Stem Stitch

Stem Stitch is a detail stitch that can be used to outline items or fill in areas. It is used primarily in Stamped Cross Stitch, Crewel, and No-Count Cross Stitch.

Step 1

Come up through the fabric at your starting point. Make a stitch approximately 1/8" long.

Step 2

Come up through the fabric at the midpoint of this stitch, making sure not to split the stitch with your needle. Pull the stitch flat.

Step 3

Make another stitch 1/8" long by going down 1/16" away from the end of the first stitch.

Step 4

Continue to make your stitches. Always come up in the same hole as the end of the previous stitch.

Step 5

Working on a curve, keep the thread to the outside of the curve to achieve a smoother line. You also might want to make your stitches slightly shorter.

Step 6

When working this stitch in an area, always start each row from the same side of the area.

Step 7

You can use Stem Stitch to fill in areas, such as letters.

Tips for better looking Stem Stitch:

• Make sure all of your stitches are the same length.
• Make sure your thread always lays to the same side on all of your stitches.
• Always come up in the same hole as the previous stitch.
• When working on a curve, keep the thread to the outside of the curve.
• When working an area start each row from the same side.