How to Stitch a Coral Stitch

A very old embroidery stitch, the coral stitch is found throughout English crewel work of the 1600s and 1700s. The coral stitch makes a line that resembles a row of knots. This stitch is also called a coral knot, beaded stitch and knotted stitch. The coral stitch is a great stitch for outlines and curved detail. Use it to create twigs and floral patterns.

Instructions

1. Transfer the design for the needlework onto the fabric. Use a direct transfer method, pouncing or draw the design with a pencil. Mark the desired line(s) of the coral stitch.

2. Insert the fabric into an embroidery hoop. Align the fabric so that the grain is smooth and straight. Use a frame for larger pieces of embroidery to keep the fabric taut as it is being worked.

3. Work the coral stitch from left to right. Bring the thread from the back to the front of the fabric. Hold the thread loosely against the front of the fabric.

4. Take the needle through the fabric at a right angle just above the line to be worked and bring it out again just below the line. Bring the needle all the way through the fabric, pulling it over the thread to form a knot.

5. Vary the coral stitch by adjusting the angle of the needle as it pierces the fabric. Adjust the spacing between the knots along the line to be worked. Create varying effects by using different weights and twists of thread.

Resources

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