Stitch Library
Every stitch and technique on the site in one place, each with a diagram of the needle path.
69 stitches and techniques
Running Stitch
A dashed line made by passing the needle up and down through the fabric at even intervals. The first stitch to learn.
EmbroideryBackstitch
A solid, unbroken line. Each stitch goes backward to meet the one before it.
EmbroideryStem Stitch
A slightly raised, rope-like line. Each stitch overlaps the last by half.
EmbroiderySplit Stitch
A fine, slightly textured line made by bringing the needle up through the middle of the previous stitch.
EmbroideryChain Stitch
A row of linked loops that makes a bold, textured line.
EmbroideryLazy Daisy Stitch
A single chain-stitch loop pinned down at its tip. Five or six in a circle make a flower.
EmbroiderySatin Stitch
Straight stitches laid side by side to fill a shape with a smooth, solid surface.
EmbroideryFrench Knot
A small raised dot made by wrapping the thread round the needle before going back down.
EmbroideryColonial Knot
A knot wrapped in a figure of eight. Slightly rounder and firmer than a French knot.
EmbroideryBlanket Stitch
A row of upright stitches joined by a line of thread along one edge.
EmbroideryFeather Stitch
Open V-shaped loops worked alternately left and right down a line, like a branching vine.
EmbroideryFly Stitch
A single V or Y shape: an open loop pinned down by a straight stitch at its base.
EmbroideryWoven Wheel Stitch
A raised rose made by weaving thread round and round five straight spokes.
EmbroideryCouching Stitch
One thread is laid on the fabric surface and tacked down with small stitches in a second thread.
EmbroiderySeed Stitch
Tiny straight stitches scattered in different directions to shade or texture an area.
EmbroideryWhipped Backstitch
A backstitch line wrapped with a second thread to make a smooth, raised, cord-like line.
Cross-StitchThe Basic Full Cross-Stitch
The X-shaped stitch that makes up almost every design. Learn it one at a time, then in rows.
Cross-StitchStarting and Finishing Thread Without Knots
Secure thread on the back of the fabric so the piece lies flat. Knots make bumps and can pull through the holes.
Cross-StitchHalf Stitches
One diagonal leg of a cross on its own. Gives a lighter, more transparent colour.
Cross-StitchQuarter Stitches
A short stitch from one corner of a square to its centre. Used to shape curves and fine detail.
Cross-StitchThree-Quarter Stitches
A quarter stitch plus a full diagonal. It fills a square as a triangle so edges look smooth.
Cross-StitchPositioning Fractional Stitches
How to read fractional symbols on a chart and decide which stitch goes in which corner.
Cross-StitchBackstitch Outlining
Thin straight lines stitched over or between crosses to add outlines, lettering and detail.
Cross-StitchFrench Knots in Cross-Stitch Patterns
Small raised dots used for eyes, berries and the dots on letters.
Cross-StitchWorking with Multiple Colours
In what order to stitch colours, when to carry thread across the back, and when to stop and restart.
Cross-StitchAvoiding Visible Gaps and Uneven Tension
What causes fabric to show between stitches or crosses to look uneven, and how to fix each cause.
Hand SewingRunning Stitch
The simplest hand stitch: the needle weaves in and out of the fabric in a straight line. It is quick and is used for light seams, gathering and mending.
Hand SewingBackstitch
A strong stitch where each stitch goes back to meet the last. It looks like a machine seam from the front and is the best hand stitch for seams and repairs.
Hand SewingBasting (Tacking)
Basting is a long, loose temporary stitch that holds layers together while you sew the permanent seam. You pull it out afterwards.
Hand SewingSlip Stitch
A nearly invisible stitch for closing openings and attaching a folded edge to flat fabric. The thread travels hidden inside the fold.
Hand SewingLadder Stitch
A hidden stitch that pulls two folded edges together like the rungs of a ladder. It is the best stitch for closing the gap in a stuffed toy or cushion.
Hand SewingBlind Hem Stitch
A hem stitch that catches only a thread or two of the garment, so tiny dots show on the outside. It suits trousers, skirts and dress fabrics.
Hand SewingWhipstitch
Slanted stitches that wrap over the edge of the fabric. They join two edges, secure a patch or stop an edge fraying.
Hand SewingOvercast Stitch
A stitch worked over a raw edge to stop it fraying. It is a close cousin of whipstitch, with deeper stitches set closer together.
Hand SewingBlanket Stitch
A looped edge stitch that finishes a raw edge and adds a neat decorative border. It is used on blankets, felt and appliqué.
Hand SewingCatch Stitch (Herringbone)
A criss-cross stitch with some stretch, used for hems on thick or stretchy fabrics where a blind hem would pull.
Hand SewingSewing on a Button
How to sew on a two-hole or four-hole button and make a thread shank, which is a short stalk of thread that lets the button sit above the fabric.
Hand SewingReinforcing a Seam
Strengthening a weak or stressed seam with a second line of stitches. This helps with seams that keep splitting.
Hand SewingDarning
A technique for mending holes by weaving new thread across the gap. It builds a new patch of fabric in the hole.
Hand SewingGathering Stitches
Two rows of long running stitches that you pull to bunch fabric into even folds. Gathers fit a wide piece of fabric into a narrower edge.
Hand SewingHooks, Eyes and Snaps
How to sew on hook and eye closures and snap fasteners so they stay put and the stitches stay hidden.
Hand SewingPatching by Hand
Covering a hole or worn spot with a piece of fabric stitched over it or under it. This lesson covers how to prepare the patch and sew it down.
Sewing MachineSetting Up Your Machine Safely
How to place, power and prepare your machine so it runs safely and comfortably before you thread it.
Sewing MachineWinding a Bobbin
How to wind thread onto an empty bobbin so it is ready to load into the machine.
Sewing MachinePutting the Bobbin into the Machine
How to load a wound bobbin in either a drop-in (top-loading) or front-loading machine so the thread unwinds in the right direction.
Sewing MachineThreading the Upper Thread
The general path the top thread follows from the spool to the needle, and why the presser foot must be up while you do it.
Sewing MachineBringing the Bobbin Thread Up
How to pull the lower thread through the needle plate so both threads lie together behind the foot, ready to sew.
Sewing MachineSelecting a Straight Stitch
How to choose the straight stitch and check that the machine is set up for plain seam sewing.
Sewing MachineSetting the Stitch Length
How long each stitch should be for seams, basting and topstitching, and how to set and test it.
Sewing MachineSewing a Straight Line
How to guide fabric through the machine in a straight line at steady speed.
Sewing MachineStarting and Securing a Seam
How to lock the ends of a seam so the stitches do not pull out, using backstitching or an alternative.
Sewing MachineSewing a Consistent Seam Allowance
How to use the guide lines on the needle plate to keep the seam allowance (the width between stitching and fabric edge) even along a seam.
Sewing MachinePivoting at a Corner
How to turn a corner while the needle stays in the fabric so the stitching makes a neat, sharp angle.
Sewing MachineSewing Curves
How to guide fabric around a gentle curve and keep the seam allowance even.
Sewing MachineZigzag Stitch
How to set and sew a zigzag stitch, and how width and length change its look and its use.
Sewing MachineFinishing Raw Edges
Three simple ways to stop woven fabric from fraying along a cut edge: zigzag, pinking and turn-and-stitch.
Sewing MachineChanging the Needle
How to remove a used needle and fit a new one with the flat side facing the right way for your machine.
Sewing MachineFixing Common Stitching Problems
A checklist for the most common machine problems: thread nests, skipped stitches, broken thread and loose or tight stitches.
Sewing MachineCleaning Your Machine
How to remove lint from the parts you can safely reach, and when to oil only as the manual directs.
Sewing MachineStraight Seams, Start to Finish
A complete plain seam on woven fabric: pin, sew, secure, press and finish.
Sewing MachineUsing Reverse Stitching
How and when to use the reverse control to lock stitches, strengthen stress points and fix small slips.
Sewing MachinePractical Uses for Zigzag
Everyday jobs for the zigzag stitch: finishing edges, sewing stretch seams, joining overlapped edges and making buttonhole-like bars.
Sewing MachineNarrow Hem
A small, neat hem about 1/4 in (6 mm) deep, good for light fabric and for napkins, scarves and ruffles.
Sewing MachineFinishing Seam Allowances
Methods that stop the inside of a seam from fraying and make a garment last longer.
Sewing MachineTopstitching
A visible line of stitching on the right side of the fabric that holds seams flat and adds a finished look.
Sewing MachineSewing Darts
A dart is a stitched wedge that takes in fabric so a garment fits the curve of the body. This tutorial sews a simple straight dart.
Sewing MachineReinforcing Stress Points
Extra stitching at places that take strain, such as pocket corners, the ends of zipper seams and hem openings.
Sewing MachineSewing Woven Cotton and Lightweight Denim
How to set up and sew stable woven fabrics, from quilting cotton to lightweight denim, without skipped stitches or broken needles.
Sewing MachineSimple Seams on Knit Fabric
How to sew a basic seam on stretch knit so the stitches stretch with the fabric and do not snap.