At first, I was a little intimidated by the stem stitch. How could a series of straight hand embroidery stitches follow a curve so nicely? It had to be hard! But it’s not! As long as you follow your stem stitch line and take small, consistent stitches, even tight curves appear smooth. And if your line turns sharp corners, this stitch can handle that, too!
This stitch is sometimes referred to as the outline stitch, crewel stitch, point de cable or stalk stitch. It has a rope-like appearance that makes this stitch so effective on curves, resulting in a smooth, gap-free outline. Some embroiderers work the stitch from the top of the work. Others use a “stab” method that provides more control and consistent line, especially when you are learning.
The stem stitch is considered one of the basic stitches because it can be used in so many different ways.
What is this stitch used for?
This stitch is a really nice outline stitch that can be used for a lot of different projects. It is used to make a line to connect other stand-alone embroidery stitches like a star or lazy daisy embroidery stitch. It can be used as its name states, as a stem on a flower, and even to outline seams on a quilt or garment.
Use thicker threads for a big statement or a single strand of embroidery floss to make a minimal impact to your work, like a shadow in the background with a very thin line. Play around with the number of strands of floss you use, and try different types of threads for your stem stitches.
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Vary your stitch length for different looks. Shorter and smaller stitches will make the stitch appear more rope-like.
It can also be used as a filling stitch by working the rows closely side-by-side until the shape is filled. When using as a filling stitch, start from the outside and fill in the space, to keep a nice sharp edge.
Here is our step-by-step photo tutorial:
How to Embroider the Stem Stitch
The stem stitch is an easy basic embroidery stitch for outlines for any embroidery project. Its method is perfect for stitching curved lines. And, of course, it is perfect for stems!
The stem stitch is one of our favorite stitches. Check out the ten easy embroidery stitches to embellish your projects and see the charming sampler we made with these ten stitches!
See our video tutorial below.
Materials
- Fabric marked with your embroidery design
- Embroidery thread or floss
Tools
- Embroidery needle suitable for your thread or floss
- Embroidery scissors
- Embroidery hoop
Instructions
- Place your fabric with its design already transferred into the hoop. See the many ways you can transfer your embroidery design to fabric with this comprehensive article. I prefer to use a hoop for my embroidery projects. Hooping your fabric keeps it taut making it easier to have even stitches on your project. Now, to learn how to do the stem stitch!
Bring your needle up at the beginning of your line to stitch (A) and take a small stitch (B) backwards, about halfway between where you started and your stitch (C). Keep your working thread below your stitch line.
- For the second stitch, start about the same distance as the current stitch (D) and come up right next to the end of the first stitch (E).
- Here is the third stitch, continuing with the same process of trying to keep the stitches the same length and bringing the needle back up right at the end of the previous stitch (G).
- Continue stitching, following your design line and bringing the needle back up at the end of the last stitch, keeping your thread to the bottom for an even line.
- When you have stitched to the end of your design line, place your needle down as if you were going to take another stitch, but pull it through to the back of your work and tie off or weave into your stitches.
- Here is the finished line embroidered with the stem stitch.
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Is the stem stitch the same as the back stitch?
No. The main difference is that the back stitch forms a straight line and the stem stitch forms a nice scrolled line or rope-line line adding texture to your work. The back stitch works in straight stitches and the stem stitch works in a rope-like stitch.
What type of stitch is the stem stitch?
This stitch is the basis of the stem stitch family of embroidery stitches. Other stitches in the family include the split stitch and the Portuguese stitch. All of them are lovely stitches to add interesting lines to your work.
Ideas for using the stem stitch
- The stem stitch is so versatile in embroidery patterns and embroidery designs. Wherever there is a line or outline, the stem stitch will do the job!
- Use this stitch to outline satin stitch in your embroidery projects to give it a nice finished look.
- Want a thicker line? You can use thicker thread like a #3 Perle cotton, or sew two lines close together with the stem stitch.
- For a nice fine line, try silk thread. You’ll love it for a beautiful, delicate stitching line.
See all of our how-to videos on our YouTube channel.
Check out all of the embroidery projects on Create Whimsy!
See my favorite 10 Easy Embroidery Stitches to Embellish Your Projects
Check out Chain Stitch for another fun outline stitch.
