Embroidery brings texture, colour, and story to garments, bags, and home accents across the Handicraft Industry. This guide explains tools, fabric choices, and stitch behaviour so makers can plan durable and beautiful details. From simple outlines to raised textures, you will learn how each stitch behaves on straight lines, curves, and edges. We also share tips on spacing, tension, and finishing for clean results. Whether you are a beginner or an experienced artisan, the Top 10 Embroidery Stitches for Craft Fashion and Accessories will help you decide when to use each method, avoid common mistakes, and achieve consistent results on cotton, linen, denim, and knits.
#1 Running stitch
Running stitch is the simplest way to outline shapes or create dashed textures. Work even in and out movements along a marked line, keeping stitch and gap lengths equal for rhythm. Use it for quilting channels, seed textures, or basting that later removes cleanly. Shorter steps turn tight corners better, while longer steps read boldly on coarse fabrics. For strength, double back along the path to form a sturdy line. Pair all purpose cotton floss on woven cottons, or fine silk on delicate fabrics. Press from the wrong side and avoid dragging the thread to prevent puckers.
#2 Backstitch
Backstitch creates a continuous solid line that resembles machine stitching. Bring the needle up one step ahead, then go back to the end of the previous stitch, locking each segment. This structure gives strong seams for light repairs, secure outlines for lettering, and crisp borders around motifs. Use short lengths for smooth curves and tight text. Choose a sharp embroidery needle and cotton or polyester thread that matches the fabric weight. Keep tension steady so the line sits flat without tunnelling. For thicker lines, work a second pass beside the first, or couch a decorative thread between backstitches.
#3 Chain stitch
Chain stitch forms linked loops that build a textured rope. Start with a small anchor stitch, then catch the working thread with the needle to form each link. It excels at bold outlines, vines, and borders where a raised profile adds interest. Vary link length for scale, or taper the chain for petals and leaves. For stability on stretch fabrics, use a stabiliser and reduce loop height. Try mercerised cotton or rayon for sheen, and wool for soft volume. Maintain loop direction and do not pull too tight, so every link sits proud without curling or collapsing along the line.
#4 Satin stitch
Satin stitch fills shapes with smooth, glossy coverage. Lay parallel stitches side by side across the narrow width of a shape, keeping the surface even and dense. Outline first with split stitch or backstitch to create a clean edge and a ridge that supports the fill. It suits monograms, small motifs, and polished logos on accessories. Use shorter spans on curves to avoid gaps and jagged edges. Choose rayon, silk, or stranded cotton for shine, and a fine needle to reduce holes. Add a light underlay of long and short stitches for opaque coverage on dark or textured fabrics.
#5 Stem stitch
Stem stitch makes a slightly twisted line with a subtle rope effect, perfect for stems, scrolls, and script. Bring the needle up on the line, place the next entry slightly ahead, and hold the working thread to one side so each stitch overlaps the previous. Keep stitch lengths short and maintain the same side for the thread to preserve the twist. It travels around curves gracefully and blends well with satin and lazy daisy petals. Use two or three strands of cotton floss for medium weight lines, or perle cotton for bolder definition. A gentle steam press helps the twist settle neatly.
#6 Split stitch
Split stitch forms a compact, textured line by bringing the needle up through the middle of the previous stitch. This construction resists gapping and creates a slightly corded look that is excellent for outlines, shading borders, and foundation lines under satin stitch. Work with blunt needles on delicate weaves to avoid snags, and switch to sharps on firm fabrics. Short, even steps give the cleanest texture, while slight variations add a hand drawn feel. Use wool or perle cotton for a plush line, or two stranded cotton threads for fine detail. Avoid over tightening, which can distort the split and thin the line.
#7 French knot
French knot adds tiny raised dots for centres, berries, and textured fills. Wrap the thread once or twice around the needle, hold the wraps snug, and insert the needle near the emergence point to form a neat knot. Stabilise lightweight fabrics to prevent pull through and keep thread tails short to reduce tangling. Use single wraps for delicate specks and double wraps for stronger texture. Variegated threads create lively clusters that read as blossoms or seeds. Work in staggered spacing for organic scatter or packed grids for dense texture. Finish with a light press from the wrong side to settle the knots without flattening.
#8 Blanket stitch
Blanket stitch secures raw edges and adds a decorative border on felt, leather, and appliqué. Bring the needle out at the edge, catch the loop under the needle, and create evenly spaced vertical bites so the top thread forms a rail along the edge. It prevents fraying and frames patches, pockets, and hems. For appliqué, mark spacing with a ruler for uniformity. Use sturdy thread like perle cotton on dense materials, or fine cotton on delicate edges. Keep tension firm but not tight so the rail sits flat. Corner turns benefit from shorter steps to avoid crowding and maintain a square outline.
#9 Herringbone stitch
Herringbone stitch creates crossed diagonal lines that look like a lattice. Work alternating slanted stitches from side to side so each step crosses the previous, forming a flexible, airy band. It stabilises seams, secures hems, and adds openwork texture on scarves and cuffs. Spacing controls the look: narrow spacing gives dense chevrons, while wide spacing reads as light trellis. For decorative use, weave a contrast thread through the crossings or add beads at intersections. Choose soft threads that glide easily to keep the crosses tidy. A light wash away stabiliser helps maintain alignment on lightweight or loosely woven fabrics.
#10 Lazy daisy
Lazy daisy is a single chain stitch shaped into a petal. Anchor a small loop, tack the tip with a tiny straight stitch, and repeat around a centre to build flowers quickly. It also suggests leaves, scales, and feather textures when varied in size and angle. Use higher twist cotton or rayon for crisp edges and shine, or wool for soft petals. Mark petal placement with light dots to keep symmetry. Combine with French knots for centres and stem stitch for vines. A gentle pull sets each loop, but leave a little slack so the petal sits proud and does not collapse.