Basic Embroidery Techniques for Beginners

Steps

1. 1. Separate the Floss Strands

   Embroidery floss comes as six strands twisted together. For most beginner work, you use two or three strands at a time.

   

2. 2. Running Stitch

   The simplest stitch. Come up through the back of the fabric, go back down a stitch length away, then come back up another stitch length further.

   

3. 3. Back Stitch

   Start like a running stitch. Come up, go back down one stitch length.

   

4. 4. Chain Stitch

   Come up through the back and go back down right next to where you came up, leaving a small loop on the front. Bring the needle back up through the loop and pull snug.

   

5. 5. Satin Stitch

   Satin stitch fills in a shape with smooth parallel lines. Come up at one edge of the shape, go down at the opposite edge, then come back up right next to your first stitch.