Fly stitch is a great way to add graceful detail to your embroidery. Think of wings and the way you drew them in your childhood pictures as birds flew across the page. Little v shapes joined together.
Fly stitches are simple to make and can be joined or just be stitched separately. Big or small, broad or narrow, this is a stitch to try out and enjoy.
Fly stitch can be horizontal or vertical and can also act as a filler stitch.
How to do Fly Stitch Embroidery
Step one: Prepare your hoop and design. Thread your needle and bring your needle out from underneath for the first part of the stitch.
Step two: Insert your needle in at point (2), directly opposite point (1).
Bring the needle up at point (3) which lies between point A and B and is slightly forward. This will form the V shape.
It is important that the thread is positioned under the tip of the needle as it exits at (3).
Step three: Finish the V shape and make a small stitch at the point (4).
This makes one stand-alone fly stitch that now looks like a Y on the fabric.
You can leave your fly stitches as singles or add extras.
Fly Stitch Variations
Sizing: Variety can be added by changing the length or width of the stitch and lengthening or shortening the tail.
Position: Fly stitch makes an interesting filler if they are alternated in rows. One row of fly stitch the right way up and another underneath upside down.
Vertical Fly stitch: Make a stitch line for your design and ensure the tail of the fly stitch is running along this line. Each new stitch is joined to the next as you stitch along the line and join the tails together vertically.
Horizontal Fly Stitch: Once again there needs to be a line to follow as you join each fly stitch together following a horizontal line. This is achieved by connecting the stitch at the top of the V by bringing the needle out at the top point of the V and continuing in a horizontal line.
Fly Stitch Leaves: Use joined fly stitch as a beautiful leaf filler. The center straight stitch resembles the vein of the leaf.
This is really a simple, but effective stitch guaranteed to help you fly through a design and beautify your embroidery with the simple basic stitch or take it further with variations to a theme.
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