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A picture of lines of embroidery stitches in a curved shape, black stitches on calico. Overlaid is a blue square with white text saying - hand embroidery, five line embroidery stitches, www.embellishedlephant.co.uk

Five line stitches for embroidery

July 28, 2021

Of the many and varied embroidery stitches available this group do exactly what they say, they are stitched in a line.

Line stitches are great for borders, outlines and lettering. Below are five types of line stitches that are great for beginners.

A picture of a purple blob appliqued on a pink checked background. Around the blob is running stitch in purple.

Running stitch

A line of stitches with gaps between each stitch. It’s really useful for gathering the fabric at the back of the hoop. It can also be used on the front of the fabric!

On a brown greetings card is stitched concentric circles in back stitch in a heart shape. The outer most heart is in a Burgundy colour with the inner most heart a light pink

Backstitch

This is probably the stitch you learnt if you did any sewing at school. It’s simply a line of straight stitches.

It is a classic embroidery stitch but I prefer the variation on this - whipped backstitch.

A picture of a felt monstera leaf with a needle coming up through to create a row of stem stitch

Stem Stitch

As the name suggests, this stitch it is often used for stems but can also be great for lettering. It creates a rope like effect.

A picture of a leave with the stem and veins stitched using split stitch

Split Stitch

Great for outlining stitching or as an alternative to backstitch. The needle pierces through the thread and ‘splits’ it.

A picture of rows of couched blue threads showing different methods of couching

Couching

Couching is when a thread or cord is attached to the fabric using small stitches to hold it in place. The couching stitches can be really close together or much further apart depending on the desired effect.

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