Stitches

In 1873 Levi Strauss and Jacob Davis were granted a U.S. patent for the invention of blue jeans. These jeans, more commonly known as Levi's, were first used as men's work pants, but have since become…

The Janome serger does a beautiful job of sewing a cover stitch over the raw edge of your hemmed tee shirts and tops. This is the stitch that you see at the bottom of commercially made tee shirts and…

A whip stitch is an overcast stitch that is used to bind two pieces of fabric together. Using standard thread, you create a firmly stitched seam that strongly binds the two pieces of fabric. When you…

Applique is a technique of layering fabrics to create different designs. An example is an embroidered flower attached to a shirt pocket. Appliques can be single or multi-layered. Use the zigzag…

Trellis lace stitching is a style of crochet that produces a geometric lacy fabric. Depending on the yarn or thread used, the fabric can be made into a fine tablecloth or a lacy shawl or scarf. Using…

An applique is a piece of fabric that is applied to another piece of fabric, either with an adhesive or with needle and thread. The zigzag stitch is usually adequate to sew on a applique, but…

When finishing a crocheted blanket, scarf or hat, there are many options when it comes to adding a border. The half pinwheel stitch creates a scalloped edging with spokes in the center -- it is…

Hemp stitching is used to make jewelry pieces from the natural product such as bracelets or necklaces. The cobra stitch is a lacing stitch that is commonly used by hemp braiders because the thin braid…

After mastering simple stitches such as the split stitch, basckstitch and stem stitch, embroiderers can try out the vine stitch. Also called a featherstitch, the vine stitch looks like a vine crawling…

Cross-stitching is a form of needlepoint enjoyed by many crafters. The technique uses many types of stitches to achieve different designs and appearances on the fabric base. The simplest stitch is a…

Afghans are large, crocheted blankets made out of thick yarn—chances are if you’ve ever snuggled under large blanket at grandma’s house it was an afghan. To create an afghan you must…

The back stitch is one of the easiest hand embroidery stitches. It makes a clean, even line that goes smoothly around curves and corners. Back stitching is particularly good for outlining designs or…

Basting creates a temporary bond between two pieces of fabric. Using a loose stitch to secure fabric helps you test out the fit of a garment or a hemline. You can baste stitches by hand or with a…

The Hawaiian quilting tradition is known for vibrant colors, patterns that tell a story and appliqué and embroidery stitch details. One popular embroidery stitch in Hawaiian quilting is the…

Casting off is the last step of a knitting project. When you cast off your knit stitches you are binding the edge so the stitches can't come unraveled. Another name for casting off is binding off.…

Chenille is a soft, fuzzy fiber that is used for machine and hand embroidery. The raised texture of the embroidered chenille stitching is seen on patches for school award letters, monograms and logo…

Capri pants are stylish and appropriate for warmer weather days because they allow you to expose just enough of your legs to catch a cool breeze while still offering adequate coverage for a modest…

Stitching with a graphics program is the act of connecting two or more images together using a photo-editing application, usually for the purpose of creating panoramic images. You can stitch…

The lock stitch is a basic sewing stitch and is named as it is made when two threads interlock. Most modern sewing machines use a lock stitch, with one thread coming up from the bottom by way of the…

Use nose putty to create a simple stitching makeup for Halloween or other occasions. Makeup artists have used nose putty, which can be found at nearly every costume shop, for generations. In fact, it…

Sometimes, a single photo just doesn't seem adequate for its subject matter. The Grand Canyon for example, is so encompassing in scope and grandeur that trying to capture it all in a single photograph…

The Quaker rib stitch (sometimes called Quaker ridging) is a traditional American knit stitch. It's an easy and popular stitch, because it has almost infinite variations. The simplest is three or four…

Nearly every home sewing machine offers a zigzag stitch option, because it's both versatile and functional. By adjusting the width and length of the zigzag stitch, you can use it to finish edges, to…

Cut out and stitch a sari blouse, known as a choli, in a couple of hours. Most saris include a blouse piece when purchased and may have pre-embellished sleeves included. The choli can match or…

Outline stitches are, as their name suggests, used for outlining shapes and designs in embroidery patterns and other needlework designs. While they do primarily serve the basic function of outlining,…

Knitters who need to make a quick gift have a friend in the drop stitch, a long decorative stitch that uses a single row of knitting to take up the space of several. While it looks like complicated…

Stitch beads to your pant cuffs or skirt hem, around pillow and curtain edges, or the collar of a blouse. Small seed beads work best for this. Use a beading needle since the eye isn't rounded and will…

A grub rose, sometimes called a bullion rose, is an embroidered flower. The rose is made from straight lines of ribbon sewn into the fabric like traditional embroidery thread. You can make grub roses…

Zigzag stitching appears as an option on most modern sewing machines for its practicality and appealing appearance. For any sewing situation in which elasticity is needed, the zigzag stitch works…

An alternative to having a pair of pants hemmed or altered by a professional is learning to do it yourself. If a seam rips out or you lose a button, knowing how to do simple sewing is a plus. By…

There is an old saying that foretells: "A stitch in time saves nine." This ancient adage references the fact that even the simplest of stitches, a basic straight stitch, is an effective way to save…

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 whipped running stitch, also called cordonnet stitch, is a simple embroidery stitch that a beginner can learn in minutes. One of the fastest decorative stitches to execute, the whipped running…

A garter stitch scarf is a simple and rewarding knitting project. The only techniques you need to know are how to cast on, do knit stitches and bind off. You can use any type of cast on method for a…

The garter stitch, which creates a ridged pattern on both sides of the fabric, is the simplest stitch you can create on straight needles. Just knit back and forth, using only knit stitches. Things…

A cuff bracelet is a good project for a beginning crocheter. It's fashionable in its own right but it may seem to lack pizzazz. Adding a simple picot edging to a plain cuff will make it special…

Salwar, a traditional type of Indian pants, are typically worn with a kameez. A kameez is a fitted top providing both fashionable style and versatility for everyday wear. In India, a kameez is…

Experienced knitters know that a pattern will not work with every body type. Adding a short row will give a certain area of a garment a little extra bulk. For instance, adding short rows to the rear…

The garter stitch is the first stitch most knitters learn. When working the garter stitch on four needles, or in the round, the all knit stitches change in order to maintain the textured look of the…

Lab coats come in many different colors, sizes and designs and are used by doctors, nurses and scientists alike. Children, teens and young adults may use lab coats during science experiments as well.…

Button stitch templates offer a visual guide for beginners or personal reference in your sewing kit. With the variations of button types used in different clothing items and upholstered furniture,…

A kurta is a loose, knee-length tunic traditionally worn over loose-fitting pants by men and women in the Middle East and Asia; it consists of a front back and sleeves. Providing you have some basic…

Crafts people commonly use the peyote beading stitch in jewelry making, featuring almost any size bead. Use beads with a large center hole, as you will pass the thread through the beads more than…

Comfortable to wear in hot weather, patiala are loose wide-leg pants with an attractive draped look. They are stitched to a waistband with a drawstring closure. Patiala are often worn by women in…

Double-breasted suits are jackets that feature two columns of buttons in the front as opposed to the one column of buttons featured on a single-breasted suit. Although double-breasted suits have been…

The art of embroidery has been around for centuries. Decorative stitches create beautiful patterns and images on a variety of materials. It is quite simple to hand-sew a chain stitch. A series of…

You can embellish quilted accessories with just a little knowledge of embroidery stitches. The Hawaiian chicken foot stitch, in its simplicity of a three-stitch pattern, is ideal for beginners. The…

A kurta is a traditional, loose-fitting, long tunic worn by men and women in Asia and the Middle East. It is generally worn over a pair of loose-fitting pants. Kurtas are simple garments, consisting…

The Cellini spiral stitch, also known a spiral peyote stitch, produces a tubular spiral. Close the ends of the tube to create a necklace or bracelet. Leave the ends open, and thread it on a chain or…

An ancient art form, Chinese silk embroidery has been practiced for more than 3,800 years. In the past, women from wealthy households practiced Chinese silk embroidery as a hobby while lower class…

Any knitted object is made of knit stitches and purl stitches. In the English method, a common form of knitting, the knitter holds the working yarn in the right hand. People who use this style are…

Weaving key chains is a pass time enjoyed by people of all ages. String, cord, ribbon or flat, plastic lacing is used to weave key chains, bracelets and lanyards. For decades, this craft has been…

Because the garter stitch is the easiest to learn, it's generally the first stitch a new knitter encounters and is one that every knitter needs to know. Knitters can identify the garter stitch from…

Most knitted fabric lies relatively flat, with yarn choice and pattern embellishments such as cables or ribbing to create texture. But if you master the relatively extravagant loop stitch, you can use…

The serger flatlock stitch is a decorative stitch that is made using two or three threads instead of four. Once completed, the stitch is decorative on the wrong and right sides, giving two options for…

A blind hem stitch is just as it suggests -- a hem that is barely visible. The technique is commonly used when sewing items such as curtains, home decor items and some apparel when a visible hem is…

Enhance a knitted piece, such as a scarf, with a woven embellishment. Many knit stitches lend themselves to weaving yarn through the knit fabric, with the stitches serving as the warp. An afghan, or…

The detached stitch is used in embroidery and needlework to make flowers and other curved designs. The stitches can be grouped to form single flowers, flower bunches, fruits, Native American designs…

The briar stitch, also known as the feather stitch, is a decorative hand-embroidery stitch that creates a series of interlocking "V" shapes. A variation of the buttonhole stitch, it has been used…

When completing a sewing project for the first time, you have several new skills to practice. From selecting your thread and following a pattern to sewing the piece together, a lot of work goes into…

The feather chain stitch, sometimes called the feather stitch chained or chain feathered stitch, is a series of chain stitches worked into the fabric on an angle, between two invisible parallel lines.…

Tools recommended for a basic sewing tool kit include scissors, tape measure, seam ripper and a sewing gauge. Usually made of metal, a sewing gauge is 6 inches long, marked in inches along one edge…

The sight of a ladder ascending upward alongside a building can spark a child's imagination and natural curiosity. Using the versatile material of cardboard, you can help a child make his own ladder…

Every experienced leather worker knows that stitching leather is a time-consuming and tedious process, often seeming to require more than two hands. Some companies make products called leather…

The feather stitch creates a decorative accent to a fabric item, typically used to accentuate the lines of a hem or pocket. Appearing in embroidery books as early as the 1880s, feather stitch comes in…

We're so used to letting sewing machines do the job of stitching that many people new to the craft consider that sewing is impossible without a sewing machine. Hand stitching is an age-old craft, with…

Picots are a crochet stitch that uses a chain to form a loop-like effect. Picots are typically used for edging blankets and doilies, but can also be used for accenting lace-like designs in larger…

There are many reasons you may want to learn the sewing method of cross stitching. Easing the strain on your wrists, removing the embroidery hoops that stretch your stitches and the desire to hold the…

Awls have long been used for sewing heavy materials such as canvas and leather. A stitching or sewing awl is a handheld tool that consists of a thin but sturdy metal needle, secured in a handle, that…

When you knit every row of a piece knitted flat and turn your work at the end of each row, you get a bumpy fabric known as garter stitch. However, when you start knitting in the round on circular…

Snowflake embroidery, also known as Amish embroidery, depression lace, gingham tracks and chicken scratch, is a traditional craft used for many purposes, including embellishing clothes and making…

Picot edging is a decorative trim used to give a delicate finish to crocheted items. While it may look complicated, you can create a picot stitch by combining the single crochet with two basic…

Many embroidery patterns employ basic chain stitches in straight and curved lines. Chain stitches are common in Crewel embroidery. Learning to sew a basic straight chain stitch enables you to create a…

Use the stem stitch, also sometimes called the crewel stitch, when creating flowers with stems in embroidery. You can also use the stitch to outline an embroidered object. The stitch wraps around…

Finding a hole in your afghan can be frustrating, whether you knitted it yourself or received it as a gift. However, a hole doesn't have to mean the end of the afghan. For small holes that are less…

A bobble stitch is a small raised area of knitting that puffs out from the ground of flat knitting. It is accomplished by making several increases in one stitch, knitting a few short rows on those…

Launched in 2009 the Canon PowerShot SX120IS is compact point and shoot digital camera. At the heart of the camera is a 10.0 megapixel CCD and a 10x optical zoom lens that provides a 35mm film…

Design and sew your own salwar kurta, most commonly known as a Punjabi suit or salwar kameez. Each salwar kurta is a one of a kind, designer original. Fabrics are purchased in matched sets of three…

Bookbinding, an art of its own, would never exist without hand sewn stitching. Stitching binds together sections of a book's pages, making the pages into one complete manuscript. Hand stitching a book…

Digital technology and its application in photography has change the way pictures are taken, stored and edited. Now with digital cameras we can review almost immediately the pictures we just shot.…

Salwar kameez suits are shirt and pants sets worn predominantly in South Asia. The suits are each custom designed for comfort, mobility and fashion using fabrics dyed to match. The suit fabrics are…

The picot stitch is a decorative crochet stitch that is completed in conjunction with other stitches as you work on a crocheted project. Generally forming a decorative edging of dainty lacy loops, the…

Locating a store that sells the items you need for your crafting projects can be a challenge, particularly if you live in an area with few stores that carry more general merchandise. Still, finding…

When you take a picture with a digital camera, the image is viewed by the digital sensor, processed through its internal processor and saved to a memory card. All of this happens very quickly and…

The lazy daisy, which is a basic embroidery stitch that creates a teardrop shape, commonly forms flowers in embroidery. Stitch size and thread type contribute to the overall look of the lazy daisy…

A snake lanyard is created by using the cobra stitch with plastic lace. Plastic lace is a flat, flexible lace that is available in a wide variety of colors in most craft stores. The cobra stitch uses…

Swedish weaving, also called huck embroidery, may date back to the 17th century in Sweden. Dish towels from the 1930s in the United States also commonly feature Swedish or huck embroidery. Unlike…

Add hand stitched initials or other letters to fabrics such as bed linens, hand towels and kitchen linens for customized home accessories or personalized gifts. Add a monogram to a set of bathrobes…

Reformatting a memory card is a one-step process that prepares the card to be used in your digital camera to take additional pictures. After reformatting the card you can no longer see the digital…

Cloth diapers are an option many families today choose in order to save money. In an effort to add to their savings, many people choose to make there own cloth diapers rather than purchasing them.…

It is so easy to catch your heel in the hem of your skirt or slacks and tear the seam. Thin stiletto or kitten heels are especially hazardous to your hemline. Repair a torn hem in your trousers as…

Pictures that are photographed using digital cameras are not saved on film, but rather are saved to a compact flash memory card, an SD memory card or a media stick. Images saved to these storage…

Handmade cards show friends and family that you are not only thinking of them, but you took special time and care to create a one-of-a-kind greeting. Decorate homemade cards in several ways and with…

A blanket stitch sewn by hand makes an attractive edging on fabrics. When you carefully sew a blanket stitch, you bind the edge and create a decorative stitching that can complement or contrast with…

The triangle stitch is one kind of lanyard stitch that uses three colors of craft lace. The fairly simple stitch to learn uses a weaving technique to create the triangular shaped lanyard design. Craft…

Making lanyards out of plastic craft lace is a common project often done in summer camps with children. These lanyards work well as zipper pulls, key chains and bracelets. The triangle stitch that…

If you're interested in sewing, you'll enjoy learning more about the fundamentals of the blanket stitch. This stitch is a great way to seal the edges of bulky fabrics, as it's quite strong and secure.…

Digital technology has changed the way photos are recorded and saved. These advancements have made it easier to review pictures as soon as we take them; it has also increased the chances of…

Digital technology has changed the way pictures are taken and stored by digital cameras. Rather than having the image stored on a strip of light-sensitive material, images are converted into digital…

Wool blankets and throws bordered with a self or contrast color decorative stitched edge usually includes a blanket stitch. Whether you choose to include this stitch type by hand or machine, the…

Plastic lace is commonly used to create lanyards. It is a flat plastic lace that is available in a large variety of colors. You use a weaving technique to create the stitches. The triangle stitch uses…

In the days where the use of film photography was the norm, pictures where recorded on color or black and white film that was sensitive to light. In the digital age, pictures are now recorded onto a…

Digital technology has changed the way pictures are saved once they are taken. It has also made it easier to accidentally delete these same pictures when you are reviewing them. If you accidentally…

Homemade lanyard crafts are fun for children of all ages, but easy enough for the young ones. The cobra stitch is a very basic pattern that can be completed using a single piece of cord or, to add…

Afghan crochet or Tunisian crochet is different from standard crochet; when a cloth is finished in afghan crochet, there are vertical and horizontal bars. This stitch was primarily used to create only…

Blanket stitches are decorative embroidery stitches used as accents around the edges of fabric projects. They can be used to finish off an edge, attach a seam or both. Blanket stitches, when…

You don't need a pricey tailor or a fancy sewing machine to make simple alterations to an ill-fitting suit. If a single-breasted jacket fits well across your back but gapes or bags in the front,…

Don't try to ease your stuck photographs apart without some preparation. You'll cause more damage and ruin the images, and without some serious photo restoration they'll be ruined. Assess the paper,…

You don't have to run down to the store every time you need a new tablecloth -- you can sew one from the comfort of your own home. Get sewing instructions for a tablecloth with help from a longtime…

Semi-hard eyeglasses cases protect your eye wear from being scratched, bent or broken. These cases can be strictly utilitarian or may have some decorative qualities. Making your own case lets you…

Leather comes from the skin of animals, which is tanned and preserved. It may be worked to a soft, cloth-like consistency or preserved in a way to leave it sleek and hard. While cow leather is common,…

Finishing details, changing stitch patterns or starting a different section in computer-generated embroidery designs includes a tie-off stitch. This stitch type, referred to as a lock stitch, forms a…

The 2-pound Mini Rex sewing machine is a cordless handheld sewing machine that offers versatility that a stationary sewing machine just cannot offer. For instance, if you need to hem curtains, the…

You can change a loose knit bodice to a more form-fitting, sleeveless, sheath garment through a few basic alterations. A bodice is a garment which covers the body between the waist and the neck. A…

Afghan crochet, also known as Tunisian crochet, resembles both crochet and knitting. This type of crochet is neither Afghan nor Tunisian, but evolved in Western Europe, with the earliest surviving…

Handy Stitch by Singer is a small handheld portable sewing machine. Designed for quick repairs made right where the project is, the Handy Stitch can be carried right to the fabric needing work, like a…

June Tailor Quick Fuse Inkjet Fabric Sheets make it easy to iron on custom designs for your clothes, quilts and other apparel. They take the place of regular paper directly in your Inkjet printer and…

Ladders are more than just useful pieces of equipment that assist us when we need to reach high places. They elevate and are often symbols for success. Ladders show up in biblical stories and…

A square stitch is a simple and easy-to-learn stitch used in beading. It basically forms a beaded square once completed. This square can then be added to a shirt for a unique and decorated look that…

The peyote stitch in beading can be found in many different cultures, including both ancient and modern. From ancient Egypt and Africa to North America, the stitch now known as peyote is evident in…

Once thought to be "old fashioned," needlepoint is making a comeback with today's youth through stylish new designs in items like glasses cases, cards, beanies, and hacky sacks as seen in the work of…

Gingham fabric comes in a variety of colors, with geometric checks making up the pattern on the fabric. Because of the even and straight squares on gingham fabric, it lends itself for embroidery.…

Peyote is a decorative string and bead craft useful for a variety of projects, from jewelry to beadwork and more. Peyote appears in projects in odd or even numbers, on the flat and tubular. The…

The Handy Stitch sewing machine is a portable, hand-held sewing machine made by the Singer Sewing Company. It is battery operated, so you can take it places where no electrical outlets are available.…

The peyote stitch is actually a bead weaving technique. You work the beads so that each bead of the new row goes in a space of the previous row, which leaves no open spaces. This gives the piece a…

Leather lacing creates a thick weave of leather cord around the edge of a piece. Its purpose is not just to look good, but also to help protect the edges of a leather piece from wear and tear. It is…

Loop stitching is a decorative form of hand sewing that adds detail to any fabric, even leather. When sewing leathe, use a strong needle that will be able to pierce through the leather. Loop stitches…

You can create many garments and accessories by sewing together leather skins. You can sew leather relatively easily, as long as you have sufficiently strong needles and thread. Although a properly…

The patiala salwar is a distinctive pant suit from Patiala, a city in northwest India. The patiala salwar gets its unusual shape from the especially voluminous pants, which are softly pleated to…

Peyote beading is a popular beading technique that looks very tricky and time consuming. But once you figure out the beading pattern, you'll quickly discover that this pattern is quite simple to…

Manufactured by Singer, the Handy Stitch is a cordless mini sewing machine that makes craft projects easy for both novice and experienced sewers. The compact sewing machine is portable and is ideal…

The peyote stitch is a versatile bead-weaving technique that gets easier to weave after you've stitched the first few rows. Follow just a few instructions to get the hang of the stitch and you'll be…

The basketweave stitch, one of the basic needlepoint stitches, results in a beautiful pattern on both sides of your canvas. This stitch is always done on the bias (diagonal) of the canvas. Look at…

Nikon manufactures and markets a line of digital point-and-shoot cameras it calls Coolpix. These cameras are designed for photographers who are either just entering the digital photography market or…

You should use a stretch stitch when constructing garments out of stretchy fabrics, such as nylon or polyester. This will enable the seams of your garment to stretch along with the fabric without…

When you create a garment using stretchy material, you will need to use a stretch stitch to allow stretch along the seam and to avoid thread breakage. There are various types of stretch stitches, and…

Knitting is a fun hobby and a productive craft, but a left-handed person may be disappointed to find that many guides only offer instructions for right-handed people. Fortunately for southpaws, it is…

Enhance the aesthetics of a common kitchen or tea towel into a display piece with applique. Applique involves sewing or attaching a decorative fabric shape onto another piece of material. Add…

Buttonholes may seem like a difficult undertaking for the beginning sewer, but they are surprisingly easy to make now that the majority of sewing machines are capable of automatically sewing a…

The salwar kameez is the graceful, loose-fitting pant suit worn by both men and women in Central and South Asia. When worn by men, the neckline is often higher and may be embroidered. Men also…

Whether you were at camp during the summer or hanging out at home on a weekend afternoon, chances are that you or someone in your family enjoyed making lanyards, which is a fun hobby for people at any…

Creating a nice neat edge on a sewing project may seem impossible without an expensive serger machine at your disposal. You can, though, use a simple (once you get the hang of it) hand stitch to…

A stitch holder is a common knitting tool, used when you need to remove your needles from their current position and work on another part of the project. The stitch holder keeps the work-in-progress…

The art of decorating fabric with needle and thread or yarn dates back to ancient times. The primary stitches used today have been found in the earliest surviving fabrics. Free instructions often can…

There's nothing worse for the avid griller than a weather-damaged, rusted cooking surface. That's why any griller worth his salt uses a cover to protect the grill from the ravages of the outdoors.…

The chicken-scratch embroidery stitch is called by many names. Also known as depression embroidery, gingham lace, Amish embroidery or snowflake lace, this stitch works best on thin gingham fabric…

The shell stitch, sometimes known as the fan stitch, is created by a combination of crochet stitches. The lacy design provides shells or fans that are staggered for emphasis. This pattern is highly…

A saddle stitch refers to the overcasting stitch usually done at the collar, hem or pocket of a piece of fabric. In order to make the perfect saddle stitch, you need to make sure that it is tight to…

The flatlock stitch uses several threads to create a flat, uniform stitch that is widely used as a decorative stitch and embellishment on garments and quilts, in addition to being a strong utility…

You can make a stitching imprint of most drawings to create unique embroidery designs. Coloring books provide a wealth of line drawings that you can use to turn into beautiful embroidery, or sketch…

Joining or enlarging an embroidery design usually entails overlap stitches. The designs are combined and generally produce dense and stiff embroidery. It also results in a stacked pattern with bunched…

The Singer Handy Stitch is a handheld portable sewing machine. The advantage of using the Handy Stitch is the machine can be brought to the project, such as sewing up a hem on a curtain. The Handy…

A blanket stitch is a looped stitch that works well in finishing off the edges of fabrics that do not fray, such as fleece, and therefore, do not require a traditional hem. While it is easy to…

Nikon Coolpix is the name given to the company's line of compact digital cameras. The digital images they produce can be used to create stunning panoramic or 360 degree images by using free photo…

Peyote stitch is a beading technique that is created off the loom and can be used to make many decorative items, including bags, jewelry and images. Because each bead is sewn into place, peyote stitch…

You can repair stitching on a suitcase pocket as long as the suitcase material is still strong. If you want to repair suitcase pocket stitching using a sewing machine, you could do that. However, you…

Beaded brick stitch is a versatile and adaptable stitch. It can be used for straight, flat pieces like bracelets or tapestries. It is also easily manipulated into various free-form shapes. Its fabric…

If you have a June Tailor Dresden Express ruler, you can quickly cut fabric blades to create a quilt block or place mats. Each block will have three Dresden blades on it. Arrange four blocks together…

There are many different stitches you can use to sew cloth. The blanket stitch, for example, can be sewn along the edges of your sewing projects to prevent the edges from unraveling, or to make the…

Sewing and crafting projects often require finishing the raw edges of fabric with an attractive stitch. The blanket stitch is a finishing stitch crafters often sew around the edges of blankets,…

Good embroidery skills are necessary to create a custom stitched patch. If you can embroidery a simple back stitch and satin stitch, you can create a custom stitched patch from velvet-flocked…

Blanket stitches are typically used on blankets to finish off the edges. You don't have to hem the blanket or attach binding along the edges if you use the blanket stitch. This stitch works well with…

A blanket stitch is used to give a nice, finished edge to a blanket, such as a fleece throw, or to join together two pieces or layers of a project. At first glance this particular embroidery stitch…

The blanket stitch is so named because it used to be exclusively used on blankets to finish the edges. By using this stitch, you didn't need to hem the fabric or use binding around the edges. This…

The Apache Leaf Stitch is a way of stringing together beads adapted from a Native American design, so named because it resembles a chain of leaves. This stitch pattern is often used to create colorful…

When the Brother Embroidery machine stitches the design, it jumps from the completed section to the next section. These stitches, called jump stitches, detract from the design. Removing the jump…

Stitching a printed needlepoint design is not a difficult task. It can be an effortless way to learn various needlepoint techniques and stitches. You don't need to know how to draw or design…

Take the time to hand-sew the hems on your best garments. Most modern sewing machines have a blind-hem setting that's used with a blind-hem foot, to hem garments quickly and almost invisibly. You can…

Stitching books is an important step in bookmaking, or book binding. Bookmaking is an extremely rewarding craft, and handmade books have many uses. You may feel at first as though you're all thumbs,…

The brick stitch is a weaving technique used to make sturdy projects with seed beads. The base row of any brick stitch design is created with the ladder stitch. You can work a flat or a tubular brick…

Learning the basics of stitching blouses will take you a long way toward sewing an entire wardrobe of clothing you can be proud to wear. From basting to top stitching, each stitch serves a purpose in…

A tablecloth embellished with elaborate geometric designs combining straight lines with open areas would probably be designated a drawnwork or Hardanger embroidered tablecloth. All drawnwork must be…

Photographs can be transformed into fabric by using a digital image, computer and printer. Print out your favorite pictures of people, pets or objects on light-colored cotton or silk and use the photo…

Hand stitching is a basic but essential technique to complete a leather wallet and to use on many other leather craft projects. While machine sewing is quick and easy, hand sewing can produce leather…

Aida cloth is the common fabric for cross-stitch embroidery. If you find yourself going through a lot of Aida cloth or working in multiple projects, you will want to purchase Aida cloth by the yard.…

A little bit of simple embroidery around the neck of a plain piece of clothing can give it that extra touch that turns it into a designer garment. Most sewing machines include built-in decorative…

New knitters are often intimidated by cable stitches, but they shouldn't be. The complex patterns, created by twisting stitches, are not hard to do. To complete a cable stitch, you simply knit a…

Cellini spiral stitch is a form of beadweaving using different sizes of beads to create a pronouced spiral effect around a tube of beads. It is a variation of peyote beadweaving, which stitches layers…

Embroidery designs and methods in India date back to antiquity and are as varied as the dialects across the regions. The salwar kameez has become a popular alternative to a sari for women because of…

Macrame is the art of decorative knotting by hand and used to adorn fringe on garments. According to Macramenia.com, macrame is thought to have started with Arabic culture in the 13th century,…

Whether you're interested in learning needlepoint as a new relaxing hobby, to produce gifts or decorations for your home or to begin a new career as a crafter, one of the first skills you must master…

Needlepoint stitches are not complicated and require little time to learn. A needlepoint canvas is simply a grid of squares and stitches are made at an angle to cover the canvas. Use a…

Making your own decorator pillows is a way to create exactly the pillows you desire in the colors that match your decor. Whether you make fancy or simple pillows for your bedrooms or living room, the…

The ladder stitch is an invaluable tool for those who like hand-sewing projects. The ladder stitch is an invisible stitch that enables you to close almost any seam from the right side of the project,…

One of the most useful stitches used in embroidery or sewing is the blanket stitch. The blanket stitch is often used to secure an open edge or make a sewn item appear more finished and refined. Even…

Swedish weaving, also referred to as huck embroidery, gained popularity in the late 1940s, when homemakers used the technique to create elaborate borders for kitchen and hand towels, according to…

Once upon a time, a finely worked buttonhole was the mark of quality tailoring. Sewing machines with built-in buttonhole attachments have taken the guesswork and finesse out of creating buttonholes,…

Beads can be stitched together to make beautiful and intricate patterns, jewelry and decorations. If you are just starting out, there are a few basics to get down. With good technique and lots of…

When needlepoint stitching a project with areas that require background filling, a common background stitch is the basic “straight gobelin stitch.” Create gobelin stitches on the diagonal…

Stitching beads around a stone creates an embellishment that can make a stone more attractive and useful. Using a basic peyote stitch to create a ring of beads around your stone requires just a few…

Needlepoint canvas, composed of a threaded grid of many small squares, can be purchased at most large fabric suppliers. There are numerous types of stitches in needlepoint and the names for them may…

Brick stitch is a wonderfully versatile bead stitch. It's nice and solid across it's width making it ideal for earrings, pendants and wide cuffs. It's also great for shaped items as increases and…

When you are looking for an attractive edging for your crocheted project, a picot edging makes a beautiful and intricate edging that will add delightful interest to your project. Whether you are a…

Parachute cord is an essential part of any outdoor survival kit. If you are a scout, camper or adventurer, you're probably looking for ways to carry more paracord with you. An easy way to carry it is…

Quilts and other sewing projects often benefit from labels and patches being appliqued onto their surfaces. Unless you are using a decorative thread, you will probably not want your stitches to show.…

Many artists and bookmakers use a Coptic stitch to bind the pages of their books together. The stitch is sturdy and strong enough to hold many pages together, including a cardboard or leather cover.…

A double running stitch is a useful stitch for embroidery outlining. Some people may know this stitch as the two-sided line or the stroke stitch. Sew the double running stitch by stitching over your…

Different crocheters know the afghan stitch technique by various names, including hook knitting, Tunisian crochet and shepherd's knitting. Once you master the technique involved in the afghan stitch,…

The key to any outdoors-man's survival kit is parachute cord. The uses for it in the wilderness are endless, from lacing your shoes to tying down tarps to making a sling or tourniquet. Campers and…

The dragon skin stitch pattern produces a textured knitted fabric that resembles the scales on reptile skin. This stitch pattern is worked across 26 knit stitches and over 12 rows, and it features…

After knitting or stitching your beautiful new jacket, shirt, sweater or coat, it is time to find the correct placement of the buttonholes. Most patterns that can be purchased in fabric or hobby shops…

Ladder stitch describes stitches in different needlework crafts, including beadwork, hand embroidery and knitting. In embroidery and knitting, ladder stitch has two meanings within the same craft…

Boondoggles, gimps and lanyards are different names for the old-standby summer camp and scout activity of craft lacing. There are numerous stitches and lacing designs that can be used to create a…

When you make an afghan stitch using a double-ended hook, you create a reversible crocheted piece that has a woven effect. The technique results in a thick, yet soft, piece having few open spaces,…

The alternated ribbed stitch is one of many Knifty Knitter stitches that can be made on the loom. It is quick and easy to make alternated ribbed stitches on a Knifty Knitter loom once the pattern of…

Whether you are embellishing a tote bag or a formal gown, stitching beads to fabric is an effective way to add dimension and design to clothing and accessories. Although the work can be painstaking,…

Using liquid stitch for your hems and projects is an easy and quick way to finish your crafting needs. However, removing your adhesive from your garment or project item is another story. With…

You can use lanyard---also known as gimp, boondoggle, scoubidou or plastic craft lace---to create a variety of crafts, such as keychains, zipper pulls and bracelets. Different stitches weave the…

A blanket stitch is a bold type of stitching often done with embroidery thread. It is used either to add an edge to an object like a blanket, or to applique one piece of fabric onto another. Using the…

Whether finishing a baby blanket or adding extra flair to a valance, a special stitch can make a sewing project much prettier. The blanket stitch is one of the simplest hand-sewing stitches to learn,…

A serger sewing machine adds versatile sewing and stitching methods to your sewing options. Sergers sew differently than standard sewing machines because these machines use up to five threads to…

The square stitch is one of the simplest and most versatile beading stitches. It is easy to learn and the design possibilities are many. You can use the square stitch instead of loom patterns as it…

The satin stitch is used to fill in open areas -- such as circles, letters or leaves -- on an embroidery design. Beginners are sometimes intimidated by the need to make the long, smooth stitches, but…

The blanket stitch is an embroidery stitch used to create a smooth edge on fabrics or to join two pieces of fabric together with a decorative border. The stitch resembles a fence with a long…

If you are an avid beader than you are used to wearing your creations and having people walk right up to you to admire your handmade jewelry. Create a rope stitch beaded chain and people will be…

Liquid stitches hold different substances together, much like glue. Unlike traditional glue, however, these stitches are designed for use on the skin and with the flexibility to be used on cloth.…

The blanket stitch is familiar to those who quilt, embroider, and appliqué. It is a type of buttonhole stitch and is so called because it is commonly found on the edge of blankets.

Nearly all zigzag sewing machines manufactured since the 1970s come equipped with an automatic blind hemming stitch. Refer to the instruction book that is supplied with the machine, or examine…

The blanket stitch is an easy-to-learn finishing stitch used for the edges of blankets, quilts, dinner napkins, tea towels and baby clothes. It is also popular for applying appliques to other fabrics…

A blind-stitch hem worked on the sewing machine is an excellent alternative to the classic hand-sewn hem. Use a blind-stitch hemmer to quickly create a neat, nearly invisible hem in skirts, dresses…

The blind stitch is a seemingly magical hand sewing technique. The stitches all but disappear into the seam, but nonetheless hold the fabric tightly in place. Blind stitch hems are invisible from the…

If you want to give felt scarves and blankets a finished look, but you don't want to top stitch, try the blanket stitch. You can use this bold stitch to sew together two pieces of fabric, but you can…

The blanket stitch is popular for many crafts, not just for edging blankets. It is usually used with heavyweight fabrics like wool, fleece and felt. The blanket stitch creates a row of stitches around…

The crocheted shell stitch is a lacy, delicate-looking stitch. Opening the shell stitch adds an airy flair to the shell stitch. Perform this stitch with either thread or yarn and get a beautiful…

A blind stitch is a basic hand stitch mainly used for hemming and finishing quilt binding. The blind stitch makes a clean hem because it's invisible on the front side of the fabric. Blind stitching on…

A macrame stitch is actually not a stitch but a hand-tied knot. Macrame involves tying a sequence of knots to form a decorative pattern. It is often used to make bracelets, key chains and necklaces.…

If you need to adjust the leg length on a pair of men's pants, you should know how to create a blind stitch hem. This sewing technique creates an invisible, neat hem that will give your men's pants a…

A stitch regulator is a tool used in quilting to ensure even and accurate stitches. While many quilters are accustomed to making the stitches without the aid and guidance of a machine, this modern…

The history of needlepoint goes back to the Egyptians, according to the National NeedleArts Association. In needlepoint, pictures and designs are worked with fine yarn on open weave canvas. The basics…

Today, sewing machines create buttonholes with the touch of a button. There was a time, however, when most housewives knew how to buttonhole stitch. Even if you do not need to hand sew a buttonhole,…

The blanket stitch is a versatile embroidery stitch that can be used to put a neat finishing edge on sewn, knitted and crocheted projects. It can even be the base for attaching a larger crocheted or…

Mattress or ladder stitch is used to join two pieces of fabric or knitting. Mattress stitching forms a near invisible seam and is sewn from the right side, making it ideal for stuffed toys and sewn…

Peyote stitch, also called a gourd stitch, is a beading technique derived from a method used by Native Americans. This stitch is a basic stitch used for many beading projects and crafts.

Finding the right door panel curtains for your French doors can be difficult, but sewing them at home is quite easy. You can use the same door panel instructions to make a panel for a single glass…

A blind hem is a type of stitching that does not show through the fabric. This is exactly the type of hem you want when skirts and slacks need shortening. You can make this stitch either by hand or by…

The blanket stitch is a basic embroidery technique used to stitch two pieces of fabric together or flatter the edges of a single-layer piece to prevent fraying. People who make quilts, blankets,…

One key chain that is popular to make is a cobra-stitch key chain. These key chains are simply made with nylon cording and a split ring, so they are very economical to make. You can make colorful and…

Garter stitch is one of the most basic knitting stitches and typically the first stitch any knitter learns. To produce the characteristic ridges of garter stitch, you simply knit every row when…

One of the basic sewing skills is the procedure for folding material (fabric) for a blind hem stitch. You are lucky if clothes purchased off the rack fit you, in length, perfectly. However, most of…

Stitching on a dress collar requires placing thread loops at the corners of the collar to create an angular shape. Sew the collar of a dress with information from a fashion designer in this free video…

Knitting is a relaxing hobby that can be enjoyed anywhere. The knitting of most patterns--a sweater, knitted hat or doll--requires a combination of the knit and purl stitch. This is referred to in…

Bargello needlepoint is another name for Florentine embroidery and is considered one of the easiest forms of needlepoint to learn. Most Bargello designs are made by combining geometric shapes like…

Halter dresses are a popular style of dress. They are trendy and fashionable and often worn at proms, weddings or just casually in the summertime. Halter tops contain a piece of fabric that loops…

There are a number of ways to sew fabric together to form garments, home decorating items, or even tents and awnings. Learning a variety of ways to stitch fabric can help you choose the best method…

If you have two pictures that should go together, but you just couldn't fit them both into the frame when you took the picture, you can still join them together in Adobe Photoshop. Turn any two photos…

Round (circular) square stitches are common for people who are into beading. This type of beading allows you to create more than just a string of beads for a bracelet or necklace. It allows you to…

An anchor stitch on a round pillow makes closing the seam easier. Sew an anchor stitch to a round pillow with tips from a seamstress in this free sewing video.

Open the tent up and pin the flaps aside so that you can stitch your bear. Learn how to make a peek-a-boo play mat out of recycled jeans in this free crafts video.

Roll up the mat while you're top stitching to keep the parts that you're not working on out of the way. Learn how to make a peek-a-boo play mat out of recycled jeans in this free crafts video.

It is a good idea to start stitching an applique in an odd spot like a curve. Learn how to stitch the middle layer of an applique in this free video on making an applique.

Be careful not to snip loose strings too close to the stitches of an applique. Learn how to remove excess stitch and tear from an applique in this free video on making an applique.

Start with a straight stitch and then switch to the zig-zag stitch when stitching an applique. Learn how to stitch the top layer of an applique in this free video on making an applique.

Once you have ironed on the applique, you should be able to lift up on it without it pulling off. Learn how to attach stitch and tear with pins to make an applique in this free video on making an…

Pick one end to start stitching the applique. Use very short stitches to lock it in place. Learn how to stitch the bottom layer of an applique in this free video on making an applique.

Applique stitching, like the fell stitch, is a decorative stitch. Learn to hand sew applique stitches from a fashion designer in this free sewing video.

Use a running stitch to make a simple hem or join two pieces of cloth. Learn to hand sew running stitches from a fashion designer in this free sewing video.

Hand embroidery adds detail and interest to clothing and household linens. Types of stitches, colors, materials and personal skill combine to provide texture and flair to embroidered pieces. In past…

How do I make a tapestry stitch? The tapestry stitch is also known as the Gobelin stitch (pronounced like what hangs around with ghosts). The finished appearance of ancient woven tapestries is…

Leathercrafting, or the art of stitching with leather, has been done for thousands of years. Refined over time, the craft today has developed into a highly specialized field that relies on technique,…

Hand-stitching, the process of sewing without machine help, has been used by humans for thousands of years. The invention of the sewing machine did not destroy hand-sewing, as some believe; rather,…

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…

Stitching, or sewing, has been an intricate part of human life since the dawn of time. It is how clothes and shoes are made, as well as book bindings and saddles. The intricate holes and details of…

Stitches in needlework can range from the very basic to quite complex. Many people today start doing with cross stitch. However, there are far more stitch options out there and these can make your…

If you make, mend or tailor your own clothes, you've probably had to deal with the crimped fabric and unsightly holes that result from a torn out seam. Some repair methods work better than others, but…

Learn the art of blind stitching by hand to hem skirts like a professional seamstress. The stitch is also used to hem drapes, repair tears and sew on labels. Apply appliques on children's clothes or…

The lazy daisy stitch is used in embroidery to create the petals on small flowers. It can also be used to fill in whole areas of a stitched design to give an interesting texture to the piece. Antique…

Knitting patterns are typically written for right-handed knitters, causing frustration for lefties. With a little practice, however, left-handed knitting is possible once you get the hang of it. To…

Learn how to recover a dropped stitch in this free home hobby video.

Learn how to knit in this free home hobby video.

Learn how to attach the placemat binding with a blind stitch when making homemade placemats with expert crafting tips in this free home décor and crafting video clip.

Learn how to finish a placemat binding with a blind stitch done by hand when making homemade placemats with expert crafting tips in this free home décor and crafting video clip.

Stitching up a kids costume in sewing projects. Learn how to sew outfits for kids in this free crafting video.

Marking, cutting, and stitching neck openings while sewing costumes. Learn how to sew outfits for kids in this free crafting video.

Stay close to this edging because you don't want to have too much floating around in there. Always make sure that you stay-stitch at the beginning so that it doesn't come loose. Learn how to make a…

Try to stitch close to the edge so you don't end up with a lot of free material there. Learn how to make a grocery sack holder in this free sewing video.

Learn how to pick up a dropped stitch in knitting in this free online instructional video on how to knit.

Learn how to run a stitch for appliqué for your quilt in this free video series that will have you creating the perfect quilt in no time.

Learn how to stitch patches using zigzag techniques and other tips and tricks for sewing using zigzag patterns in this free sewing video series taught by an expert seamstress.

Learn how to add a patch behind a hole in a pair of jeans using zigzag stitch techniques and other tips and tricks for sewing using zigzag patterns in this free sewing video series taught by an expert…

Learn how to repair a broken belt loop on a pair of jeans using zigzag stitching techniques and other tips and tricks for sewing using zigzag patterns in this free sewing video series taught by an…

Learn how to stitch a four hole button using the zigzag stitch and other tips and tricks for sewing using zigzag patterns in this free sewing video series taught by an expert seamstress.

Learn how to add buttons with a zigzag stitch and other tips and tricks for sewing using zigzag patterns in this free sewing video series taught by an expert seamstress.

Learn how to stitch a wide zigzag with Aplica foot and other tips and tricks for sewing using zigzag patterns in this free sewing video series taught by an expert seamstress.

Learn how to sew a leash on the poodle craft demonstrated with wide stitch patterns and other tips and tricks for sewing using zigzag patterns in this free sewing video series taught by an expert…

Learn about tips when stitching with thick hemp when making hemp necklaces and other jewelry with expert tips in this free craft video clip.

Learn how to stitch up the sides of the tabs of your guitar strap with the tips in this free video series.

Learn how to stitch up your guitar strap with the tips in this free video series.

Learn how to stitch arms and legs for a plush toy in this free instructional video on designing and stitching plush toys.

Trying to sew a bag? Learn how to stitch the corners of the bag together in this free video clip from a professional clothing designer.

Get help for sewing a zipper. Learn how to stitch an exposed zipper in this free video clip from a professional clothing designer.

How to create decorative stitching with a sewing machine; learn this and more in this free arts and crafts video about sewing.

How to stitch the sides of the handles for your homemade makeup bag; learn this and more in this fun, instructional arts and crafts video taught by an expert.

Why pay a tailor? Sew on zippers yourself! Learn how to top stitch a center zipper with expert sewing tips in this free craft video clip.

Save money by sewing on zippers yourself! Learn how to finish top stitching a center zipper with expert sewing tips in this free craft video clip.

Helpful sewing tips and techniques. Learn how to top stitch a side zipper with expert sewing tips in this free craft video clip.

Sewing your own zippers is fun and saves money. Learn about the instructions for top stitching a side zipper with expert sewing tips in this free craft video clip.

It's annoying when your favorite socks spring a hole where your toe sticks out or your new slacks separate where the seam didn't get stitched properly. Remedy small sewing problems with a darning…

Science tells us that the brain has two distinct halves, a left brain and a right brain. The left brain is the analytical and factual side, and the right brain controls the creative process. Each time…

To ensure a productive needlepoint experience, it is absolutely critical to prepare the canvas for stitching. Not doing the groundwork results in shoddy stitching and a distorted piece once the…

Neck openings are often finished by adding a facing (a piece of fabric that flips to the inside of the garment) or a collar, but you can also finish a costume by simply hemming the neck opening. You…

In most sewing projects, zippers are supposed to stay hidden under flaps of fabric. But for some projects, you may actually want the zipper to show. You may want to leave the zipper exposed when…

Appliqué is a great way to stitch a quilt block. It is also a wonderful way to add embellishments to different craft projects you're working on. There are different ways to appliqué, but the running…

There are three types of decorative stitching: closed stitches, open stitches and embroidery stitches. The patterns of closed stitches create solid blocks or shapes that are completely filled in by…

Although sewing is a fun way to create fashionable, affordable, custom-fit clothing, basic sewing patterns are often drab, boring and unattractive. Smocking is a simple way of transforming even the…

The collar of a shirt is its crowning glory. To get a professional look, the collar must be carefully cut, sewn and applied while being pressed each step of the way. Interfacing adds to the crispness,…

Many newer sewing machines automatically make buttonholes with a push of a button. But if you have an older zigzag machine that doesn't make a buttonhole stitch, you can still make them with your…

Machine appliqué is a great way to embellish not only quilts, but almost anything you can think of, including shirts, jeans, curtains, pillowcases, tablecloths and towels. It is a fun sewing technique…

All knitted items consist of varying combinations of the knit stitch and the purl stitch. The knit stitch is typically the first one learned, so these instructions assume you already know that much.…

We've all been in the situation where we pull out our interview suit or little black dress just to discover that somehow, at some point, it has ripped. This is the perfect situation to hand-sewthe…

A beanie hat is any hat that is round on the top and moves straight down the sides. Unlike in knitting, where you start with the bottom of the hat and work your way up to the top, when you crochet a…

A brick stitch is a stitch that is used in the art of needlework, specifically beading. The beads are placed together in such a way that they look suspiciously like a wall of bricks, hence the name.…

The encroaching satin stitch can fill in shapes and cover an entire area of fabric. It's common in fine embroidery, especially Croatian traditional embroidery on silk. This stitch consists of many…

The Star Eyelet is also called an Algerian Eye Stitch. This stitch is popular on canvas needlework as well as pulled embroidery. By arranging the stitch in various ways you can make a pattern or…

Using a long and short stitch is handy to give a contemporary look to an embroidery piece. You can create a smooth, continuous look with color. Working a long and short stitch is common in thread…

The Dot Stitch is a knitting technique to add to any simple knitting project. The Dot Stitch is a knitting bobble, or technique in which a single stitch is increased into several stitches forming a…

The Paris Stitch or French Knot takes a lot of practice to perfect. They are often used for flowers, buttons and elegant clothing. This decorative stitch is not for the beginner embroiderer. The Paris…

You've learned to knit and feel confident that you can do the knit stitch and the purl stitch. Now you want to try something new. The seed stitch is a basic stitch used in knitting that combines the…

Couching Stitch is also called Convent Stitch or Kloster Stitch. It comes from the french word 'coucher' which means to lay down. If the thread is too thick to be thread through the fabric it is…

The Sorbello stitch is a common stitch used for needlepoint, cross stitch and embroidery. It originated in Italy, and has been used for centuries as decoration. With the Sorbello stitch, create…

Create a border for your cross-stitch with a twisted lattice band. This thick and attractive band can also be used as filler for large areas. Use the twisted lattice band stitch for added decoration…

The renaissance stitch, also known as the queen stitch, is a common stitch used for cross stitch and embroidery that creates a rectangular, square- or diamond-shaped pattern. This stitch can be used…

The feather stitch is used as a smocking stitch. It can be used along straight or curving lines, and works well in combination with a variety of stitches. It is often found in historical stitch work…

The buttonhole stitch is often called the blanket stitch because it is often used to edge blankets. The buttonhole stitch is both decorative and practical and is a popular stitch in quilting. Read on…

The buttonhole bar is much easier to stitch than you might think. It's often used in pulled and drawn work, and it creates a raised effect on the fabric. You can also use this stitch as an accent, in…

The fly stitch is comprised of a V-shaped loop that is then anchored with a vertical straight stitch. Known as the open loop and "Y" stitch, the fly stitch has many variations including the closed,…

The double herringbone stitch is also called the Indian herringbone stitch. It is one of the family of herringbone stitches and related to the chevron stitch group. The double herringbone is worked in…

The stem stitch is generally used to outline a shape or, as its name implies, to create the stems in a floral design. It is also referred to as the South Kensington stitch, the crewel stitch and the…

The Open Cretan is a variation of the Cretan stitch, a long-armed stitch, which is used as a line stitch or a border stitch. It's also used to couch varying weights of thread to the foundation fabric,…

The satin stitch can be worked over a foundation of other stitches of padding to create a raised area to add depth. The "padding" can be comprised of rows of the chain stitch or stem stitch or, for a…

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…

The buttonhole wheel stitch, also known as the wheel stitch and buttonhole rings, is a stitch where you use buttonhole stitches to create a circle. The buttonhole wheel stitch can be used to make…

The Ghiordes Knot, also known as the Turkey rug stitch or tufted knot stitch, produces a textured effect similar to that of a carpet, which is where the stitch gets its name. Because the stitch is…

The Rosette of Thorns stitch is an embroidery technique that provides a beautiful crown effect with a simple variation of the buttonhole stitch. The Rosette of Thorns can be done along a straight line…

The Basque stitch, also known as the twisted daisy border stitch, is a stitch that originally was used in embroideries in the Basque area in northern Spain. Basque stitches are used to create a line…

The Bonnet stitch is one of the many interesting variations of the buttonhole stitch. The Bonnet stitch is best done in a row because it forms an eye-catching line of twisted prongs. A row of Bonnet…

The Casalguidi stitch is one technique for producing raised embroidery on fabric, typically linen. Casalguidi can also refer to any Casalguidi embroidery style, which produces a raised, textured and…

The Drizzle stitch is one of many variations of the cast-on stitch, and a beautiful and useful Brazilian embroidery technique. The drizzle stitch is essentially a cast-on buttonhole stitch that is…

The overhand stitch is a very basic stitch used on tears and punctures. It is also good for reattaching items and even joining lace edges together. For the camper, this stitch comes in handy if you…

A bullion knot are also known as a caterpillar stitch, coil stitch, grub knot, worm stitch, knot stitch and post stitch. This wonderful stitch can provide a decorative aspect to your embroidery or…

The Palestrina stitch is also known as the double-knot stitch, tied coral stitch, Smyrna stitch and twilling stitch. It can be used to create an outline or as textured filler. Follow the steps below…

The Pekinese stitch, or Chinese stitch, creates a sort of braided line, and is commonly used to make lines and decorative borders. It is one of the easiest stitches to execute, and you can do many…

Back stitching is one of the easiest embroidery stitches to master. It's one of the first ones children start with. The back stitch creates a straight line of thread, perfect for adding embellishment,…

The rosette stitch is often referred to as the "rosette chain." It is a decorative stitch often used to create borders on sewing and embroidery projects. Work this stitch with a thread that has a good…

The split stitch, also known as the Kensington stitch, has been around since the Middle Ages, when it was enormously popular with the stitches of 'opus anglicanum,' a unparalleled embroidery technique…

The fern stitch, also referred to as the fern leaf stitch, is a fairly simple stitch that's used in embroidery, crewel work and silk ribbon embroidery. It's a quick, versatile stitch that's perfect as…

If you work with fabrics, you should learn how to stitch cutout shapes to background fabric. Known as appliqué, this is a simple procedure. Practice with these guidelines and you'll soon be looking…

The blanket stitch is used to stitch edging, traditionally around a blanket. You can also use this stitch to appliqué pieces of fabric to a quilt or any other piece of material. The blanket stitch is…

French knots can be tricky to make and they often turn out uneven. However, colonial knots are easy. You can use the colonial knot instead of a French knot, and it will always come out the same.…

If you just started to embroider, you can choose a small project to learn basic embroidery stitches. Pre-printed embroidery projects are easy to find at large discount stores or craft shops. The key…

The picture of a Victorian woman sitting primly on a chair doing needlepoint lends an old-fashioned air to embroidery, but embroidery is a craft with many variations to fit almost anyone's style or…

You have to learn the double stitch to do tatting. In fact, it's the only stitch that's required to make tatting. Everything else is embellishment.

The node stitch is usually written in patterns in "sets of stitches." As the work progresses, small "nodes," or bumps, appear equally spaced on both sides of the piece.

Completing your embroidery project with few knots and loose thread ends on the reverse will keep it looking smooth and neat, especially if you plan to frame it or if the wrong side is likely to be…

Hand stitch when you do not have access to a sewing machine or when your sewing task requires a more delicate touch. Stitch in the direction that is most comfortable for you ' right to left or left to…

With hundreds of choices, selecting stitches for a particular design presents an opportunity to exhibit your artistic flair. In the end, whatever looks best to you is the combination that works.

To knot or not to knot, that is the question. Although a small knot at the end of your yarn or thread securely anchors the work in progress, the back of your embroidery will look neater and smoother…

Eyelet embroidery stitches, especially when worked around a tiny hole, produce a lacy effect.

The continental stitch is one of three variations of the tent stitch, the most basic stitch in needlepoint. This durable stitch is best used to outline design areas and for single rows of stitching.

The basketweave stitch is the most popular variation of the tent stitch, the most basic stitch used in needlepoint. It is worked diagonally downward, then upward and causes minimal canvas distortion…

A running stitch produces a straight line of stitches as an outline or the foundation for a more complex stitch. It's the easiest embroidery stitch to master.

A satin stitch fills in a design with rows of straight or slanted stitches across a small, outlined area. It's a very easy stitch to learn.