Have you ever thought of or tried hand embroidering a Buddy? Every professional was once a beginner. Learning something new takes time and patience. Taking up the art of embroidery by hand can be challenging and Embroider Buddy® wants to help!

Here are a few of our favourite basic hand embroidery stitches for beginners:

The Running Stitch

This stitch makes an excellent outline for designs and is a great time-saving technique. The running stitch is a traditional style and is used in embroidery across many cultures. Its style is dash-like, giving it a more gentle and playful appearance.

You can create a running stitch by threading the needle under and over the fabric repeatedly or flossing the needle through the material first and pulling the thread through after. It is important to remain mindful of the spacing in this stitch for an even result.

The Back Stitch

The title says it all! Unlike the running stitch, the thread must move backward with every forward stitch to create a solid line. Because of its more structured appearance, the back stitch is a great foundation for both smooth and complicated outlines as well as text.

To produce a back stitch, floss the thread like you would for a running stitch. Then, from underneath, pick your desired stitch length and pull through the fabric, bringing the needle back to the entry of the original stitch. Repeat.

The Split Stitch 

Fun fact, when embroidering with a split stitch, the backside of the fabric will have a back stitch pattern. The split stitch is a technique used for decorative outlining or filling in the colour of a design. Although it is more complicated in its appearance, it’s an easy method to learn.

To make a split stitch pattern, pull needle through the bottom of point A and in through point B. Take the needle backward about halfway through point A and B. Then, pull up through the fabric making point C and feed the needle through the thread, breaking the fibers in two. Bring the needle and thread back through point B and repeat to create a smooth split stitch pattern. 

The Chain Stitch

This stitch is often noted for its attractive aesthetic, but avoided for its tedious technique. However, with practice, your chain stitches make a great addition to your embroidery designs with their thick and textured lines.

The simplest way to craft a chain pattern is to begin with making a small stitch (A) and leave it a touch loose. Then, come up through the fabric a short distance (B) from the initial stitch (like you would a running or back stitch). Bring the needle and thread back to stitch A and thread the needle through and back into stitch B. This should have created a petal shape that when repeated makes a chain.

If you can tackle those four basic stitches, you’re on your way to becoming an embroidery master!

Do you have any tips or pointers for beginner embroiderers? Write in the comments below.