When we asked our Rowayton Store Manager Dorothy her favorite decorative stitch, she said she needed some time to think about it. She later came back with the book Stitches to Go, since she couldn’t narrow down her answer. Whether you’re a new or advanced stitcher, decorative stitches can be fun ways to bring your canvas to life!
Decorative stitches add personality through texture and pattern. While they may seem intimidating at first, incorporating decorative stitches gets easier with time. They also often make a large area like a background go faster. There's nothing wrong with stitching an entire project in basketweave, but when you're in the mood for something different decorative stitches are a fun way to mix things up.
Here are some of the decorative stitches our team is currently loving:
Brick (Beginner)
The designer behind this canvas, MP Stitchery, placed her Tiny Icon - Dorothy on a yellow “brick” road
Brick Stitch Tutorial
Long Stitches (Beginner)
The Apple Caterpillar here is made entirely out of long, satin stitches! The grid pattern consists of Scotch Squares, which mirror the long stitches on the apple
Long Stitches Tutorial
Corduroy Stitch (Beginner - Intermediate)
Corduroy stitch is a great way to add texture and fly through large areas, like the background of this Eloise Stitching canvas!
Corduroy Stitch Tutorial
Nobuko Stitch (Left ) & Diagonal Mosaic (Right)
These stitches are a little more advanced, but great for intermediate-advanced stitchers! Here are examples of two different versions of the Vintage Rabbit canvas
Nobuko Stitch Tutorial
Diagonal Mosaic Tutorial
Diagonal Triple Parisian (Advanced)
Our team member Nicole created this gorgeous sky for the Polo Player with variegated blue thread.
Diagonal Triple Parisian Tutorial
Want to see more decorative stitches? Check out this video with more of the team’s favorites! Another great starting point for decorative stitching is Needlepoint: A Modern Stitch Directory.
Happy stitching!
