Stitch Library

Sewing is an activity that has been pursued since before threads were spun and cloth was woven. But beyond the simple joining of two pieces of fabric together, the possibilities of decorating fabric with thread open before us.

In the Stitch Library, we will go on a journey starting with the basic running stitch, and from there explore many of the useful and decorative stitches used in historic and modern sewing.

Running Stitch

The hand-sewn running stitch is one of the simplest and most fundamental stitches in sewing.

Back Stitch

Back stitch is a fundamental hand-sewing technique that is essential for creating strong and durable seams.

Blanket Stitch

The blanket stitch is a versatile and decorative stitch commonly used in sewing and embroidery.

Chain Stitch

The hand-sewn chain stitch is a classic and versatile sewing technique that has been used for centuries across various cultures.

French Knot

The French knot stitch is a classic embroidery technique cherished for its versatility and charming appearance.

Stem Stitch

Stem stitch is a classic embroidery technique which produces a smooth flowing line of stitching and is often used as an outline stitch, or as its...

Detached Chain Stitch

Detached Chain Stitch, also know as Lazy Daisy stitch, is a delightful and simple embroidery technique that creates charming petal or leaf shapes.

Bullion Knot

Bullion knot is an intricate embroidery technique that produces a coil of thread on the fabric.

Seed Stitch

Seed stitch, also known as rice stitch or dot stitch, is a simple, yet highly effective technique.

Fly Stitch

Fly stitch is a versatile and charming addition to any embroidery repertoire. It can be used in delicate floral motifs, intricate borders, or as a filler.

Cross Stitch

Cross stitch is a very popular embroidery stitch. Indeed, it has its category of embroidery named after it.

Whip Stitch

Whip stitch is a great workhorse of a stitch, because it can be functional or decorative, hidden or visible.

Herringbone Stitch

Herringbone stitch is both a useful and very decorative stitch to use in your hand sewing.

Straight Stitch

As simple as stitching can get, straight stitch is where is all begins.

Satin Stitch

Satin stitch is a filling stitch that is made up of a series of straight stitches worked parallel and closely together to give a smooth, solid...

Split Stitch

When creating split stitch, you take the needle through the thread of the stitch, splitting the thread and anchoring it at the same time.

Colonial Knot

A little more complex than French knots, the Colonial knot is one of the stars of Candlewicking, a type of embroidery from the 1800s, when resourceful...

Feather Stitch

Graceful and flowing, feather stitch abounds with decorative and functional possibilities.

Scroll Stitch

A combination of a loop and a knot, Scroll stitch is a lovely decorative stitch.

Turkey Rug Knot

Turkey Rug Knot is a great stitch for adding dimension to surface embroidery.

Coral Stitch

Coral Stitch is a great stitch for adding texture to surface embroidery.

Fern Stitch

Fern Stitch is a lovely organic stitch, great for adding whimsical vegetation to your surface embroidery.

Cretan Stitch

Cretan Stitch is a lovely stitch, with great possibilities for adding texture and shape to your surface embroidery.

Chevron Stitch

Chevron Stitch is a stitch which is sometimes used in smocking, but it makes a great space for itself in your surface embroidery.

Eyelet Stitch

Eyelet Stitch can be decorative or functional.