What are the 6 basic stitches used in embroidery?

The six basic stitches are running, back, split, stem, chain, and satin stitches. These provide a solid base for more complex designs.

What are the 10 basic stitches?

In addition to the six stitches listed above, many embroiderers also learn the French knot, lazy daisy, herringbone, and blanket stitch. Together, these stitches have a diverse set of tools for beginners.

How do I know what embroidery stitch to use?

Choosing a stitch depends on the design and the look you want to achieve. Outlines work well with back stitches, while filling areas with solid color is best done with satin stitches. Experiment to find what suits your style.

What Is the easiest embroidery?

The running stitch is the easiest embroidery stitch for beginners. It’s simple and easy, making it a great starting point for new stitchers.

How do you start an embroidery project for beginners?

Start with a small, simple design and focus on mastering a few basic stitches. Gather all necessary supplies, choose a fabric, and begin by practicing on scrap material to get a feel for the technique.

23-12-2024Embroidery Guides

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Basic Embroidery Stitches for Beginners: A Step-by-Step Guide

If you are a beginner and looking to learn the basics of embroidery stitches, you have come to the right place then, we are here to help you with the help of this guide, but before discussing the blog post, I will tell you about the true digitizing. As you know we provide custom embroidery digitizing services, whether you want 3d puff embroidery digitizing, photo digitizing, or even other services, you can reach out to us without any hesitation. Our dedicated team is always here to help.

Let's move on to the blog post and discuss the basic steps, supplies you need, and some important stitches that every beginner should know.

Table of Contents

1. Gather Basic Supplies 2. Different Types of Embroidery Stitches for Beginners 2.1 1. Running Stitch 2.2 2. Back Stitch 2.3 3. Split Stitch 2.4 4. Stem Stitch 2.5 5. Chain Stitch 2.6 6. Satin Stitch 3. Which is the Most Basic Stitch That Beginners Should Start With?4. How Many Types of Hand Embroidery Stitches Are There?5. Conclusion FAQs

Gather Basic Supplies
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Learning embroidery begins with understanding a few basic stitches and gathering the right supplies. With these essential supplies, you'll be able to start your first project confidently.
Before starting, gather the essential supplies you’ll need:
Embroidery hoop: Keeps the fabric tight for easier stitching.

Embroidery floss: Available in many colors, floss is the thread used in embroidery.

Needles: Choose embroidery needles (size 5–10 for beginners).

Fabric: Start with cotton or linen, which are easy to work with.

Scissors: Small, sharp scissors help trim threads cleanly.
When your supplies are ready, you are all set to start learning some beginner-friendly embroidery stitches.
Different Types of Embroidery Stitches for Beginners

Now, let’s explore the basic stitches that every beginner should master. These stitches are easy to learn, have multiple uses, and can be combined to create complex designs. I will share some experience-based tips on how to best practice each one.
1. Running Stitch
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The running stitch is often the very first stitch beginners learn. It is a simple, dashed stitch good for outlining simple shapes or creating borders.
How to do it: Movethe needle up through the fabric, skip a small distance, and move it back down. Repeat to form a dashed line. Adjust the length of the stitches to create different textures.
2. Back Stitch
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The back stitch is perfect for creating solid, continuous lines. It is commonly used in outlining and gives your designs a clear, defined look.
How to do it: Start with a running stitch, but instead of moving forward, bring the needle up and stitch back to the end of the previous stitch. It’s easy and gives a more polished line.
3. Split Stitch
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The split stitch creates a textured line, adding more depth to your designs. It’s good for outlines or creating flower stems.
How to do it: Begin with a straight stitch, then bring the needle up through the middle of the previous stitch to “split” it. This stitch takes a little practice and gives amazing results.
4. Stem Stitch
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The stem stitch, as the name suggests, is commonly used to stitch stems and vines. It creates a rope-like texture and looks great on curves.
How to do it: Make a stitch, then bring the needle up slightly off-center from the middle of the previous stitch, forming a slight overlap. This stitch has a flowing look that’s perfect for natural elements.
5. Chain Stitch
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The chain stitch is decorative, forming loops that resemble a chain. It adds texture and looks lovely on floral patterns or borders.
How to do it: Move the needle up, create a small loop with the thread, and bring the needle down close to the starting point. Pull the needle back up through the loop to fix it. Practice will help you make even loops.
6. Satin Stitch
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The satin stitch fills in shapes with a smooth, solid texture. It is great for filling circles, leaves, and other shapes with color.
How to do it: Outline the shape, then make closely spaced stitches side-by-side, covering the area fully. Keep stitches smooth and consistent for the best result.
Want to learn more about the types of embroidery stitches? Click here.
Which is the Most Basic Stitch That Beginners Should Start With?
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For most beginners, the running stitch is the best starting point. It’s a simple, and easy way to get comfortable with handling the fabric and thread. Once you’ve mastered the running stitch, the back stitch is a natural next step, as it builds on the same motion but allows for a more polished line.
How Many Types of Hand Embroidery Stitches Are There?
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There are over 300 different hand embroidery stitches. However, you only need to know some essential ones to get started. Mastering the basics, like those listed above, will give you a solid base. As you grow in your embroidery journey, you can add more complex stitches to your designs.
Watch this video If you want to learn more about hand embroidery for beginners

Conclusion
Embroidery is an exciting artwork that helps you to express your creativity with a few simple stitches. With some practice, you'll be on your way to making stunning artwork. When you're ready to convert your created designs into digital embroidery files, True Digitizing gives you a perfect digitizing experience. From 3D puff embroidery to photo digitizing, our professional and dedicated team is here to help you take your creative work to the next level.

Author

Nick William

Embroidery Digitizer

Nick William has been immersed in the world of embroidery digitizing for over 20 years, earning 25 industry awards throughout his career. As a 3rd generation embroidery expert, Nick’s journey started in his family’s workshop, where he learned the art of digitizing before the rise of modern software. He has worked with leading commercial embroidery businesses and has shared his expertise with over 75,000 home and professional embroiderers. As an author at True Digitizing, Nick is passionate about teaching others how to create beautiful, precise designs through easy-to-follow tutorials and expert advice.