Basic embroidery stitches

Basic embroidery stitches: running stitch, blanket stitch, lazy daisy stitch, and chain stitch

It’s time to celebrate! Every month in 2013 I’m learning a new craft, and now I’m halfway through.

When I learned embroidery in February I got close to giving up. The fine embroidery threads I had bought didn’t appreciate my fumbling. I got sore fingers and tangled threads for my trouble.

Then I tried embroidering with yarn. I loved it! If you’re nervous to tackle embroidery, try yarn. It exaggerates the stitches, so it’s perfect for learning how they work. It helps that it builds up quick and looks good, too!

You need:

  • DK or thinner yarn
  • Needle with large enough eyelet for yarn
    (Yarn needles might not be sharp enough)
  • Fabric of choice (I’m using denim)
  • Embroidery hoop

The stitches you’ll learn:

  • Running stitch
  • Blanket stitch
  • Lazy daisy stitch
  • Chain stitch

Let’s get started!

Running Stitch

Basic embroidery stitches: running stitch

Running stitch is the simplest of stitches. It’s good to know for hand-sewing, too. The trick is to keep the spacing and length of stitches even. When sewing, the smaller and closer together the stitches, the more secure it is.

Blanket Stitch

Basic embroidery stitches: blanket stitch

Blanket stitch starts at the ‘top’, where you want the upper line of the blanket stitch to be. Take the yarn to the front, then take the yarn through the fabric like shown. The ‘legs’ of blanket stitch will be in line with where you put the needle.

Basic embroidery stitches: blanket stitch

Blanket stitch builds up in the same way. The needle always goes over the yarn, to catch it in place.

Basic embroidery stitches: blanket stitch

When you need to connect to blanket stitch, take the yarn to the front like shown. Be sure to match the spacing. Take the yarn under the established blanket stitch and pull the yarn through the back. Again, match the spacing and length of the ‘leg’ to the blanket stitch you’re connecting to.

Lazy Daisy Stitch

Basic embroidery stitches: lazy daisy stitch

Lazy daisy is the quickest way to make a flower in embroidery. Take the yarn to the front, then first push the needle back through the same hole and through to the front again like shown in the photo. The length of the needle underneath the fabric will be the length of the lazy daisy petal.

Basic embroidery stitches: lazy daisy stitch

Pull the yarn through, then fasten in place with a tiny running stitch.

Get more tips for the lazy daisy stitch in my lazy daisy lavender cushion tutorial.

Chain Stitch

Basic embroidery stitches: Chain stitch

Chain stitch is very similar to lazy daisies, but the chain keeps building on itself. First, create a small running stitch. Pull the yarn to the front again, the distance away being how long you want each chain to be. Take the yarn underneath the running stitch, and pull through to the back in the same hole.

Basic embroidery stitches: Chain stitch

Keep taking the yarn underneath each chain, keeping the spacing regular.

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Done! You’re ready to tackle some patterns or create a decorative sampler for yourself. Edging tote bags or tea towels with different stitches is a quick and beautiful way to practise stitches.

basic-done

In July I’m learning sewing. Be sure to practise these stitches, because I’m going to share a bright sewing project to better enjoy some summer sunshine…

upcoming-project

Can you guess what it’s going to be? ;)

 

Happy crafting,
Anna

 

More embroidery goodness on these fantastic blogs:

Sublime Stitching

Carina’s Craftblog

&Stitches

nanaCompany

The Purl Bee – Embroidery Projects