Embroidery stitches have such wonderful, picturesque names. Seed stitch embroidery, also known as rice stitch, is very aptly named. The seed stitch, when completed in a group, looks just as if a farmer had scattered some seed over your embroidery and you have captured the design in colored thread.
The wonderful thing about this stitch is it is so simple and not dependent on great precision or accuracy. It is simply little straight stitches placed in different directions over a design in your embroidery.
Whether you choose to be symmetrical or random, the outcome will still be attractive and fill in the desired space. The secret lies in the spaces between the stitches if you are wanting a precise and uniform outcome.
A variation can be achieved by changing the colors of the threads like my sampler.
How to do Seed Stitch Embroidery
Seed stitch is very simple as it is just a small version of straight stitch.
Step 1: Come up from underneath the fabric at the top of the design.
Step 2: Put the needle down a short distance from (1) at (2).
Step 3: Come up again and repeat with the stitch facing a random direction.
Here I alternated with 4 different colors.
Seed Embroidery TIPS:
- Drawing the outline with a disappearing pen helps to contain the stitches.
- The seeds are best begun at the top of the design and worked down to the end.
- If you prefer something more controlled, look at how strawberry seeds are placed on the fruit. They look like little downward seed stitches placed carefully on the strawberry.
How to Sew Double Seed Stitch Embroidery
If you need a heavier look, you can embroider double seed stitch.
Step 1: This is the same as a single seed stitch. Bring the needle up from underneath at (1) and put it down at (2).
Step 2: Bring the needle up next to point (1) at (3) and then down next to point (2) at (4).
This gives the effect of two grains of rice sitting next to each other.
Step 3: Continue in the same random fashion.
See the difference between a single and double seed stitch.
Sewing seeds or scattering grains of rice, this stitch is a perfectly simple way to fill in or add a bit of zest to any design. Seed stitch will have you sewing seeds not sowing them!!
Leave a Reply