Star stitch embroidery can depict a star, flower or snowflake on your embroidery projects. This stitch consists of a double cross stitch with a third small cross stitch worked on each side of the vertical stitch. It is a member of the cross stitch family of embroidery stitches. You can use this stitch individually in random designs, but it is also effective when stitched together in rows. It is sometimes referred to as the Twinkle stitch. So sprinkle a few stars on your next stitching project with this simple and easy embroidery stitch – perfect for beginner stitchers!
Star stitch embroidery starts with straight stitches combined with a minimum of 8 ends or star points. The ends can be 8 stitches that all end at the same center, but you can make 4 longer stitches that overlap in the same center if you prefer. There are a lot of variations on this stitch – make an 8, 16 or 32-point star!
Make the stitches longer for a bigger star. The size of your star is dependent on the length of each stitch. The points of the star can be various lengths or all the same length for different effects. Add fewer or more diagonal stitches to vary the star pattern.
It’s an excellent stitch to add some small background flowers on a landscape. Add it at the top of a stem stitch and/or add a French knot at the central point where all of the stitches come together.
This is one of those hand embroidery stitches that adds just that extra touch when you are looking for a decorative stitch. It’s an easy way to add a star shape to your stitching.
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Here is our star stitch embroidery tutorial:
How to Embroider the Star Stitch
The star embroidery stitch can be used as a filler or decoratively. It has a minimum of 8 points and can secured in the middle with a few stitches. The star points can all be the same length, different lengths -- some short and some long.
Play around and see what you like the best for your star embroidery stitches! Stitch a shiny night sky with star stitch!
Materials
- Embroidery thread or floss, recommend thicker perle cotton or 6-strand floss
- Fabric for your embroidery design, recommend cotton or natural linen with no synthetic fibers
Tools
- Embroidery needle that is suitable for your choice in thread
- Embroidery hoop
- Embroidery scissors
Instructions
- Start with thinking about an invisible square on your fabric. Bring your thread up at the center of the outside line of your invisible square, and back down at the center of the other side of your invisible square.
- Bring your needle up at a 90 degree angle on the invisible square, and back down opposite in the other side of the invisible square.
- We now have 4 of the 8 lines we need for the star. Then, bring your needle back up between two of the spokes of the star.
- Next, insert the needle opposite to where you brought it out, and then bring it up in the middle of an empty quadrant.
- Variations of the star embroidery stitch include changing the length of the star legs, use two colors, adding another round of stitches in the gaps, making 16 legs to your star.
Notes
Add more stitches to make different stars! Make them big, small, various stitch lengths. Try different weight threads to make some stars look far away with a single strand of 6-strand embroidery floss and make small stitches. And, make a star look close with a heavy-weight Perle cotton, like a size 5 or 3, and make your stitches longer.
Recommended Products
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DMC w Collector's Tin with 35 Colors Floss -
Caydo 6 Pieces Embroidery Hoop Set Bamboo Circle Cross Stitch Hoop Ring 4 inch to 10 inch for Embroidery and Cross Stitch -
kai 5 1/2 inch Embroidery Scissors, Black Handle -
Valdani Perle Cotton Embroidery Thread Size 8 Vintage Hues Collection -
Bohin Crewel Embroidery Needles, Size 7, 15 Per Package
I used beautiful variegated #8 pearl cotton on this sampler of the star embroidery stitch, and my favorite Bohin needles.
Check out our YouTube video to see star stitches coming to life!
How is the Algerian Eye Stitch similar to the Star Stitch?
With the Algerian Eye embroidery stitch you stitch back through the middle of the star, with this stitch the middle of the star is overlapping stitches. Both stitches make lovely stars – why not trying them together in a stitching project!
Use this stitch for flowers or snowflakes in embroidery designs!
Check out all of the embroidery tutorials on Create Whimsy! Browse through our top ten favorite embroidery stitches that you just need to know how to do as a beginner, or intermediate stitcher.
Embroidery projects are perfect projects to work on while binge watching your favorite series, or taking with you. And, yes, you can take embroidery on the plane – just make sure to take blunt nose kids scissors to cut your thread – or a dental floss container works great, too! Pack all of your embroidery supplies in a small zipper bag and get stitching on planes, while waiting in the car during soccer practice or at doctor’s office – make good use of those minutes creating something just for you or to give as a gift.
