Wheatear Stitch


Wheatear Stitch is also known as

Wheat stitch [EN], Punto de collalba [ES], Point épi [FR], Ährenstich [DE],  Punto spiga [IT], Ponto espiga [PT].


This stitch, as the name suggests, resembles wheat or sheaf of wheat when done in multiples. This is a decorative stitch and can be used as per our imagination.

You need to know the Detached Wheatear stitch. I will be following three parallel stitch lines to demonstrate this stitch.

Fig 1: Start the base by doing a detached wheatear stitch as shown above. Note that A and C lie on the left and right stitch lines. B and D lie on the centre stitch line.Fig 2: We now proceed to make more detached wheatear stitches one after the other.
After putting in the needle through D, bring it out through E, then in through D and out through F.
Fig 3: Put the needle in through D again. This completes the second pair of ‘ears’. Bring the needle out through G.Fig 4: Take the needle beneath the second pair of ‘ears’ and the previous loop to form the second loop of the sequence.
Fig 5: Put the needle in through G to complete the second loop.Fig 6: Keep up with this procedure to finish the entire stitch line.
Fig 7: A finished line of wheatear stitch would look like this. I have ended the sequence with the ‘ears’ or a ‘V’ to give it a more wheat sheaf look. Try this stitch on curves as well.

16 Responses

  1. A
    Angie says:

    I’m looking for a stitch that will make a flat join for some beautiful Welsh wool blanket pieces to make into a doll’s coverlet. Would this one work? Do you have any other suggestions?

  2. Sarah says:

    Love this color too! I always use Anchor 6 strand cotton floss. I have used all the 6 strands here.
    I am not able to check the color code – ran out of it! I don’t know if DMC has an equivalent. If I figure out, will certainly let you know. Hmmm…I must keep a color code sheet. 🙂

  3. A
    Anu radha says:

    Dear Sarah, this is my work with wheatear stitch. Thank you very much

  4. Here is one that I tried with the help of the tutorial

  5. Thanks Sarah a very well-explained tutorial, found it really helpful to learn the stitch.

  6. g
    gailllc says:

    I saw this on Pinterest, and could NOT figure out how to do it… from the bottom up. It all makes sense from the top down! Thanks for a new-to-me stitch — love it.
    Gail

  7. R
    Rashmi says:

    Hi Sarah,

    Really loved this stitch and is so easy. Thanks for sharing.

  8. v
    vipul sinha says:

    i love the site. can you please start a tutorial for kutch embroidery? i find it very complex.

    • sarah says:

      Dear Vipu,
      🙂 Thanks!
      Kutch tutorial is only under construction. And like you said, it is a bit complex, so involves a lot of work to make an easy tutorial…so it could take some time. Hope this delay is appreciated.

      • Kylie Lawson says:

        Hi Sarah I am Totally in Love with the Colour of the Thread you have used in this and other Stitches 💟Could you Please tell me What it is? I have to get it Cheers Kylie 😊

        • Sarah says:

          Love this color too! I always use Anchor 6 strand cotton floss. I have used all the 6 strands here.
          I am not able to check the color code – ran out of it! I don’t know if DMC has an equivalent. If I figure out, will certainly let you know. Hmmm…I must keep a color code sheet. 🙂

  9. K
    K.SAKTHIVEL says:

    this is very else learning thanks

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