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Home » Sewing » Embroidery

How to do Stem Stitch Embroidery - Easy for Beginners

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Stem stitch is a simple, basic embroidery stitch but has the potential to add outlines to your work and to write creative messages. Once you learn how to do stem stitch, you can use it for samplers, a humble bookmark, and of course, flower and plant stems! Look at the interesting effect you can create using a variegated color of embroidery floss.

How to do Stem Stitch, Stem Stitch Embroidery
Stem Stitch Embroidery

Stem Stitch Embroidery Tutorial

What is Stem Stitch?

Stem stitch, which is also called a crewel stitch, or stalk stitch) is an embroidery stitch often used for an outline stitch or for plant stems and leaves. It can be used for straight or gently curved lines.

If you are new to embroidery, read my article on how to embroider before you start to learn the basics.

Supplies

Stem stitch embroidery is best done in an embroidery hoop to hold the fabric tight. That way you can produce really small overlapping stitches.

Use embroidery floss in solid or variegated colors in 6 strands. You can use fewer strands for really fine work, but this stitch normally looks better in a chunkier thread, so you can see the rope-like twisting effect.

If you are having trouble getting the thicker strands through your needle, use a needle threader to help. They are cheap and really effective.

How to Stem Stitch Embroidery Pattern - Step-by-Step Instructions

I'm showing you really large stitches to show the details, but once you have practiced this stitch, try making the smallest stitches possible, so you have a continuous and tight, rope-like effect.

I worked the embroidery stem stitch from left to right, but if you are left-handed, it might work better in the reverse. Do what feels comfortable to you.

Before you start learning how to stem stitch, thread your needle with a single thread.

Step 1 - Marking

Mark out your stem or vines stitching line by transferring your design to the fabric. Use a removable fabric pen or tailor's chalk.

A really easy way to transfer embroidery designs is to put your paper on a window and then put the fabric on top. The light will allow you to see the design underneath to easily trace over it. Low tech, but it works beautifully!

how to do stem stitch embroidery
Stem Stitch - Step 1

Step 2 - Starting the Stem Stitch

Start with your needle and thread coming up from the back of the design at (1). You can start either with a knot or a long tail of thread which you will work in at the back after you have finished.

step 1 - stem stitch
Stem Stitch - Step 2

Step 3 - First Stem Stitch

Insert your needle down into point (2). Return to the right side of the fabric halfway between points (1) and (2).  This is point (3).

step 2 - stem stitch
Stem Stitch - Step 3 First Stitches

IMPORTANT: Make sure your thread loops below your needle. You can see this more clearly below - the thread at point 3 sits above 1 and 2.

Rember to do this for each stitch so you get a consistent look to your stitches.

step 2 - stem stitch
Stem Stitch - Step 3

Step 4 - Repeat for More Stem Stitches

Repeat the process, going back to the underside of the fabric at point (4) and coming up at (5). Continue in this way as you follow the marked line in your pattern.

IMPORTANT: Notice that (5) is just above point (2). It is not the same hole.

step 4 - stem stitch
Stem Stitch - Step 4

Remember always that the needle comes out above the other stitches to create the continuous line and the effect of a stem.

step 4 - vine stitch
Vine Stitch - Step 4

Stem Stitch Variations

Stem stitches can look quite different depending on whether you work with the floss tightly or loosely, as well as how much you overlap the stitches.

Small amounts of overlap will result in a thinner line that looks similar to a backstitch. Larger amounts of overlap give your stem stitch a thicker, more rope-like look.

Curves are best done with smaller stitches to make them look smooth and rounded. Save your larger stitches for straight sections of the design.

Stem Stitch Vs Outline Stitch

These two stitches are almost the same and are used in similar situations. What varies is where the thread sits when you are stitching. In stem stitch, the thread is always underneath, whereas in outline stitch, the thread sits above the stitches you are working on. This produces stitches with different angles.

stem stitch vs outline stitch

Stem Stitch vs Backstitch

The easiest stitch to replace a stem stitch is the backstitch. This stitch can also be used for stems and flowers but takes a little less time. The drawback is that the stem produced is not quite as thick, so you may need to do 2 rows.

Stem Stitch Letters

Stem stitch embroidery can be used to create beautiful letters and monograms. Its thick twisted rope look is best used for medium to larger-sized letters. Read all about embroidery letters for more.

Stem Stitch - In Conclusion

Stem stitch is a great beginner stitch, but it can also add value to intricate designs.  One of the wonderful qualities of stem stitch is its ability to be a writing tool and spell out messages and capture memories on your treasured embroidery creations.

stem stitch completed
Stem Stitch Close Up

The above stitches are quite large to show you the technique. Look at how the stem stitch looks when the stitches are small and curved at an angle. The stitches start to look twisted like a rope.

Embroidery stems with a small stitch
Embroidery stems with a small stitch

MORE EMBROIDERY STITCHES

  1. Backstitch
  2. Blanket Stitch
  3. Buttonhole Stitch
  4. Chain Stitch
  5. Chevron Stitch
  6. Couching Stitch
  7. Cross Stitch
  8. Double Herringbone Stitch
  9. How to Embroider
  10. Faggoting Embroidery
  11. Feather Stitch
  12. Fern Stitch
  13. Fishbone Stitch
  14. Fly Stitch
  15. French Knots
  16. Hand Embroidery Stitches
  17. Herringbone Stitch
  18. Lazy Daisy
  19. Running Stitch
  20. Sashiko Embroidery
  21. Satin Stitch
  22. Seed Stitch Embroidery (Rice Stitch)
  23. Stem Stitch
  24. Straight Stitch
  25. Web Stitch | Embroidery Tutorial
  26. Whip Stitch
Stem Stitch Featured Image

Stem Stitch

Learn how to do stem stitch with this easy step by step tutorial.
5/5 - (22 votes)
Print Pin
Difficulty: Easy Beginner
Keyword: Embroidery and Hand Sewing
Total Time: 3 minutes minutes

Tools

  • Embroidery Hoop
  • Hand Sewing Needle

Materials

  • Embroidery Floss

Instructions

  • Start with your needle and thread coming up from the back of the design at (1). Insert your needle down into point (2). Return to the right side of the fabric halfway between points (1) and (2).  This is point (3).
    step 2 - stem stitch
  • IMPORTANT: Make sure your thread loops below your needle.
    step 2 - stem stitch
  • Repeat the process, going back to the underside of the fabric at point (4) and coming up at (5). 
    step 4 - stem stitch
  • Repeat for more stem stitches.
    stem stitch
5/5 - (22 votes)

More Embroidery

  • transfer embroidery patterns on fabric featured image, embroidery transfer paper
    10 Ways How to Transfer Embroidery Patterns Perfectly
  • Hand Embroidery Stitch - backstitch
    BACKSTITCH - How to Backstitch Step by Step
  • An example of Cross Stitch | Cross Stitch Embroidery - Cross Stitching Tutorial & Tips featured image.
    How to Do Cross Stitch Embroidery, for Beginners
  • Embroidery Leaves, Embroidery Stitch Leaves, featured image
    15 Embroidery Leaves - Best Leaf & Stem Stitches

Reader Interactions

Comments

  1. John Edwart

    August 14, 2023 at 6:09 pm

    I've read your article. Honestly, I've never read this type of informative and efficient article before. This article will help lots of beginners like me to build skills in embroidery. Love to read your incoming blogs too. Really appreciate your work and dedication.

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