How to Do Stem Outline Embroidery

The stem stitch is used for lines such as stems and outlines.

The stem stitch looks like a tiny rope. It follows curves beautifully, so it is perfect for outlining objects. For this reason it is also called the outline stitch. It is more than twice as thick as the floss so it works well for making lines and stems. The terms "stem stitch" and "outline stitch" are used interchangeably, but in a strict definition the outline stitch is stitched with each stitch above the previous stitch while the stem stitch is made with each stitch below the previous stitch.

Things You'll Need

• Embroidery floss
• Scissors
• Needle
• Fabric
• Embroidery hoop
• Pencil

Instructions

Stem Stitch

1. Cut an 18-inch length of floss and separate it into individual strands. Put three strands together and thread them into a needle. Knot the ends of the threads.

2. Lay a piece of fabric over the smaller ring of the embroidery hoop. Place the larger hoop over it. Tighten the screw, if it is a wooden hoop. Plastic hoops just snap together; they do not need to be tightened. Pull down on the edges of the fabric until it is taut in the hoop. Draw a 3-inch pencil line across the fabric in the center of the hoop.

3. Bring your needle up through the fabric at the left end of the pencil line. Make a 1/4- inch stitch along the pencil line.

4. Bring the needle up on the pencil line 1/8 inch from the left end of the line and below the first stitch. Make another 1/4-inch stitch. Use the tip of the needle to push the first stitch up and out of the way. Pull the thread tight.

5. Continue stitching this way, always bringing your needle out halfway along the previous stitch and underneath it.

6. End the last stitch at the end of the pencil line and knot the thread underneath the fabric. Cut off any excess thread.

Outline Stitch

1. Prepare your fabric as you did for the stem stitch.

2. Make a 1/4-inch stitch on the left end of the pencil line as you did for the stem stitch.

3. Make the second stitch 1/8 inch from the left end of the pencil line, bringing the thread up above the first stitch.

4. Continue stitching this way, starting each stitch by bringing the needle out on the pencil line halfway along the previous stitch and above it.

5. Finish the line as you finished the stem stitch line.

Tips & Warnings

• If the last stitch on the line is close to 1/4-inch-long, make a short stitch to finish the line.

• Knot and cut the floss at the end of every line. Floss carried across the back of the fabric will show on the front of the embroidery.

References

• Craft Stylish; How To: Five Handy Embroidery Stitches; Erika Kern; September 2008
• Craft Stylish: How to Hand Stitch an Outline Stitch, Jennifer Stern: June 2008;