Top 12 Basic Hand Embroidery Stitches

If you are new to hand embroidery, chances are that you might not know where exactly to begin your lessons from. There are more than 300 stitches and you don’t have to learn all of them to make beautiful hand embroidery projects! All you really need to start with is just a dozen stitches- the Basic 12, as I call it. These stitches are those that have been used for centuries and are still as popular, relevant and basic. Most of them form the basis for many traditional embroideries too! In short, these are the must-know top 12 basic hand embroidery stitches.

Once you are comfortable with these stitches and start enjoying them in various projects, learn more from the Picture Dictionary.

So, pick up your tools and just click on these stitches to go to the step-by-step tutorials. Happy stitching!

The BASIC 12 STITCHES

running_stitch_index

Running Stitch

cross_stitch_index

Cross Stitch

stem_stitch_index

Stem Stitch

back_stitch_index

Back Stitch

satin_stitch_index

Satin Stitch

woven_spider_wheel_index

Woven Spider’s Wheel

chain_stitch_index

Chain Stitch

lazy_daisy_index

Lazy Daisy

Blanket Stitch

feather_stitch_index

Feather Stitch

herringbone_stitch_index

Herringbone Stitch

french_knot_index

French Knot

Learn the 12 Basic Embroidery Stitches through our Color Wheel Sampler

12 Basic Stitches with Color Wheel

Color Wheel Sampler

Learn the stitches from our Hand Embroidery Book

Learned the basic embroidery stitches with printable patterns, samplers, tips and techniques from our Hand Embroidery for Beginners book.

11 Responses

  1. f
    fiara says:

    hi sarah, can i know more about drawn thread embroidery, what stitches used in drawn thread embroidery

    • Sarah says:

      Hi Fiara,
      I have not done a tutorial on drawn thread embroidery- long pending!
      Stitches that use techniques like the Buttonhole Bar, Sheaf Stitch, Woven Bar, Raised Chain Stitch, etc. are used in this form of embroidery. The stitches are called differently when used fro drawn thread embroidery, but you can gather that the techniques are similar.

  2. n
    nugraa says:

    Whether you’re working on a modern design or a traditional pattern, these stitches provide the perfect starting point. Thank you for sharing this invaluable resource!

  3. V
    Vincent says:

    Hi Sarah I started teaching hand embroidery in my community they love to see more of your work
    Thank you

  4. P
    Priya Melwani says:

    Super lovely 👌

  5. N
    Nissi says:

    This is helpful look what I did😁😁😁😁❤

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