Embroidery Stitches: The Different Types And When To Use Them
The first thing you have to learn when tackling the art of needlework is the proper execution of stitches. There are two fundamental techniques of performing the stitches – the stabbing technique and the scoop system, sometimes also called the hand sewing method.
The scoop method is what you commonly use when you are doing regular sewing, such as for mending clothes. This method involves putting the needle in through the fabric from the topside and bringing it back out to the top again in a single motion.
On the other hand, the stab method entails that you put the needle in at an angle perpendicular to the fabric and pull it out from the back. Then you put the needle back in from underneath, again at a perpendicular angle to the fabric, and pull it out from the topside.
If you are using an embroidery hoop for your project, which is advisable especially for beginners, you will most likely be using the stabbing system of stitching.
This brings us now to the different kinds of embroidery stitches involved in doing needlework. There are actually many types of stitches, but in order to start, all you need are these basic embroidery stitches that we have listed below.
1. Straight Stitch
As the name signifies, these types of embroidery stitches are generally used to create straight lines on your pattern. The execution of a straight stitch is achieved by pushing the needle into your material with an up and down motion.
There are several kinds of straight stitches, the most popular of which are the running stitch, the satin stitch, and the fern stitch.
2. Back Stitch
The back stitch is executed by first pushing the needle in from the back of the fabric and putting it back in a little bit to the right. Then you push the needle from the back again, this time coming out a short distance to the left of the first stitch.
You then put the needle back in at the spot touching the left side of the first stitch. If you repeat this process several times, it will resemble the regular stitch of a sewing machine. These particular embroidery stitches are very useful in creating outlines for tight curves on your embroidery blueprint.
3. Chain Stitch
These kinds of embroidery stitches are meant to create a design on the fabric resembling a series of links in a chain, hence the name. You can begin the chain stitch by inserting the needle from the underneath and back again at the same spot, leaving a small loop of thread.
When you push the needle back out a little further, loop the thread over the needle, pull it through, and put the needle back in through the fabric. Several repetitions of this will create the illusion of tiny chains on your design.
4. Cross Stitch
This stitch has been one of the most popular embroidery stitches for many generations now. It just makes use of two slanting stitches that overlap to create the cross pattern.
There are still many more kinds of embroidery stitches that are used in needlework, but these four basic stitches are enough for now. Once you have mastered these simple embroidery stitches, you can learn the more difficult ones so you can create even more intricate designs in your embroidery projects.