10 Basic Embroidery Stitches Used In Sewing

I never had the patience for embroidery when I was younger. My Gran (who half taught me to sew along with my Mum) was big on embroidery, and used to hand embroider her hankies, skirts and blouses, but I never saw the fun when the process looked so slow.

Now I’m older, and I wish I had taken the time to learn more about the basic embroidery stitches used in sewing while she was alive to teach me. Seems like a wasted opportunity with hindsight doesn’t it?

Which is why I’m sharing this with you today. As more and more of us turn to refashioning existing clothing as a way to be more sustainable, I thought it made sense to share the 10 basic embroidery stitches with you so that you have them up your sleeve for when you want to add a little pizazz to garments that you’re refashioning.

What Is Embroidery?

Embroidery is the craft of decorating fabric using various colored threads or yarn. This technique is very versatile; it can be seen in a wide range of clothes and accessories and is a longstanding staple in the fashion industry. Any fabric can be adorned with pearls, beads, sequins, and embroidery.

Embroidery has been around for quite some time – that might be the understatement of the century, because embroidery appeared farther back than the medieval ages. It goes way back to 30,000 B.C. Yes, embroidery has been around since ancient times.

A Brief History Of Embroidery

The earliest forms of embroidery date back to the Cro-Magnon period. In the Orient and the Middle East, this technique was perceived to have been perfected as an art form. This craft was further enhanced in 1,500 A.D. in Europe, with intricate and lavish designs incorporated into garments for the ‘higher classes’.

During this period, embroidery in clothing became a mark of a person’s social status and wealth. By the 19th century, machine-made embroidery burst onto the scene, making embroidered garments more accessible to everyone.

Embroidery has spread worldwide. Many cultures use embroidery to liven up fabrics with beautiful designs. This technique can also serve a practical purpose, such as embroidering letters onto fabrics. Embroidery is also preferred due to its speedy application while retaining its unique style and flexibility with its basic embroidery stitches.

Essential Tools For Hand Embroidery

Of course, to do such intricate needlework, you will need the right tools for the job. As such, there are essential tools that you need to have to create embroidery of your own. Below are the tools that are vital for this craft.

Needles

You will need a reliable needle if you wish to do some embroidery. There are several types of needles that you can use, each designed for a specific use. Let me help you with a quick introduction to each type you will encounter in needlework:

Crewel needle – The most basic type used in hand embroidery.

Tapestry needle – Often used when doing counted cross stitch.

Milliner needle – aka the straw needle, is best suited for doing wrapped stitches due to the shaft and eye being the same size.

Hoops and Frames

For beginners, to keep the fabric stable, use an embroidery hoop. It comes in plastic and wood, and to start with, you can opt for cheaper ones. I recommend upgrading to higher-quality ones once you gain enough experience.

There are also variations, like the scroll frames and stretcher bars. I recommend going with hoops and frames for newbies, as these are cheaper and easier to use.

Embroidery Scissors

Not to be mistaken for standard scissors or craft scissors, the embroidery type differs with its smaller and thinner blades. Due to the blade’s thin and sharp edges, it can cut threads with precision and efficiency.

Those are the three primary tools for embroidery that you should have. I will also include other tools that can make your experience in embroidery more convenient.

Lighting and Magnification

With a focus on detail, needlework tends to be quite strenuous in one’s eyes. I recommend investing in some decent LED lights to avoid headaches if your home needs more natural lighting. A magnifier can also improve your ability to create complex and detailed needlework. You can also find magnifiers with LED lights which is a worthwhile buy.

Organizer/Storage Box

Finally, organizing all your tools in one storage box is a must. An organized storage system for your needlework needs will make the process go smoothly, which is always a plus in any endeavor.

Hand Embroidery Versus Machine Embroidery

There are two ways to incorporate embroidery onto fabric; by hand or with a specialized machine. Besides the obvious, what are the differences between the two methods? Why should you pick one over the other? Let us try to answer that by drawing a distinct line between hand and machine embroidery.

Hand Embroidery

Hand embroidery requires patience and skill. While that may sound like a downside, there are a lot that will attest to how relaxing the process of embroidery can be. Also, the focus and attention required for hand embroidery can result in remarkable results.

Additionally, hand-embroidered garments tend to have a higher value in the market than their machine-made counterparts. Flexibility is another advantage of hand embroidery, as it allows you to change and adjust as you go.

Machine Embroidery

Convenience and speed are the primary draws of using machine embroidery. You input the desired design and let the machine do all the work. This can be welcome if you are working on multiple items or already having trouble doing it the traditional way.

Machine embroidery will deliver consistency for all your projects. However, one of the most notable downsides is that it lacks a customization option which restricts what you can do.

The Ten Basic Embroidery Stitches For Beginners

To help you start on the right foot in your creative needlework journey, here are ten essential basic embroidery stitches you need to know as a beginner. Each stitch has varying difficulty, but all are necessary for newbies to add to their repertoire.

1. Running Stitch

The most basic embroidery stitch is the running stitch. It is straightforward and is often used for outlining a design.

2. Backstitch

We can use a backstitch to outline a design (similar to the simplicity of a running stitch). The backstitch quickly creates one continuous line on the fabric.

3. Satin Stitch

Satin stitches are used to fill in empty spaces inside the outline of a design. Think of it as the equivalent of shading or coloring a drawing.

4. Stem Stitch

The Stem stitch is a specific type of embroidery stitch. Its name is derived from its original use of creating stem or curved vine designs on the fabric. The stem stitch is also perfect for embroidering cursive letters.

5. Lazy Daisy Stitch

As the name implies, the lazy daisy stitch can create basic embroidery flower designs. It is also often used with the stem stitch to complete the floral look.

6. Split Stitch

The split stitch is similar to the backstitch but with a braided appearance.

7. Chain Stitch

This embroidery stitch requires a bit of practice, but it aims to enhance the finesse of the overall design. A chain stitch is a good option for outlining a design or pattern while adding to its aesthetic value.

8. Feather Stitch

The feather stitch is an excellent choice if you wish to cover more surface area on the fabric within a shorter period. This stitch is done by doing zigzags to create diagonal blanket stitches.

9. French Knot

The French Knot is the go-to stitch for those looking to add decorative acc. The French knot can also create flourishes in designs.

10. Woven Wheel Stitch

The slightly more complicated woven wheel stitch consists of two parts – the “spokes” and the weaving around it. The weaving is done from the center outwards, with the finished product looking like, you guessed it, a wheel.

Within garment sewing – or dressmaking – we’re very familiar with the running stitch, which we use for basting. I’ve also used the backstitch frequently when hand sewing, but the eight remaining embroidery stitches are those that I’ve only ever used when attempting to give embroidery a go. And I still find I have limited patience for them!

How do you feel about embroidery? Have you incorporated it much into your sewing projects? Let me know in the comments below!

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