Beautiful Embroidery Stitches

Variegated thread makes the finished stitch look more complex than it is. It's a terrific choice for outlining applique motifs. Here the stitches in the outer ring were pulled tight while the inner ring stitches were left loose for a loopy effect.

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A wavy line isn't so difficult to achieve once you learn this stitch. It's a great look for the center vein in a leaf or for vinelike stitches.

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See how to make a threaded running stitch.

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Bullion knots are great for adding texture and depth. They take a bit of practice, but once you have the stitch down, they're a breeze. Using a size 1 milliner's needle -- with its extra-long length, round eye, and uniform (nontapered) shaft -- is key to stitching smooth bullion knots.

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See how to make a bullion knot.

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Why (oh Y!) didn't we learn this stitch sooner? With their Y-shape appearance, fly stitches can be a delicate edging or, when circled tight, form a celestrial beauty. Alter the effect by changing the length of the arms and/or tail of the stitch.

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Get the stitch instructions here.

See how to make a fly stitch.

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Often used to make flower stamens, the pistil stitch can do much more. Use it to outline a modern dandelionlike flower or to create a multifaceted flower center. The stitch combines elements of two common stitches -- straight stitch and French knot -- done in one motion.

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Get the stitch instructions here.

See how to make a pistil stitch.

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A decorative outline stitch, the Palestrina knot is most attractive when the stitches are evenly spaced and fairly close together. Using a firm twisted perle cotton in size No. 3 shows off the textural intricacy of the stitch.

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Get the stitch instructions here.

See how to make a palestrina knot.

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Details make the difference. Try this twist on a classic chain stitch to add a bit of bling to your stitchery. Or, experiment with different threads to alter the look.

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See how to make a beaded whipped chain stitch.

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Oh, what wonderful webs we weave ... for flower centers, spiderwebs, or the eye of an applique bird. If you're looking to add texture to your work, this is a must-learn stitch!

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Get the stitch instructions here.

See how to make a whipped woven circle.

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Worked big or small, the rosette chain stitch adds a new twist of texture or dtail to applique edging.

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See how to make a rosette chain stitch.

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Wrapping the thread around the needle tip is the trick to creating a dainty scalloped edge with the scroll stitch.

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Get the stitch instructions here.

See how to make a scroll stitch.

Get the stitch instructions here.

The eyelet wheel stitch is perfect for adding interest to the center of a circle applique.

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Get the stitch instructions here.

See how to make an eyelet wheel stitch.

Get the stitch instructions here.

The thorn stitch can create a long flowing vein down the center of a leaf.

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Get the stitch instructions here.

See how to make a thorn stitch.

Get the stitch instructions here.

The Drizzle stitch creates a wonderful dimensional stitch. It's perfect for a textural flower center or for an eye-catching accent on applique shapes.

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Get the stitch instructions here.

See how to make a drizzle stitch.

Get the stitch instructions here.