How to Perform Needlework Stitches

Performing basic needlework stitches is the first step towards perfecting your skills as a needle artist. Take time to master the basics before you advance to more complicated projects and you may avoid becoming frustrated with your new hobby.

Difficulty: Moderate

Instructions

Things You'll Need:

• Scissors
• Needle
• Thread or floss
• Hoop or frame
• Fabric

1. Prepare your canvas or foundation fabric by stretching it on a hoop or frame. You may wish to bind the edges of the fabric with masking tape or fusible binding tape to keep it from fraying while you work.

2. Thread your needle with one to two strands of embroidery floss and knot it at one end. You should keep your floss at a reasonable length as longer threads tangle more easily.

3. Start with a running stitch. Insert your needle on the wrong side of your fabric and pull it upwards. Finish the stitch by inserting the needle through to the wrong side of the fabric. Repeat at even intervals for the best effect.

4. Perform a whipped running stitch by using a contrasting thread to encase the running stitches you have just made. Insert your needle at the starting point of your running stitch and run it through the space between the stitch and the fabric for each running stitch.

5. Create a back stitch by inserting your needle from the back of the fabric and reinserting it behind the entrance point of your needle. The needle should then puncture the surface of the fabric at an even distance from the entrance point. Repeat the process by inserting the needle into the hole formed by the initial stitch.

6. Perform a simple filling stitch such as satin stitch. Take several stitches in a parallel fashion very close next to each other to fill an area outlined with a running, whipped running or back stitch.

7. Make a French knot stitch. Insert the needle from the back side of the fabric and wrap the working thread around the needle twice. Reinsert the needle at the insertion point while keeping a bit of tension on the working thread. The knot should form once the working thread is pulled through the fabric.

Tips & Warnings

• Always sit in a well-lit area when you are doing needlework to avoid eye strain and fatigue. It is also a good idea to rest your hands and fingers regularly to avoid repetitive motion stress injuries such as carpal tunnel syndrome.