Stem Stitch

Stem stitch is a kind of outline stitch and it is the most commonly used stitching technique. Back stitch, crewel stitch, South Kensington are other names of the same stitch. It is worked from left to right taking small regular stitches along the line of design. The difference between outline stitch and stem stitch is so minor that most of the people think both of them to be the same. Stem stitch is done from left to right and each time thread comes from the top of previous stitch.

 

It is important to remember that the thread must lie right to needle in stem stitch and left in outline stitch. Stem stitch  designs are worked in forward and backward motion. Each stitch moves a step back along the previous stitch. Though being an ancient technique of stitching,it is versatile and very easy to learn. Embroidery work comprising of stem stitch appears elegant. Fascinating and innovative embroidery pattern is done with help of stem stitch.

Most of the embroidery work involving floral and leaf patterns is done with stem stitch. Apart from these,lines and curves can also be created with it. Stem stitch embroidery may be smooth or complicated. The thread used for stem stitch can vary in size but a single line of thread is most suited for a perfect stitch. A little bead work can enhance the beauty of the this stitch.