How to do Blanket stitch edging
This is the traditional stitch used to edge blankets. It gives a neat finish to raw edges and can be used for appliqué. If the vertical stitches are so close that they are touching, it is known as buttonhole stitch.
Using tailor’s chalk and a metal ruler, mark a stitch guideline parallel to the edge of the fabric. Working from left to right, bring the needle out to the front of the fabric very close to the edge. Put the needle back in on the upper line, one space to the right, and bring it through to the front again with the tip of the needle over the top of the working thread. Continue as required, spacing the stitches evenly along the row.
To finish, make a tiny stitch on the edge to secure.
 
How to do Blanket stitch appliqué
With the appliqué shape secured in place on the main fabric, either by tacking or bonding web, mark an inner stitch guideline parallel to the edge with tailor’s chalk. Working from left to right, bring the needle to the front of the main fabric just below the lower point of the heart, or other appliqué shape. Put the needle back into the appliqué on the upper marked line, one space to the right. Bring the needle straight out again, just below the front edge and over the top of the working thread. Continue as required, spacing the stitches evenly along the row so that they are symmetrical on both sides of the appliqué.
To finish, secure the thread at the back with several stitches into an embroidered area, and cut off the thread.
How to do Buttonhole stitch
This is the same as blanket stitch, but with the stitches closer together so that no fabric shows between them. It is used for buttonholes, edging and decorative borders.
To use as an edging, first mark a guideline parallel to the edge of the fabric with tailor’s chalk and a metal ruler. Bring the needle out to the front of the fabric on the lower line. Put the needle in on the upper line, slightly to the right, and bring it down and round to the front edge, keeping the working thread under the needle. Continue as required.
To finish, make a tiny stitch on the edge to secure.
How to do Slip stitch
This is a sewing stitch used for closing a seam. Turn the seams under and press with an iron. Using matching thread and a regular needle, on one side of the opening begin with a stitch that starts from the inside along the folded edge. Cross to the opposite side, stepping back a little, and repeat the stitch. Continue to the end of the seam and secure the thread neatly with a discreet knot.
How to do Cross stitch
Cross stitch is one of the oldest and best-known embroidery stitches. It is quick to do and very effective, as long as the stitches all run in the same direction and are the same size.
Mark two parallel lines on the fabric using tailor’s chalk and a metal ruler. Bring the needle to the front of the fabric at point
A. Put the needle in at point B and bring it out again at point C. Then put the needle in again at point D and bring it out at point E, continuing to the end of the row. For the top row of stitches that complete the crosses, use the same holes and work back. Bring the needle out on the bottom row at point G and put it in at point D. Continue in this way to finish the row.
To finish, secure the thread at the back with several stitches into an embroidered area, and cut off the thread.
How to do French knot
Bring the thread up through the fabric, hold it with the thumb and first finger of the left hand and turn the needle round it once or twice, or as necessary.
Still holding the thread firmly with the left hand, turn the needle and insert it close to the point at which it emerged (not exactly the same place or it will just pull back through). Pull the thread taut so that the knot slides down the needle to touch the fabric. Release the thread as the needle goes through the fabric with the knot remaining on the surface.
To finish, secure the thread at the back with several stitches into an embroidered area, and cut off the thread.
How to do Basic satin stitch
Satin stitch creates a smooth, solid filling for small areas such as flowers and leaves (see below). The tension must be kept even and the stitches quite short to keep them neat. Work straight stitches close together, taking the needle through the fabric as illustrated. Repeat consistently for a smooth, even finish with no background fabric visible.
To finish, secure the thread at the back with several stitches into an embroidered area, and cut off the thread.
How to do Satin stitch
Work straight stitches next to each other, but at a slant to suit the shape you are filling. For the bottom part of the leaf, lay the stitches next to each other for a smooth and even finish, with no background fabric visible.
To finish, secure the thread at the back with several stitches into an embroidered area, and cut off the thread.
How to do Chain stitch
One of the oldest and most widely used embroidery stitches, chain stitch is used as an outline or a filling stitch by working multiple rows.
Work the chain downwards, making a series of loops the same size and not too tight or they will lose their shape. Bring the needle out to the front of the fabric and return it through the same point, bringing it out again to cover the working thread with the needle, forming a loop. Repeat as required and finish the last loop with a tiny straight stitch.
How to do Zigzag chain stitch
This is a type of chain stitch that, when worked in a straight line, is worked between two parallel lines marked using tailor’s chalk and a metal ruler.
Bring the needle to the front of the fabric and then put the needle back in at the same place. Bring the needle back out a little to the left on the opposite line, forming the loop by keeping the working thread under the tip of the needle. Put the needle back in again and then bring it out on the opposite line, a little to the left, forming the loop again. Repeat as required and finish the last loop with a tiny straight stitch.
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Embroidery stitches are taken from the ‘Love Stitching' book that can be purchased from our website, featuring iconic appliqué & hand-embroidery designs by Jan Constantine and photography by Caroline Arber.
