Embroidery 101 (Basic stitches & Kantha project)

Learn the running stitch, a fundamental embroidery stitch, by marking equidistant dots with a washable pen, threading, and forming a row of stitches for outlining or filling patterns.

Master back stitch to outline designs with an unbroken line, adjust thickness by the number of threads, insert through the same hole, and secure with a double knot, trimming excess.

Master the stem stitch by forming loops between dots to create a flat roped line for outlines, stems, and lettering; vary stitch length and thread thickness for different looks.

Master the straight stitch, a fill for a run stitch, creating dense clusters to fill design spaces and form petal-like shapes, finished with a knot.

Learn to create chain stitches by forming a row of links from equidistant dots, looping thread through the same hole, and securing with a knot to outline or fill designs.

Master the split stitch for outlines and curves with small stitches that resemble a chain stitch, while guarding against splitting six-ply thread and ending with a seed stitch.

Learn the basics of cross stitch, from making individual and grouped crosses to filling large surfaces, with tips on spacing, size, and finding patterns.

Explore whipped running and back stitches to create neat lettering with curves, using single or contrast color threads, small stitches, and secure knots for the Kantha project.

Learn to create French knots and cluster them to fill a circle with a textured, 3d finish, using taut thread, varying loop counts, and color gradients.

Learn the fly stitch to form v-shaped loops and chained stitches for petals, floral tendrils, and leaves, including free stitches and tail-secured designs.

Master the feather stitch, an advanced form of the fly stitch that builds a feathered stem by forming four V-shaped loops, producing a natural botanical texture.

Learn to use the herringbone stitch to fill surfaces with a tight zigzag pattern, creating petal shapes and shadow effects on the reverse side for traditional designs like chicken curry.

Use the woven wheel stitch to form a rose-like pattern by outlining an odd number of lines and alternating over and under stitches toward the center, finishing with a knot.

Master the fishbone stitch to fill leaf patterns, starting at the apex with a midline running stitch and using edge placements and gentle overlaps for final leaf shapes.

Master the couching stitch by securing pink thread with a contrasting yellow thread, using two threads for a thicker look and adjusting stitch distance.

Learn how to align stitches using a simple running stitch, fill the space by repeating aligned lines, and adjust for slant with one extra stitch while keeping the pattern consistent.

Learn the motorkhana stitch, a satin-like method using closely spaced run stitches to fill a space in the matar dana pattern, covering rounded areas efficiently.

Learn to create the half chalky booty pattern using running stitches, shaping domes into a mandala, with color variation and pattern filling to enhance kantha embroidery.