Complete beginner stitch guide
Embroidery stitches for beginners
The 8 stitches that cover almost every beginner and intermediate embroidery project — how to work each one, what each is used for, and tips for clean, even results.
Start here: the learning order
- 1. Running stitch — foundation
- 2. Backstitch — solid outlines
- 3. Lazy daisy — quick flowers
- 4. Stem stitch — curved lines
- 5. Satin stitch — filled shapes
- 6. French knot — dots and texture
- 7. Chain stitch — bold lines
- 8. Split stitch — refined outlines
Running stitch
Use for: Outlines, dashed lines, basting, filling patterns
How to work it
Pass the needle in and out of the fabric at regular intervals. The stitch and the gap between stitches should be equal length for a uniform look. Keep your fabric in a hoop for even tension.
Tip
Use a ruler or count fabric threads to keep intervals even. Running stitch can be threaded back through with a second colour (threaded running stitch) to create a woven effect.
Backstitch
Use for: Solid outlines, text, curved lines
How to work it
Bring the needle up one stitch-length ahead, then insert it back into the end of the last stitch. Each stitch shares an endpoint with the previous one, creating a solid, connected line.
Tip
Keep stitch lengths consistent — 3–4mm is a good starting point. Backstitch is the go-to for outlining shapes before filling with satin stitch.
Satin stitch
Use for: Filling shapes, petals, leaves, solid blocks of colour
How to work it
Work parallel stitches side by side across a shape, keeping them close enough to cover the fabric completely. Angle the stitches in the direction of the shape. Outline the shape with backstitch first for crisp edges.
Tip
The secret to neat satin stitch is consistent angle and tension. Don't pull the thread too tight — the stitches should lie flat and smooth. Use 2–3 strands for finer fabric; 4–6 for chunkier coverage.
French knot
Use for: Flower centres, eyes, textured fills, dots
How to work it
Bring the thread up through the fabric, wrap it around the needle 1–2 times, then insert the needle back into the fabric very close to where it emerged (not the same hole). Hold the thread taut as you pull the needle through.
Tip
Hold the wrapped thread firmly against the fabric with your non-needle hand until the knot is fully formed. The most common mistake is letting go too early. Two wraps makes a larger knot than one.
Stem stitch
Use for: Flower stems, curved outlines, borders
How to work it
Work forward along the line, bringing the needle up halfway back through the previous stitch, always keeping the thread to the same side of the needle. The result is a twisted rope effect.
Tip
Keep the thread consistently to either the left or right of the needle — changing sides mid-row creates an uneven look. Stem stitch curves beautifully and is ideal for botanical designs.
Lazy daisy (detached chain stitch)
Use for: Petals, leaves, simple flower shapes
How to work it
Bring the needle up, loop the thread, insert the needle back into the same hole, then bring it out a stitch-length ahead, catching the loop. Anchor the loop with a small stitch. Repeat in a circle to form a flower.
Tip
The size of the petal is determined by how far forward you bring the needle. A group of six lazy daisies arranged in a circle makes a quick, charming flower — one of the most satisfying things to stitch.
Chain stitch
Use for: Bold outlines, fills, borders
How to work it
Like a series of connected lazy daisies. Bring the needle up, loop the thread, insert the needle back into the same hole, and bring it up inside the loop at the next stitch position. Each stitch catches the loop of the last.
Tip
Chain stitch creates a chunky, bold line — use 4–6 strands for maximum impact. It covers ground quickly and is excellent for filling large areas with a textured look.
Split stitch
Use for: Smooth outlines, filling, facial features
How to work it
Like backstitch, but you insert the needle up through the middle of the previous stitch, splitting the thread. This creates a finer, smoother line than backstitch.
Tip
Split stitch is the professional's choice for outlining before padding or satin stitch filling. The split gives a more refined edge than backstitch. Works best with 2–4 strands.
See every stitch in close-up video
Domestika embroidery courses show stitch technique from multiple camera angles — much easier to follow than diagrams. From £7.99.
Embroidery for beginners
What to buy, where to learn, and your first project — the complete starter guide.
✖️Cross stitch for beginners
Cross stitch uses different stitches and fabric — a guide to this related but distinct craft.
Embroidery stitch
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