How to Embroider With Three Types of Stitches

There are many different types of stitches in the world of embroidery, but you can learn how to embroider with only 3 of them--here's how.

Difficulty: Moderately Easy

Instructions

Things You'll Need:

• Embroidery hoop
• Sewing needle
• Embroidery floss
• Thimble
• Embroidery pattern

1. Recognize the 3 stitches. A back stitch outlines the design. A cross stitch looks like an x and can be made with 2 or 4 stitches. It also is used as an embellishment or to fill in the design. The satin stitch completely fills in a section of the design and gives it depth.

2. Practice the 3 stitches on a scrap of fabric.

3. Select a pattern, such as a butterfly, and transfer it to your fabric.

4. Place your pattern inside the embroidery hoop. Pull the edges of the fabric until your pattern is snug and wrinkle free.

5. Thread your sewing needle with 2 strands of embroidery floss.

6. Knot the long end of the floss.

7. Decide to do either the cross stitch or the satin stitch, then bring your needle up from the backside of your fabric.

8. Outline your pattern with the backstitch.

9. Remove the fabric from the embroidery hoop and admire your work.

Tips & Warnings

• Wearing a thimble will prevent a painful callus from forming on your sewing finger, and it also makes it easier to push the needle through the fabric.
• If the embroidery floss is pulled to tight, it will cause the fabric to pucker.