessons open as full-size tutorials rather than cramped players.
REFERENCE / Beginner to intermediate
20 Essential Embroidery Stitches
Use this collection to choose a stitch by its texture or application. Video links lead to a relevant dedicated tutorial or to the correctly marked chapter within a longer verified lesson.
02VIDEO LESSON
Back stitch
A connected, sturdy line for lettering and detailed outlines.
Read 3 basic steps
- Bring the needle up at the start of the line.
- Take a short stitch forward, then bring the needle up one stitch-length ahead.
- Insert the needle back into the end of the previous stitch to form a continuous line.
03VIDEO LESSON
Stem stitch
A subtle twisted line for curved stems and lettering.
Read 3 basic steps
- Take a short forward stitch along the line.
- Bring the needle back up halfway along the previous stitch.
- Keep the working thread consistently on the same side of the line.
04VIDEO LESSON
Outline stitch
The companion to stem stitch; the working thread stays on the opposite side.
05VIDEO LESSON
Chain stitch
Linked loops for bold lines and decorative stems.
06VIDEO LESSON
Lazy daisy stitch
Detached chain loops for flower petals and small leaves.
Read 3 basic steps
- Bring the needle up at the base of the petal or leaf.
- Insert it beside the entry point and bring it back up at the tip while catching a loop.
- Anchor the loop with a tiny straight stitch.
07VIDEO LESSON
Split stitch
A soft line made by piercing the previous stitch.
08VIDEO LESSON
Satin stitch
Parallel close-fitting stitches for smooth small areas.
Read 3 basic steps
- Outline the shape lightly so the boundary remains visible.
- Bring the needle up on one edge and down on the opposite edge.
- Repeat closely, keeping the stitches parallel and the tension gentle.
09VIDEO LESSON
French knot
Small raised dots for flower centers, seeds and berries.
Read 3 basic steps
- Bring the thread up through the fabric.
- Wrap the thread around the needle once or twice while holding light tension.
- Insert the needle near the original hole and pull slowly to form the knot.
10VIDEO LESSON
Bullion knot
A wrapped coil used for sculpted petals and decorative details.
11VIDEO LESSON
Feather stitch
Alternating branching loops for leafy or lacy borders.
12VIDEO LESSON
Fly stitch
A secured V-shaped loop for sprigs, leaves and accents.
13VIDEO LESSON
Herringbone stitch
Crossed diagonal lines used for borders and seam decoration.
14VIDEO LESSON
Cross stitch
Small crossing diagonals worked on counted or marked fabric.
15VIDEO LESSON
Blanket stitch
Right-angled loops for decorative edging and appliqué.
16VIDEO LESSON
Fishbone stitch
Overlapping diagonals that fill a leaf around its central vein.
Read 3 basic steps
- Mark the leaf outline and center vein.
- Work alternating angled stitches from one side of the leaf to the other.
- Overlap the stitches slightly so they meet neatly along the center.
17VIDEO LESSON
Seed stitch
Small scattered straight stitches for dotted texture.
18VIDEO LESSON
Couching stitch
Small holding stitches securing a laid thread to the fabric.
19VIDEO LESSON
Whipped back stitch
A second thread winds around a row of back stitches.
20VIDEO LESSON
Woven rose stitch
A spiral of thread woven around radiating foundation stitches.
REFERENCE / Intermediate to advanced
20 Advanced Embroidery Stitches
Use this collection to choose a stitch by its texture or application. Video links lead to a relevant dedicated tutorial or to the correctly marked chapter within a longer verified lesson.
01VIDEO LESSON
Pistil stitch
A raised French-knot-like detail on a longer stem.
02VIDEO LESSON
Palestrina stitch
A knotted textured border with repeating raised knots.
03VIDEO LESSON
Turkey work stitch
Cut or uncut loops that produce fluffy pile.
04VIDEO LESSON
Cast-on stitch
Loops cast onto the needle for dimensional petal shapes.
05VIDEO LESSON
Portuguese knotted stem stitch
A compact knotted line with strong texture.
06VIDEO LESSON
Detached chain stitch
A separate anchored chain loop; the foundation of lazy daisy.
07VIDEO LESSON
Double chain stitch
Two interlocking or parallel-looking chain lines for raised borders.
08VIDEO LESSON
Cable chain stitch
A chain variation with twisted links and a corded appearance.
09VIDEO LESSON
Chevron stitch
Repeated stepped zigzags for borders and geometric patterns.
10VIDEO LESSON
Arrowhead stitch
Pointed angled stitches that create repeating arrow forms.
11VIDEO LESSON
Darning stitch
Parallel woven lines that build a checkered or filled texture.
12VIDEO LESSON
Long and short stitch
Overlapping varied-length stitches for blended shading.
13VIDEO LESSON
Raised stem stitch
A wrapped or lifted stem effect for dimensional line work.
14VIDEO LESSON
Raised satin stitch
Satin filling laid over padding for a pronounced shape.
15VIDEO LESSON
Raised fishbone stitch
An overlapping raised leaf form with a braided center.
16VIDEO LESSON
Buttonhole stitch
Closely spaced looped edging that forms a firm border.
17VIDEO LESSON
Picot stitch
A tiny detached loop or petal worked with a temporary support.
18VIDEO LESSON
Spider web stitch
A web or woven wheel pattern worked over spoke stitches.
19VIDEO LESSON
Wheat stitch
Layered V-shaped bars that resemble stalks of grain.
20VIDEO LESSON
Knotted Cretan stitch
Interlaced Cretan-style loops with added knots.