This week we learn the simple and widely used stem stitch. This would be the most commonly used stitch in traditional redwork and fancywork of our mothers and grandmothers. It is a good stitch to outline designs or cover lines and gives a slightly thicker or heavier look than a plain backstitch.
I like to work from left to right when stitching a stem stitch and always use my hoop.
Bring your threaded knotted needle up at A on your marked design line.
Take you needle down at B and back up at C –(note that A, B and C are all equal distance apart) – the thread should be sitting below the needle.
Pull the thread through until firm – the thread is coming from the top of the centre of your stitch.
Take your thread down equal distance away from B.
and bring it up at B in the exact same hole you came up through before – again the thread should be below the needle.
Continue in this manner – notes: every entry and exit point should be on your drawn design line. The stitches will stack on top of each other by half – so half a stitch is over half of the previous stitch.
The Stem Stitch’s first cousin is the Outline stitch – this is worked in exactly the same manner except the thread sits above the needle at all times.
Variations:
Whipped stem stitch
use a contrasting colour to whip your stem stitch – just like you did with the back stitch – pass the thread through each stitch.
You can use it as a filler stitch
Keep the stitches small to get smooth curves
See some more examples and inspiration on my pinboard.
Okay, you can download your page pattern here now and get started, I’d love to start seeing some of your creations – do we need a flickr page? Who wants to start one..
hugs and happy stitching
Helen
Helen
I heard from you, first in Pinterest. I have followed you on your blog and I'm loving your work and beautiful embroidery. Thanks for the lessons.
I'll be happy if you look at my Blog. www.patchretalhinhos.blogspot.com.br.
Hugs!
Eusa Maciel
from Brazil
Posted by: Eusa Maciel | September 21, 2012 at 06:22 AM
I always wondered what the difference in a stem stitch and an outline stitch were - thanks for explaining that. Your tutorials are just great!
Posted by: Teresa | July 21, 2011 at 06:58 PM
Thank you so much for these lessons. I was not taught to embroider as a child or at school so I find these lessons invaluable.
Posted by: Melody | July 19, 2011 at 05:41 PM
I'm so glad that you are doing this! I look forward to every Sunday to see what will be next. Thank you!!
Posted by: Julie Letvin | July 17, 2011 at 11:43 PM
Thank you.
Posted by: Houseelf | July 17, 2011 at 10:52 PM
Thanks again Helen very helpful I'd like to see a flicker group
Posted by: Bell | July 17, 2011 at 08:18 PM
You are a genius.
Posted by: kaholly | July 17, 2011 at 07:15 PM
Helen, thanks so much for these lessons... I find it so much easier to follow your step by step instruction than others I have seen..... I have avoided stem stitch so here's to a concerted effort this week...
Really appreciate the effort you are putting into this...
Hugz
Posted by: Fiona | July 17, 2011 at 05:59 PM
I think a flickr group would be lovely to see what everyone is doing
Posted by: Jane | July 17, 2011 at 03:43 PM
Found you through Aubirdwoman [aka Birdy.] I have enough quilting UFOs to keep me busy 'til I'm ninety, but couldn't resist these little designs. Thank you!
Posted by: molly | July 17, 2011 at 01:46 PM
Hi Helen
I have always had trouble with stem stitch and always pull it out and just do backstitch. When looking at your instructions I think I have identified where I go wrong. Using a hoop should help too. Let's see if I can do it.
PS I went to Bari J's website and have tried the knot methods demonstrated in a new stitchery I started a couple of days ago. When I wasn't concentrating I found myself nearly knotting my thread.
Posted by: Julie | July 17, 2011 at 12:07 PM