Fundamental starter stitches

Having covered several embroidery techniques in previous posts, I realized I’d overlooked the most fundamental starter stitches. The straight stitch and the running stitch are two of the ten essential hand-sewing stitches you need to master. They serve as the foundation for more intricate techniques, such as the Laced Running Stitch.

Straight Stitch

Cut a length of thread about as long as your forearm, thread your needle, and knot one end. From the back of the fabric, push the needle up to the front at your starting point 1 and pull the thread through until the knot rests against the back. A short distance along the line at 2 , push the needle back down through to the back and pull the thread snug, but not tight enough to pucker.

I’m right handed so I work to the left. If you are left handed you would work the opposite way.

Running Stitch

Once you get the hang of creating straight stitches move on to learn how to do running stitch. You basically need to continue making one straight stitch after another in a line. Try and sew evenly spaced and regular length stitches. Don’t pull the thread tight or you will gather the fabric.
Knot off on the reverse.

Now you are able to add details to your craft projects.

Here is a free downloadable sheet of the above.