Stem Stitch

What you will learn

• Overlapping stitches
• Keeping the thread to one side
• Smooth curves

Materials and tools

• Embroidery hoop, 5 or 6 in (13 or 15 cm)
• Plain cotton or linen practice fabric
• Embroidery (crewel) needle, size 5 to 7
• Six-strand embroidery floss
• Embroidery scissors
• Water-soluble or heat-erasable marking pen

Before you start

• Put the fabric in the hoop so it is drum-tight.
• Cut 18 in (45 cm) of floss, separate the strands you need, thread the needle and knot one end.

1. Draw a line. Come up at the left end and go down about 1/4 in (6 mm) along, but do not pull the stitch tight yet. Leave a small loop.
2. Hold the loop below the line with your thumb. Bring the needle up on the line halfway back along that stitch.
3. Now pull the stitch snug. The thread comes out from under the first stitch.
4. Go down a full stitch length ahead, again leaving a loop held below the line.
5. Come up at the end of the previous stitch, in the same hole, and pull snug.
6. Repeat. Keep the working thread on the same side, below the line, for the whole row. Changing sides breaks the rope twist.

Tips for a neat result

• On an outward curve, keep the thread on the outside of the curve.
• Shorter stitches give a finer, tighter rope.

Common mistakes and fixes

Check your result

• The line looks like a twisted cord with each stitch leaning the same way.
• No fabric shows between the overlapping stitches.

Projects that use this