About Embroidery Stitches

Throughout time embroiderers have been arranging embroidery stitches on fabric to create beautiful designs and pictures. Although an old art form, embroidery is an ever-growing craft that continues to grow in popularity. Because needle workers have so many different embroidery stitches and threads from which to choose, there are unlimited opportunities for creativity. However, to stitch an exceptional piece of needlework, the appropriate embroidery stitches have to be used to render a desired effect.

History

Primitive people living in the Orient and Far East first used embroidery stitches to join animal skins together. They soon discovered that embroidery stitches could be used for decorative, as well as practical purposes. Evidence of embroidery stitches have been found as far back as 6000 BC in Siberia from Chinese bead embroidery done with shells stitched to animal hides.
Around 500 A.D. Byzantium mosaics pictured clothing embroidered with silk thread and precious stones. Embroidery stitches continued to become more prolific throughout the world by 1500 A.D. Embroidery flourished during the 1700s, with the upsurge of thread and bead embroidery, as depicted on many household furnishings and clothing. The craft continued through the Victorian Era in the late 1800s with counted cross-stitch and other stitch forms.
Working with crewel embroidery stitches was a popular needlecraft of the 1970s and 80s. For the past few decades counted cross-stitch has enjoyed resurgence, as one of the most popular forms of embroidery.

Types

There are scores of variations of embroidery stitches. However, all stitches can classified into two basic groups which are free stitches and counted thread. Free stitches are embroidery stitches that are stitched without regard to a fabric's weave, whereas counted stitches are stitched over evenweave fabrics that have a set number of threads. Examples are needlepoint and counted cross-stitch fabrics.
Free stitches can be stitched using yarn (crewel embroidery) or with 6-stranded thread, known as embroidery floss.
The straight stitch, a single, individual stitch, is the most basic of all stitches and can be done in any direction, angle or length.
The satin stitch is made up of a group of straight stitches, stitched closely together to create a solid filling. It can be stitched vertically and horizontally, as well as diagonally.
The backstitch consists of short, even stitches and is used to outline.
The stem stitch is another stitch used to outline and is worked from left to right. It's used mostly to represent flower stems.
Just as its name, the split stitch splits small stitches. This sttitch works well around curves, and is used for subtle shading when worked in rows.
The chain stitch is one of the useful, as well as versatile stitches. Used mostly for curved or straight lines, it also adds a decorative touch to a piece of needlework.
French knots are bead-like stitches usually used for surface decoration, besides for shading. They're ideal for depicting the eyes of birds and centers of daisies.

Considerations

Consider the thickness of your embroidery thread before stitching. For example, to cover a large area, use all six strands. On the other hand, to do fine work, sometimes it only takes one strand. For most counted cross stitch projects, working on 14-count Aida fabric, you need two strands of embroidery floss. For 11-count Aida, use three. You only need one strand when stitching on linen.
When practicing, use a light-colored fabric and stitch with dark colored thread.

Prevention/Solution

It's easy for embroidery stitches to not look as professional as they should because the tension is wrong. Stitches done using too tight a tension can result in a fabric that buckles.On the other hand, too loose a tension produces a canvas that's sloppy. Even worse, stitches can snag easily. To avoid problems, keep the tension of your stitches balanced, not stitching too tightly or loosely.

Warning

Before attempting a large project, first master the basic embroidery stitches. Practice on white muslin fabric, using an embroidery hoop. Then work a few simple embroidery projects, packaged in kits which you can find at craft stores such as Michaels and Hobby Lobby.
Don't use embroidery hoops when working on Aida fabric for counted cross-stitch, as it's almost impossible to iron out the hoop marks. Instead, use either Q-snaps or embroidery frames.
If you do stitch using embroidery hoops, always take the hoops off after a stitching session.

Misconceptions

Sometimes people want to learn new embroidery stitches, but have been told it's too difficult. This is one the biggest myths about embroidery. All it takes is practice and determination to combine what you already known with new techniques and you can become an accomplished embroiderer.
Another misconception is that you must do counted cross-stitches with a stretcher frame or some other type of stretcher frame for best results. The reality is that hand stitched counted cross-stitch turns out just as professional as if it were stitched using a stretcher frame or hoop.

Resources

• History of Embroidery