Long and Short Satin Stitch

Long and Short Satin Stitch consists of a first row of long and short vertical stitches followed by rows of long stitches. By subtle changes of color on each row, soft shading effects can be achieved.

Step 1. Come up at A, go down at B, up at C, and down at D. Continue alternating long and short stitches across row from left to right. Secure thread.

Step 2. Repeat above step, this time working long stitches only across row to fill motif. The last row will require some short stitches.

Flat Stitch

Similar to Fishbone Stitch, here slightly slanted stitches cross to form a wide central wedge. Draw guidelines before you begin.
Step 1. Come up at A, go down at B and come up at C, working accurately to guidelines as shown.

Step 2. Cross over stitch A-B and go down at D. Pull thread through. Let the motif shape determine slant of stitches.

Step 3. Come up at E, just above A, following outline of motif. Pull thread through, ready for next stitch.

Step 4. Cross over and go down at F. You can pack stitches tightly or allow fabric to show, depending on desired effect.

Step 5. Continue in this way until outline is completely filled, to create dense texture, pack stitches tightly together.

Chequered Chain Stitch

Chequered Chain Stitch is also known as Magic Chain or Magic Stitch. A bi-colored effect is achieved by using two contrasting thread colors. Alternate the colors by alternating the working thread for each chain loop as shown.

Step 1. Come up at A with both threads, make loop, go down next to A, and come up at B over one thread. Pull both threads thrown to form loop with first color.

Step 2. Make loop and go down next to B. Come up at C, keeping needle over second thread. Pull through to form loop with second color. Repeat from Step 1.

Pekinese Stitch

Pekinese Stitch is also known as Chinese Stitch or Blind Stitch or Forbidden Stitch. This composite line stitch is popularly used as a border, particularly for lacy edgings on collars and cuffs.

Step 1. Work a foundation row of backstitch following guideline or outline of motif. Tie thread at back of fabric.

Step 2. Whip contrasting thread in circular motion, looping in and out of backstitches, keeping loops even.

Tailor's Buttonhole Stitch

Tailor's Buttonhole Stitch is durable version of buttonhole stitch features a knotted edge. Useful for heavy weight fabrics. Place stitches close together and work from left to right.

Step 1. Come up at A. With needle over working thread, go down at B and come up directly below at C. Pull thread to form knot at top.

Step 2. Go down through knot at D and come up at E over working thread. Pull to form another knot and continue.

Chequered Chain Band

Chequered Chain Band is worked downwards to create a band. Use as a border, or place bands of stitches side by side as a filling stitch. Create the bi-color effect by using two needles threaded in different colors and worked alternately down the band.

Step 1. Work column of horizontal straight stitches as shown. Tie off. Then thread two needles with doubled length of thread in each, one light, one dark.

Step 2. Bring dark thread out at A; bring out light thread under horizontal stitch and between two dark strands. Carry dark thread to left, under light thread.

Step 3. Insert needle with dark thread under second horizontal stitch as shown, and then carry it under dark thread but over light thread.

Step 4. Pull needle through. The band should now look like this. As you work, always keep dark thread to left and light thread to right.

Step 5. Repeat Step 3. and 4., this time inserting needle with light thread under horizontal stitch and dark thread. Continue, alternating two needles.

Threaded Herringbone Stitch

Threaded Herringbone Stitch is made up of a row of herringbone stitches laced with one or two contrasting intertwining threads.

Step 1. Work a row of herringbone stitch from left to right. Tie off. Using contrasting thread, come up at A.

Step 2. Working from left to right, lace thread under and over row of herringbone stitches as shown.