Bonjour, my friends!
This morning, for the 6th installment of this year’s Stitcher’s Christmas series, we’re heading over to The French Needle!
Today’s give-away is pretty exciting, especially for those of you who might be a wee bit like me and a little bit infatuated with sparkly things! Or if you just love thread…
First, we’ll talk about today’s Christmas gifts, and then I’ll announce the winners of this past Wednesday’s give-away. So read on, s’il vous plaît!
I’m excited to see that The French Needle has recently taken on the whole line of Au Ver a Soie’s metallic threads and are making them available individually. In past years, they’ve been available in color sets, but now, you can pick up individual spools. And that’s a good thing!
I’ve written about Au Ver a Soie’s metallics off and on here on Needle ‘n Thread, and pretty much any time I use metallic threads, those are the metallics I’m using. They are far superior to similar metallics on the market. Because of their “engineering,” they hold up to surface embroidery on regular fabric better. I used these threads extensively in my Snowflakes projects and in this year’s Mini Sampler Stockings projects, so if you’ve taken an interest in those designs, you’ve probably heard of the threads!
In conjunction with the folks at Au Ver a Soie, The French Needle has offered a large set of Au Ver a Soie #8 metallic braid for today’s give-away. The set includes many beautiful colors of lovely #8 metallic braids – all for you to play with to your heart’s content!
The #8 is the heavier of the two popular sizes of their tresse metallic braids, with #4 being the finer size. I like both for surface embroidery – the #4 is for delicate touches, while the #8 makes a slightly bolder statement.
For today’s give-away, the first randomly drawn name will receive the above collection of #8 Au Ver a Soie metallics.
The second randomly drawn name will receive a a lovely spool of Maison Noel’s fine metallic gold thread – which is a polyester and polyamide thread finished with gold, that can be washed and ironed (from the back), so it can be used on even household linens. It’s a very fine thread, to be used singly in a #8 or larger crewel needle, and it is perfect for little gold accents on your favorite embroidery.
This winner will also receive a couple beautiful micro threaders from Kiriki Press. These pretty and functional tools will help you thread your embroidery needles, and they’ll also make you happy to see them in your tool box, because they’re pretty! I love the look of these threaders! I haven’t tried them yet, but I’m familiar with Kiriki, so I’m confident it’s a well made product!
Give-Away Guidelines
If you’d like to participate in today’s give-away, please follow these guidelines!
This give-away has ended. The winners are listed in the following article on December 14. Thanks for participating!
1. Please leave your comment below, on this article on Needle ‘n Thread. If you are reading this in the newsletter, you can reach the comment form directly by following this link.
Comments left on any other post on Needle ‘n Thread or sent by email are not eligible. Please do not leave your comment as a reply to someone else’s. Replies cannot be included in the count. If you are unsure how to post a comment without replying to someone else, please just click the link provided above to go to the comment form. Thanks!
2. Make sure you leave a recognizable name or nickname on the Name line on the comment form. Anonymous comments don’t count. Please do not leave personal information like email addresses, mailing addresses, or phone numbers in the Comment part of the form. When you do, I have to go in and edit that information out – unless you want spam, or strangers picking up your phone number, email address, mailing address (which you don’t, I’m sure!).
…but please do make sure that your email address is entered correctly on the Email line of the form. This is not visible to anyone but me, and it is not used for anything except the purposes of this give-away (if you win, I need to be able to contact you).
3. You may only enter once.
4. In your comment, please answer the following:
If you had to pick one (and only one) favorite embroidery stitch, what would it be, and why?
5. Leave your comment by 5:00 am Central Standard Time, Monday, December 14th. The winner will be randomly drawn and announced on Monday morning, when the next give-away in the series takes place. I will also contact the winners by email.
Please note that your comment may not appear right away on the website. I review all the comments that go on the website, to keep unseemly content off the website. If your comment does not show up immediately, please don’t fret. It will show up as soon as I have a chance to moderate comments.
Wednesday Winners!
And now, that moment you’ve been waiting for…
The randomly drawn recipients of Wednesday’s little gift bundle, which includes a book, some linen, a handmade ornament, and other delectable bits and bobs that I’ll package up and send along, are:
Bonnie Womac and Terry K!
I will contact you both by email to get the particulars!
Looking Forward
On Monday, we’ll be talking color in embroidery! If you love color, or if you have a hard time choosing colors that go well together, you’ll love Monday’s give-away!
We’ve been prepping more ready-to-stitch sets this week, so I’ll be adding those to the shop probably on Monday morning. If you’ve been waiting, keep an eye out for them!
See you next week!
My favorite embroidery stitch hands down is satin stitch. It’s just so satisfying to look at when it’s done well. It’s also so satisfying to execute it, even though I’m still not “great” at it. Seeing the threads laid beside each other, making this smooth satiny (pun) finish is just…ahhh.
My favorite embroidery stitch is the stem stitch. It’s easy to do and the look can be varied by the number of strands of floss used. I’ve used one strand to do stem stitch to fill in letters, and I’ve used two or three strands to outline – all with a nice effect. I also like to whip the stem stitch. So much you can do with one stitch and so easy – and quick!
It’s a difficult question, but I’d say my favourite stitch is the Cretan Stitch – it can be used to create so many of nature’s forms! It can be delicate feathers, leaves, scales, little trees or branches…
If I had to pick one stitch, it would probably be stem stitch, because it’s so versatile.
Of course my favorite is the stem stitch but right beside it is the lazy daisy. You can do so much with it and it is the foundation of so many other stitches.
My favourite stitch is probably cross stitch as it is very versatile. A pattern can be variable with thread choice and nothing else.
Love these threads can use in Saskiko . I am doin that now. Also I am doing Fabric Orgami. I wish you would do an article on the Fabric Orgami
My favourite stitch is cross stitch. It is the first stitch my grandmother taught me. I think of her and have happy memories whenever I am stitching cross stitch
My favourite stitch would be Satin Stitch. You can use it on anything and anywhere.
Thanks
Metallic threads add a ” pop” to any embroidery and really glam it up.
Love to try these!
I’d have to say stem stitch because it is so versatile. It can be used as an outline or a filling stitch. It makes nice curves and allows for fine details. And you can blend colors with it. It’s a good “work horse” stitch.
Satin Stitch has always ruled my heart, embroidery-wise! Thank you, Mary, and thanks to The French Needle for your generosity and for being fabulous resources for stitchers!
Simple as it may seem, I like the chain stitch. It’s so functional – for borders, for stems, and so much more. And for a little pizzaz, you can wrap them – one side or both. My second favorite is the French knot – it makes the cutest little bump and is fun to do.
My favorite embroidery stitch is the cross stitch because that is what I do the most.
Thank you.
Favorite embroidery stitch would be straight stitch for all the painting you can do with the colors of the thread. Not a fancy stitch but so effective when used.
Thank you, Mary,
My favorite stitch is the straight stitch. I like it because I can use it in thread painting (long and short stitch).
My favorite go to stitch is the french knot! I love how by varying the size of the stitch one can create so many different textures. It’s a fun stitch and fun to make wrapping threads around the needle.
I just bought the mini stockings and I am looking forward to making them. I love adding a little sparkle to my embroidery and the stockings will show me how to do this better. Steph
Contrary to my email address, I think my favorite is the Lazy Daisy. It’s simple, cute, and so versatile.
Only one embroidery stitch! Yikes! That is really hard. The first one that came to mind was the lazy daisy. I think it can be used in a multitude of ways.
Hi, Mary,
My favorite stitch is fly stitch. It is easy for me to execute with pleasing results, and it can be adapted in many ways to create different looks.
Thanks for telling us about metallic threads that work well. I had given up on metallics because they are so hard to use.
Beth B in Charlottesville
Aren’t those metallics mesmerising!
I think if I had to pick one and one only, it would have to be stem stitch because it is so versatile. Great for outlines but equally suitable for a nice shaded filling. (But I’m really glad I _don’t_ have to choose just one stitch in reality 🙂 )
I love to stitch the leaf stitch that makes such beautiful leaf forms. I love to stitch plants, so this stitch is very appealing . At this time of covid, it helps to add in a little of the outdoors into my stitching.
My favorite stitch is the stem stich because it’s my neatest!
My favorite stitch is the chain stitch. It is so versatile! Great for filling since it covers so well and also adds a bit of texture. I discovered my love of it when I used it for my red Swedish Dala horse. It gave it a knit look!
My absolute favorite stitch is the feather stitch…it is sweet as it can be! Gentle curves and has a friendly little wave. It is perfect in a variety of colors and changes completely with a variegated thread. Thanks for everything you do for us, Mary! You are an inspiration always!
My favorite embroidery stitch is the French knot. I find a way to incorporate them in most of my projects!
I love love love French knots! I know they are frustrating for many stitchers, but I find it so satisfying when I pull the thread through and it makes that gorgeous little knot!
Probably my favorite stitch is long and short as I love to do needlepainting. thanks for the awesome chance to win
I enjoy working with metallic thread because of the challenge it offers and the beauty it creates.
The stitch I use the most, my favorite, is the outline stitch. If I want to stitch “ something “ and just want to get going, outline is the way I go.
I absolutely love doing buttonhole stitch – I think because it makes such a crisp, nice edge – especially when worked in #5 Perle Cotton!
This morning I would choose the chain stitch as my can’t live without stitch. I’m currently using it to outline a sweet little sheep in a manger scene and loving the roundness of it. Thanks Mary!
My favorite stitch is French knots. The cute bumps you get can either be clustered to make a textured say flower center or to randomly gently fill a space.
Plus I find them fun to do!
Oh, my! What lovely threads!
Regarding my favorite stitch, I think I would have to pick stem stitch. I have recently found myself turning to it on several projects, for outlining and filling. Quite versatile.
My favourite, and much practiced embroidery stitch is a bullion knot. When it goes right, it’s not only beautiful, but versatile, and practical, particularly for creating animals and almost any plant. With patience it can work with most threads – I’ve just talked myself into doing some!
My favorite stitch from my early years of crewel embroidery always was the laid couching stitch. I loved the dimensionality it gave the piece and how it enabled you to enjoy the texture of the yarn and just nip it down here and there.
Always learn something from your posts. Thank you. And love the diversity of metallics.
Chain stitch is my favorite stitch. It can be varied in length to make petals or leaves, overlapped and staggered to make feathers or fishscales (maybe squint a little), or nearly anything, really.
For my favorite embroidery stitch, although it is not as versatile a stitch as the back stitch, for example, I think I would choose the feather stitch because I love how it looks.
Sparkle, sparkle, sparkle! I love anything sparkly and these threads are
beautiful!
I really enjoy surface embroidery cross stitch for the simple reason it’s easy. It’s what I like to do for stress free quick projects. And I like the look of it.
I love to use Backstitching because I can use it for everything!
I would pick fly stitch because it can be varied in many ways. It adds lovely texture and can be spaced close together or further apart to give different effects.
My favorite stitch is the braided chain stitch which I just recently learned from Mary’s book of Monograms. I used it to embroider a scrip-type name on a man’s grilling apron. It worked beautifully. I love it because it has such texture and it fills a line beautifully. I haven’t mastered some of the other stitches in the book yet, but I’m looking forward to doing so.
The queen stitch is my favorite. It IS the QUEEN of all stitches. It makes a statement like none other and stands alone in a solidly filled area.
My favorite stitch would be any variation of Rhodes stitch – they add such texture to a piece, and really highlight the shine of silk threads. But since you’ve emphasized one stitch, rather than a family of stitches, then it would have to be a Rhodes butterfly.
I think I would pick the Hungarian Braid. I like it’s breadth and boldness and I like that although it is a multi-step stitch (making it more interesting), it still goes pretty fast, but best of all it LOOKS great.
Hi Mary,
Thanks for the chance to win!
I think I would choose the French knot. They are easy to do and add so much interest. Of course it’s so hard to pick just one!
I love the woven wheel stitch. I’m just fascinated by the way the stitch grows bit by bit.
I think I use the stem stitch more than any other. That’s probably because it was the first one I learned SO many years ago.
I haven’t used very many metallic threads in my hand embroidery, so if I win, I look forward to trying these out.
I think I like the blanket stitch, in all its variations…I can aim to be precise, or wacky, and somehow, it all turns out interesting.
I think my favorite stitch is the lazy daisy chain. It can be used in so many ways to get so many different effects by wrapping it, adding beads, using different sizes of thread, etc. I really enjoy so many different stitches it’s hard to choose one.
I think satin stitch since it’s very versatile and can be fast.
My favorite embroidery stitch is the stem stitch. I love how solid the line is, and it is a great filler. It gives texture and direction to filled images. It’s just so versatile! Second and third are the Bayeux stitch and the turkey stitch!
My favourite stitch is the back stitch, because it is so versatile.
I have been teaching my great nieces to embroider. I need to continue to learn myself! This would be the next step.
I use the stem stitch the most as I am a quilter who used embroidery on my appliqué, and since I do a lot of floral motifs, the stem stitch makes a wonderful outline.
The blanket stitch is one of my favorite. I love using it for applique on many fabric types. It is also easy to adjust the length of the stitches to get different results.
My favorite embroidery stitch is the chain stitch.
One favorite stitch is the Daisy Chain.
I like it because it’s easy and versatile.
I would love to win the sparkly threads from the Christmas giveaway. My favorite embroidery stitch to do is the buttonhole stitch. It is just so relaxing to do a long series of this stitch. Thank you for the wonderful free giveaway. So much fun!
Crow-like I love the shimmer of gold…light, shine, dazzle that reflects each in this universe.
As a very beginner I like the running stitch,
simple and yet so much can be done with it…!
Thank you for this generous kind offer!
warm wishes,
Vicki
I’d have to go with the Satin Stitch. I’m a huge fan of goldwork and Satin Stitch in a nice rich color alongside goldwork is always beautiful.
Love these threads…. have purchased from the French Needle before they have lovely items. The Au Ver Au Soie is great to work with.
I love the look of Queen Stitch. Stacked together they make a beautiful strawberry or leaf or in a row they make an elegant statement on a sampler.
My favourite stitch is chain stitch. It is so versatile and looks great in all different types of thread
You don’t have to get this stitch perfect for it look really good. I would say it is a kind and adaptable and forgiving stitch!
My favorite embroidery stitch is the french knot. I love making these little knots because they add texture to the piece. I can make tiny ones with a single thread and only one loop around the needle, or heavier ones with several strands and more loops around the needle. They can be happy little dots! I’d love to win the metallic thread!
After reading your article on metallics, I purchased the Au Ver a Soie metallic thread. It’s a little pricey, but totally worth it. I made a bunch of angel ornaments out of white wool with gold metallic accents, and I was able to do it quickly without any problems. Thank you for your very informative articles.
I love the back stitch – it brings things to life!
My favorite is the stem stitch. Why the most common stitch in the canon of stitches? Because each iteration reinforces the lesson to: choose joy! No matter how many times you have done it before!
Very difficult to choose just one stitch with soooo many lovelies to choose from! The best I can do is two; the rice stitch adds so much interest with all it’s variations, and the coral stitch is like magic. Can you tell I’m a fan of texture? Thank you, Mary.
My favorite stitch will forever be the satin stitch. It just looks so pretty and feels so soft 🙂
Without a doubt, satin stitch is my favorite, although I am still bedeviled by the ideal of a well padded, perfectly stitched area. A simple up and down stitch with so many techniques at hand to achieve the goal of the elusive perfect satin stitch.
CROSS STITCH
there are 10 different forms of it , and thousands of variations!
I’m still an embroidery beginner, so maybe couching? I love basically drawing squiggles with thread and ending up with something beautiful.
If you had to pick one (and only one) favorite embroidery stitch, what would it be, and why? My favorite stitch is the humble cross stitch. I get into a meditative rhythm and don’t have to think about it. It’s my comfort zone. It’s my zen. Cross stitch relaxes and calms me.
I think I would choose the chain stitch, it is simple yet ‘fancy’ looking!
Au Ver a Soie -Just the name makes me develop goosebumps. My favorite embroidery stitch is the scroll stitch. Such a lovely stitch for representing water. Growing up in Southern California, I have so many happy memories of times spent at the beach with family and friends. With so much dissension, fear, illness and weariness in today’s world, a simple stitch is enough to bring a smile. And isn’t that why we all stitch?
I really like the stem stitch..I can outline with it , make various shapes easily and it gives an interesting texture used as a filling and it’s the first stitch I learned from my mom.
For some reason I love a lazy daisy stitch most. It always makes me so happy when I stitch it.
Thank you for having a give away of wonderful things for the Holiday season.
Bullion stitch because I can make pretty dimensional Rose’s with it
My favourite embroidery stitch is to do with blackwork, because with each design it is fun to try and figure out the path so that you can return to the beginning on the same path. I enjoy the challenge of figuring out where I am supposed to go in order to return to the same spot and continue to another area. I do like a little challenge when I’m stitching.
I’d love to win your prize as well. You are so generous giving out gifts every now and then.
Hi Mary,
My favourite stitch is stem stitch! It’s so versatile and beautiful, but easy for a beginner like me!
Just one? I can’t choose…. but if I had to I would choose a French knot. So satisfying to see those little knots form as the needle and thread pull though the fabric!!
My favorite is the woven wheel. I love the dimension it creates and it is so adorable 🙂
I love the chai stitch for its versatility. It works well for curved or straight lines, outlining and for filling in larger areas.
I love a bullion stitch because is adds dimension to my stitching.
Wow! What beautiful sparkly threads!!! As for a favorite stitch, that’s so difficult to pick – but I’d have to say I really like battlement couching and the 3-D effect it gives things!
French knot. So little and pretty and versatile. Love it!
I think my favorite stitch is satin stitch! If done well it looks so smooth.
My favorite embroidery stitch is the satin stitch. I can’t do it very well, but it adds a level of lushness to a project.
I love the palestrina knot. I do a lot of embellished wool work and I love how this stitch lays on wool. So many effects by varying the weight of the thread, the type of thread and the spacing.
My favorite embroidery stitch is the outline stitch. I think it’s because it’s the only stitch I have mastered. I can do a lovely outline stitch on a straight line and both kinds of curves; I can start and stop without interruption. Plus, it’s a useful stitch!
A favorite stitch would be a ‘line of staggered diagonals’. I use in Japanese Embroidery. It is used in most types of embroidery. Nice for thick or thin lines.
Okay, that is a hard question. My mind goes to the versatile Button hole stitch. I love it’s organic look. It can look folk artsy or in the right thread it can add a touch of class. With a Bead it can change it’s look or add a small ribbon down the center and again it changes.
One and only one stitch is hard. I would pick chain stitch just because I like doing it.
My favorite is the blanket stitch and all its variations. I use it straight for edging a finished wallhanging, offset for roof shingles, pinwheel and looped for flowers (often with beads), and on and on…
My favorite stitch is blanket stitch. It is so reliable, it pins things down, it makes a wonderful border with or without embellishments you can use it with any thread or ribbon and its a very easy stitch to do. Basic but beautiful!
My favorite embroidery stitch is the bullion. It is versatile with using shading of thread colors, shape, density of thread, and stitch placement. It can be elegant or whimsical. Merry Christmas and Happy Holidays to all of you.
I love the chain stitch because it is so versatile. It can goin a straight line, in a curve and even circles. It’s easily accomplished in all fibers, takes well to embellishment, and shows off variegated threads well.
This is not an easy thing to answer but I will pick the buttonhole stitch.
It is very versatile! It can be simple edging, or make a lacey edging. It makes curves and flowers. It is a base for other stitches, can couch down different fibers, and plenty more. The amount of play the stitch allows in length and spacing also gives so much opportunity to change the look!
Satin stitch is my all time favourite.
If I had to pick I would say the French knot stitch. Maybe because of the texture and knottiness or maybe because of how I was so excited when I finally mastered it after unpicking so many floppy or too flat stitches.
I’ve used these metallics & really enjoy working with them. By far superior to any others I’ve tried. Wonderful giveaway! Thanks!
I like the buttonhole stitch, I find it soothing to stitch.
If I had to choose only one embroidery stitch (perish the thought!!) it would probably be stem stitch because of its versatility. One can outline with it and one can fill with it. One can make it large and one can make it small. I love stem stitch!!
Reverse chain stitch ❤️ . It goes anywhere and does anything
A hard one! I think it would be satin stitch, I love the pouffy, cushioned-ness of it.
Tough question. I’d have to say long/short. Very versatile.
My favorite stitch has to be the chain stitch. When I want to stitch a line that needs to be pretty solid but not wide, it’s a chain stitch. When I want to use a filler, I do rows of them. My favorite use is for tree trunks!
And as always, thanks for doing these giveaways, Mary. It’s the only time I might get a ‘stitching’ present. 🙂
I guess it would be stem stitch because it’s a workhorse stitch, and really, a very even stem stitch is very pretty.
My favourite embroidery stitch would have to be the chain stitch, primarily for its versatility. Simple chains, alternating chains, open chains… you can do so much with this elegant, classic stitch.
Only ONE stitch??? OK… I nominate the blanket stitch. I think it’s a fun stitch to do, has a nice texture and look, and it’s so practical.
Love the metallics. I just held off buying some the other day. No good reason! But now I have one! Stem stitch is my all time go to. Always looks so clean and trim. But if I win, can’t wait to do many others. Especially one of the church patterns I downloaded!
My favourite stitch, if I must choose only one, is SPLIT STITCH. It is easy to learn and easy to turn, around shapes and corners. It is also possible to use for filling areas. And, most of all, I like it because it was frequently used in church embroidery in my favourite time of the past, the Middle Ages. (Which is my own age, funny huh?)
ooh, what a question! I’d have to stick with the basic running stitch, which can be used in so many ways!
My current favorite embroidery stitch is the blanket stitch. Embroidery stitches are like cats, how can anyone have just one favorite. 🙂 I have been using the blanket stitch a lot lately and trying out different variations of it. It seems to lend itself to some needle lace too which I need to play with more. Yes the blanket stitch is a wonderful playful companion.
I have not ventured into a lot of speciality stitches. I do however enjoy doing full cross stitches at a time. I have trouble seeing the holes when I go back in the opposite direction. If I do full then I know that it is done. One less stitch to finish. Ready to move on.
Hi Mary,
In surface embroidery I love the stem stitch, it can be used for different things.
In Hardanger embroidery I live the square filet. It was the first stitch that I did the right way the first time.
Thanks for your knowledge and for the giveaways.
Melinda
Only one embroidery stitch is hard. However, if I have to pick just one, it would be the long-armed cross stitch. It gives some extra dimension to ordinary cross stitch.
My favorite stitch is the chain stitch. It is so easy to make and also easy to embellish. I love making it look like it’s complicated to make by adding different stitches and colors to it. But I could name several others also, thanks to Mary.
French Knots, they work in most threads and can be varied so much with number of strands used. Best of all, they give texture.
I enjoy using the Au Ver a Soie metallics. My one stitch would be cross stitch. It is the first stitch I learned and the one I go back to when life is stressed, or if I want to do something that takes no thought.
Oh how gorgeous!
I love the four-sided stitch for its versatility. It can be used as a border or a dividing line, as a stabilizing stitch for drawn or pulled thread, as part of a hem, as a marking stitch for alphabets, and for me, it’s relaxing to do.
My favorite embroidery stitch is the bullion. I love counting the wraps when making the long ones. I love that I can make them lay flat like a worm or curve gently to make a rose. I love that I can make them into a standing circle of flower petals. I just love them.
Thank you for these Christmas giveaways, Mary. They’re a fun way to learn about new and different embroidery materials.
To answer your question…My absolute favorite stitch is the stem stitch. It’s fun and easy to do, makes a lovely texture, and is incredibly versatile.
Beth
I find ‘chain stitch’ very versatile. It tidies edges if pulled tight and lovely little daisies and flowers, if not taught.
Hard to pick a favorite but love the rice stitch. Maybe because one of the earliest not a cross stitches I learned. Adds a pretty raised finished especially when done with perle cotton 12.
My favourite stitch is chain stitch I think. It can be so versatile because of all of the variations. I like detached chain and I often use whipped chain stitch. But on another day I would have said something else! Very hard to decide.
I love to make French Knots. I love the texture that the being to any project, but it works well no matter the size of the project from doll size rugs to flowers of all sizes. Ashley
Stem stitch, because it is so versatile. You can lengthen each stitch, shorten them, lean them sideways….. It can be used as a filling stitch or an outline….Definitely stem stitch!
I love the chain stitch right now. It is very easy and I like the way it looks. It would look even better with all the sparkle!
Thank you for the opportunity.
Hope you have a safe and Merriest of Christmas .
SPLIT STITCH – it’s so versatile. I wrap it for borders, work it a little large for fancy hems, love it as a filling stitch – a little spaced for a light effect or as densely as I like for wow and or lift. It’s especially satisfying to work with silk thread which I also brings joy!
I would so love to experiment with Au Ver A Soie #8 metallic. Being a needlepoint enthusiast #8 is my go to metallic.
Patsy Det
I choose the buttonhole stitch because I perfected it long before I took up embroidery in retirement. I learned it as a way to sew hooks, eyes, and snaps on garments while in high school. I was so fond of doing such that I happily repaired friends’ clothes when fasteners failed to stay put. As an embroiderer, I enjoy using buttonhole stitch in Hardanger pieces.
G’day there Mary,
Backstitch. Besides it being a sewing stitch, as in stitching pieces together, it can be decorated quite a few ways with a 2nd thread by looping around the stitches, weaving under them. Adding beads as the stitch is being made is effective too.
Cheers, and thank you,
Kath Grabham
Oooh! All those sparkly threads! My favorite stitch is easily the stem stitch. Fast, forgiving around curves, and effective as either outlines or filler, it looks neat and smooth whether used with floss, perle, floche (Mmmmm!) or any fiber.
I love doing french knots. They give such lovely texture to ant embroidered piece
I just love gold work and metallic bling those colours just pop for me
I think the stem stitch is one of my favorite stitches and an easy go to. It’s my favorite outlining stitch and I think it can be manipulated easily for different shapes.
My favorite stitch—only because I have to pick—is the outline stitch…because it’s the first stitch I ever learned to do❤️
Love this site! Have been stitching probably longer than you’re alive!
If I had to pick one stitch to use, I would pick the humble running stitch as it can be used in so many different ways.
Sue
Backstitch. One of the most basic things you first learn. And can be adapted in many ways.
That is an extremely hard question to answer as to which Stitch is my favorite. I enjoy doing the lazy Daisy stitches and French knots regarding monogramming pillow cases. It’s just really hard to point the one stitch.
The French knot or colonial knot. The little knot stitch does so many things – it suggests flowers, fills spaces when I run out of ideas for that space, and adds dimension by embroidering many knots on top of each other. Love love love them.
My favorite embroidery stitch is the chain stitch. It is so pretty and versatile. Thank you for doing these giveaways.
I love doing stump work. One of my favorite stitches is the blanket stitch that creates the bead around the outside of the wire. That foundation sets up your work for the leaf or petal that you are stitching.
Smyrna.
I love the satin stitch it is so smooth and shiny
When it’s done the right way.
Chain stitch. It is so versatile that sometimes I wonder what stitch was used and am amazed to find it was the good old chain stitch. It’s brilliant.
That photo of all the metallic AuVer A Soie threads was just mouthwatering! The colors are so beautiful. I can see so many projects: smocked ornaments, embroideries with a touch of sparkle, little girls smocked dresses, even some small hemstitched items with it! What a wonderful giveaway and thank you to The French Needle and you for making this available!
My favorite stitch is the satin stitch and laced running stitch
Pick just one embroidery stitch?! That’s like asking someone to choose just one type of cookie! : ( But I enjoy counted cross-stitch so much that that would have to be it. Hope you are having a luminous Advent.
It would have to be the straight stitch because it is so versatile, allowing me to stitch just about anything I can dream of.
Hi Mary,
What a lovely giveaway! I do love bling!
As for my favorite embroidery stitch, that’s easy…stem stitch. As a newbie, it’s a stitch that I am good at and it is very versatile. I find stem stitch very soothing to stitch, I think I might have a little stitching rhythm with it! Now, Palestrina stitch, that’s an entirely different story! I can’t do that to save my life! Wishing you all the blessings of this beautiful season.
I recently learnt the closed fly stitch and I really really liked it. I stitched it in a leaf but like the feathery look it gives and found it satisfying to work.
If I had to pick one (and only one) favorite embroidery stitch, it would be the double-running stitch. Such beautiful designs are possible from a simple stitch, and I like the logic/geometry of the out-and-back sitching paths.
My favorite stitch has to be the stem stitch. I love the sort of braided look of the stitch and that it’s SO versatile. It’s my first choice for just about any lines but can also be used for fills giving my piece a nice texture.
In honor of The French Needle, I am picking the French knot as my favorite stitch. So much fun to make! So versatile! Vive the French knot!
I would choose the chain stitch. I’ve always loved it. It can be used as an outline or a stem. It can be used as a filler stitch. You can use it singly, or fancy it up with wraps or threading. There are so many options for its use.
The long and short stitch is beautiful to fill some large spaces!
My favorite stitch would be the stem stitch! Because you can use it on red work, crazy quilting, and really any embroidery project.
These metallics are new to me. Many thanks for featuring them.
I would choose chain stitch because of its versatility: it can bemused as an outline as well as a filling stitch and one can basically embroider almost every type of design with it
This his a tough question for me since I do different types of embroidery (cross, canvas, Hardanger, etc,.) which each utilizes different stitches. If pressed I will choose the cross stitch since it is used in so many different types of work. Also, it can be worked with all types of threads, it can be easily sized from silk canvas up to # 10, it can be created using all sorts of fibers. it is easy to size up or down, and it can be divided in 1/4, 1/2, or 3/4 sections.
Oh those metallics! My favourite stitch is the Feather Stitch. So so useful for graceful lines and filling space with prettiness.
I love the simple chain stitch. It became my favorite when I made two baby quilts that had embroidered hands of family members – parents, grandparents, great grandparents, aunts, uncles, siblings, cousins – and each hand was done in chain. It reminded me of the link between each one of us and how interconnected we are.
I love metallic threads as much as Mary does
If I had to pick only one stitch, it would surely be the chain stitch. It can be used to fill, or outline. It can be embellished or plain. I use it constantly, and love the way the character of the stitch changes with thread type or with size. Chain gets my vote!
Favorite Stitch: My favorite stitch is the stem stitch. Mary’s videos have encouraged me to use this stitch so often. It is great for both outlining and filling stitch, and creates just the right touch of texture, easily. It works quickly and I don’t need two hands.
Without a doubt favourite stitch is french knot – once mastered you cant stop. It versatile; fine or chunky, accent, line or coverage. Great texture.
This was really difficult, but cross-stitch is my favorite because it’s my go-to when I need to relax. I carry cross-stitch projects whenever i travel and when completed, the memories of my travels are stitched into each project!
My favorite stitch is the French knot! It’s easy to do, it’s pretty, it’s fun to make it, and it’s versatile. It can be used for making flowers, leaves, decorations, dots, designs, edges, it can be used as a filler, a pretty-maker. I love the French knot!
My favorite stitch so far is the Free Form Cross Stitch. I chose this due to my inexperience with embroidery and my mistakes aren’t as noticeable. LOL
I would pick basketweave. By switching colors, types and textures of threads you can create beautiful pieces of needlework with only this stitch.
I like Quaker stitch because I do a lot of writing in thread.
Favorite embroidery stitch, hmmmmmm I guess it would be satin stitch. Why? Because you can use it in almost any style of embroidery, needle painting, pulled thread, cut work, handanger, crewel, etc.
Hi everyone and Merry Christmas! My favorite stitch would be the humble back stitch. It is a good basic stitch that can be used many ways. Next in line would be the chain stitch. These 2 stitches can accomplish any embroidery task.
I love the chain stitch because it is so versatile, as well as easy and fast! It looks great as and edge stitch to appliqué pieces and fillers and stems too.
Carol H
My favourite embroidery stitch so far is Holbein stitch, because it can be used to express designs ranging from a simple line drawing, up to a complex pattern of interwoven or infilled shapes, but is relaxing and enjoyable to stitch because of its simplicity.
I keep getting the error message that this is something I’ve said before, but it is not.
My favorite stitch so far is the Free Form Cross Stitch. I chose this due to my inexperience with embroidery and my mistakes aren’t as noticeable. LOL
My favorite embroidery stitch is the Buttonhole stitch. So versatile
I too have found metallics hard to use, but always worth the effort. I love their look in the end and will continue to use them.
Cathy C
I like the running stitch because I can do many different things with it. Enjoy your day!
My favorite embroidery stitch is so basic that it’s laughable, but it has to be stem stitch. It’s so versatile!
I like French Knots and I like Jessica’s (counted canvas/cross stitch) I think because of the sense of accomplishment I get from them. On an early cross stitch piece I had my grandma do the French knots, because I couldn’t get them to work consistently, but with different instructions and practice I do them by the hundreds now.
The chain stitch is sooo versatile!
I love the Pekinese stitch. It gives me joy in two parts. First there’s the pleasure of the steady and precise backstitch. Then there’s the opportunity of creating fun & flair by looping thread through the backstitch. And there are multiple options – pull it tight or make small, medium, or large loops. Plus the choice of using a single color thread, a variegated thread, or jazzing things up even more with two different colors of thread.
Stem stitch is my go-to. It works quickly and creates a nice definite line for outlining as well as a beautiful way to fill in both small and larger spaces.
Favorite stitch is long and short. It truly is needle painting!
I didn’t get to finish my reply. Besides liking Metallic threads, but also finding them hard to use, I will always choose them.
My favorite stitch is the feather stitch. I love its movement on my pieces and when I add small beads to it I love it even more. I seem to really use it a lot.
A favorite stitch is hard to choose – French knots are such cute little accents and really can liven up an area so nicely. But really only one stitch to pick? So hard! Thank you for the opportunity and thank you for keeping me stitching with your inspirations!
My favorite embroidery stitch would have to be the French Knot. Thanks for hosting this!
Mary, my favorite embroidery stitch is the palestrina stitch. I think it adds so much texture & interest to a project.
Have a great day!
Stem stitch – so versatile, so easy and fun!
Thanks for the giveaway.
Carrie Gray “PlaneNut”
My favorite stitch is the stem stitch. It’s restful and beautiful.
Thank you for showing us the magic of metallics! Your entries have inspired me to try them and add that extra special touch to my pieces. I love that some of the featured products work with household linens! I would love to win either of the prize packages featured!
Without a doubt my favorite stitch is the feather stitch. I love it’s organic nature and many variations.
Stem stitch is so amazing, I can pad, fill and utline with it, and vary it alot with length of stitches and fiber used.
Ooooh, shiny!!! Love those metallics!
My favorite stitch is the stem stitch. There’s just something about the way it twists… and it’s so versatile. I love using it to fill in curvy shapes. But also to outline or to make lettering. The texture is lovely.
Hi! The whipped running stitch is a “new favorite” for me. It’s plain, sweet and as colorful as you want! Thank you for the chance.
The one stitch I would pick is a french knot because it can be used as a filling stitch, but also looks nice on its own.
Boy, picking one stitch is tough! I think my favorite stitch is the turkey or tufted stitch. It give dimension and a great look to any embroidery piece, especially those with animals. Thanks for the giveaway.
Wow, pick one?! Perhaps running stitch as it is so versatile. Or French knots for how often I use them, or buttonhole stitch for its beauty and functionality. I am coming down on the side of buttonhole stitch, but I am mourning the lost of running stitch and French knots.
Thanks, Mary for all you do to make our lives better.
My one and only one stitch would be the stem stitch. It is able to go around any shape.
Only one! Oh dear!
I guess it would be the one that started it all for me.
Cross stitch. With colors or specialty threads or floss, it can be beautiful.
Thanks!
One of my favourite embroidery stitches is the blanket or buttonhole stitch. There are so many ways that you can use this stitch with so many variations for texture and effect!
My favorite stitch would be the French knot. Why? I just love the effect it makes.
Happy holidays to all and happy stitching!
Hello! If I have to pick one embroidery stitch it would be the back stitch, because it was the first stitch that I learned, also because it can be as short or long as you want to, it can be used to make the lines of a design, to fill in a shape, and also create crisp corners. Good luck to all!
I LOVE the tiny buds on a vine stitch and your tutorial for how to make it different by adding accents and knots in different layers and colors makes it unique in every instance. I love that it has many elements to keep adding and the end result is a delicate and rich looking vine! The effect adds so much to the project. Thank you Mary!
I am new to embroidery and would love to try metallic threads. Thanks Mary for sharing your extensive knowledge on needlework!!
My favorite stitch is the silk shading. I’m not very good at it yet but it has so much potential to add life to your project.
My favorite stitch to use is the back stitch or the running back stitch. That is really two stitches, but they go together. They make the neatest and straightest lines possible.
I would pick queen stitch. It has so many possibilities and can be used for so many shapes. It is also, for me, very relaxing.
My favorite stitch is the stem stitch, maybe it is because it can go anywhere. It is my comfort stitch and who doesn’t need comfort these days.
If I had to choose one favourite stitch, it would be the stem stitch. It is versatile, it looks pretty no matter how it is used, and i don’t quite know why, but I find it a meditative stitch to stitch.
My favorite stitch is outline stitch. I love the slight heft of the stitch, along with its smoothness. Most of my embroidery involves line stitches, and outline stitching is ideal.
Favorite embroidery stitch? Backstitch, without question. I find it to be both an incredibly versatile stitch AND so natural to perform. I look for every opportunity to include it in what I’m working on. Happy holidays Mary!
Palestrina Stitch is a favourite – so versatile – beautiful effect in your stitching.
The bullion stitch is my favorite as it can be made into many creative motifs!
My favorite stitch (also the first one I learned) is the stem stitch… I prefer the sewing method and it gives me great satisfaction to work on a project and to see it’s beautiful results, but it of course needs it’s wonderful cousins to set it off.
I would choose the tent stitch because it is simple, for me is very relaxing but most important–I have created beautiful pictures (two tigers so far) that are often mistaken for photographs that I just love seeing.
My favorite embroidery stitch is the simple back stitch. I love to outline things, and it’s so easy that I can embroider and listen to a book on audio cd at the same time. I do love exquisite embroidery, but sometimes simplicity is so beautiful. In this case…… less is more…….P.S. I am also a thread-aholic, so I would be overjoyed to win !
My favorite embroidery stitch would be the eyelet stitch because it can be made in multiple different methods on any background fabric, evenweave or otherwise. The hole it makes is very graphic in a project.
My favorite stitch would be the coral stitch.
My favorite stitch is the stem stitch, mostly because it is so versatile. It can be an outline stitch or a filling stitch!
What a great give away! My favorite stitch might be the paledian but this is not the one I am the best at!
I love that there are so many stitches!
If you had to pick one (and only one) favorite embroidery stitch, what would it be, and why?
I would pick the humble cross-stitch. It is versatile based on fiber choices, and easy, and it appeals to my desire for structure and no surprises.
My favorite stitch is brick stitch – you can do so many things with it using different colors and materials.
Only one stitch to use – it has to be the French Knot! On it’s own it has a presence and can join a few friends for texture but massed tightly together it takes on a whole new personality! Elegant, simple and always lovely (if done right). Of course one wrap or more can vary the size and two different strands can provide a variegated effect. The only stitch you need if you have only one.
I like the couching stitch for embroidery because it gives depth to a design without adding a heavy stitch. It’s also good for combining threads/colors in one stitch!
The family of herringbone stitches and variations is my go-to stitch. One project can involve fine wools in crewel filling stitches, another can use perles for appliqué art quilts, another can use metallics, and one more might use herringbone for shadow work. They are beautiful in layers of rows or singly along an edge. When in doubt, whip one out.
My favorite stitch would have to be backstitch because it is so versatile. Thin thread, thick thread, whipped – you can do so much with it.
If I could only pick one stitch (the horror!) I think it’d have to be the stem stitch. Great for lines, and could be used as a filler in a pinch.
Very little exists that is better than sparklies!
If I had to pick one embroidery stitch that is my favorite, I would have to say it’s the Lazy Daisy stitch! When I was a small child, my Mama and my Mamaw both enjoyed embroidery and taught me at an early age. They made pillowcases and tea towels which is where I started as well, and the lazy daisy stitch (or chain stitch) was on everything I did. I now have introduced my granddaughter to embroidery and when I asked her what her favorite stitch would be, you can only guess what she said. It was the Lazy Daisy stitch indeed! Four generations! I love it!
Great giveaway! I absolutely love good quality metallic threads. Hmmm, if I had to choose only one stitch, I’d have to go with stem stitch — it’s so versatile (and it’s easy!)
My favorite stitch is the fly stitch. The look can change dramatically just by changing the length of stitches, plus it is easy!
I like French Knots. They are an easy texture fill-in.
The long and short stitch. I love needle painting flowers!
There are so many wonderful stitches to choose from, but I love the Rhodes stitch, it can be used in so many ways, and I love the 3 dimensional effect.
If I has to chose one stitch, it would be chain stitch. It can make a fine defined line or a rather bold one depending on thread. It can also give texture and direction as a filling stitch or done daintily to be unobtrusive.
I love the nice clean curves a whipped backstitch makes.
Stem stich – Versatile – super for lines and good as a filling stitch.
The first stitch my mother taught me was lazy daisy. I was thrilled to see how a few of these together would make a flower. Many years later, I still am.
I would choose long and short stitch since you can create so many shapes and shading effects with it.
The bullion stitch as it makes so many things pop: hair, roses, animal bodies…thanks
Favorite stitch is feather stitch because I like the movement it imparts.
If I could only use one embroidery stitch, it would be the stem stitch. This stitch can be used to stitch delicate lives, or packed together to fill an area.
I love chain stitch. It is so practical and versatile and pretty too. Whether stitched in a circle or twisted, whipped or sewn in multiple colours, it is definitely my favourite stitch.
Picking out a favorite stitch is difficult. I guess it would be the herringbone stitch.
( I do like embroidering all kinds of stitches and trying different variations of the stitches.)
Thanks Mary and have a great weekend!
My favorite stitch is…the French knot! It’s a very tactile stitch (when completed), I love making knots on purpose and it’s the one stitch I remember my grandmother teaching me!
My favourite stitch is the chain stitch. It can be large or small or thick or thin so is very versatile and covers large areas beautifully.
Reverse chain stitch. I love how it looks for lines and fills, and working it falls into an easy rhythm.
Stem stitch. You can use it on all (most) projects.
My favorite stitch has to be the cross stitch. I get an inordinate amount of pleasure seeing the rows of crossed stitches grow upon a project! I take ferocious pride in my work as the stitches grow; the final stitch component always, slanted in the same direction 45 deg. to the right, bottom to top.
If I had to choose only one stitch it would have to be a blanket stitch, a little utilitarian, but I love wool work and it’s so peaceful and centering to slide a needle through some soft beautiful wool.
A simple straight stitch would be my choice …. the possibilities are endless
My favorite stitch is split stitch. I just started using it and like it because it is neater for me than back stitching and a good thickness for outlines. My stitches look nice with this stitch.
I would choose stem stitch because this lowly stitch can be used in many different ways. I also really like making this stitch!
I would choose a couching (does that count?). Versatile and fast!
The French knot is my favorite stitch because it’s the first raised stitch I learned. The French knot adds texture and can speak quietly or boldly in my work. It’s a fun little stitch.
If I had to choose only one embroidery stitch, I think it would be the cross stitch. I can be used in many ways on different ground cloths.
My favorite stitch is outline stitch. It is so comfortable to stitch, I like the look of it, and I can use it for so much. It also doesn’t use as much thread as other line stitches. It was my mother’s favorite stitch and the one she used the most and taught me to use!
Lately, I have been using running stitch a lot. New favorite? Hmmm.
Thanks for this opportunity to win the lovely threads and needle threaders! One of my favorite embroidery stitches is the chain stitch. It can be used in so many different ways and the number of adaptations of the stitch are practically innumerable. The most interesting way I have used it was in a design on a smocked garment. It was challenging to make the stitches even over the pleated fabric, but so pretty!
Merry Christmas, Mary, and thanks for all you do for the hand embroidery community!
Satin stitch. Why? The outline stitch is the one I use more often and find the most useful, the chain stitch is close behind and both of those can be used to good effect for outlining OR filling. Satin stitch is hard to execute properly, doesn’t hold up as well over use, laundering or the simple passage of time and it uses up lots of floss very quickly. So again, why is it my favorite? I think it’s because you can pet its smooth, silky surface and even in plain cotton floss it has that lovely polished sheen you just can’t get with any other stitch. Nothing says “hand embroidery” to me louder than satin stitch.
Mary…although this stitch may have multiple names, my favorite is the “blanket” stitch. I find there are many variations and I love them all! Bonnie
I love using metallic thread to give items a pop. What I don’t like is that the metallic threads I’ve tried are really a pain to use & generally bring out my” better” vocabulary. I am excited to try both the AuVer a Soie and the Maison Noel gold thread.
I love french knots. Can’t really explain why, they’re just fun in so many ways!
I think my favourite stitch would have to be the stem stitch. It can not only be used to outline areas that have been embroidered, but used to embroider stems. There are many variations of this stitch, and it can be padded, whipped and encircled with knots. it’s very versatile.
The bullion knot. So many obstacles: finding the right needles, number of twists, placement on the fabric, but it was so satisfying when it all came together.
My favorite embroidery stitch would have to be the Chain Stitch/Lazy Daisy, because they can create different affects, such as hair or flowers or a nice outline.
My favorite embroidery stitch is long & short satin stitch or uneven satin stitch. I am currently working on a daffodil needlepainting project and am loving mastering the variation needed in the stitch as well as the way to play with color variation. Happy Holidays, Peace and Good Health to Everyone.
I mostly do cross-stitch, but I think I like the stem stitch because of how versatile it us & it looks like a coiled rope. 🙂
Long and short for silk shading it looks so lovely if you manage to accomplish it neatly.
My favorite Stitch is French knots. I know some people dislike them but I love the texture. You can make them as small or as big as you like and they work with every kind of thread I can think of.
I love the FLY stitch – it’s so versatile – leave a longer tail and it’s a whirligig blowing in the wind; or it becomes a stand of trees or flowers or in it’s traditional shape, it makes lovely borders.
I love the chain stitch because there’s so much variation to it. Changing the size, the length- outlining or making a flower- different threads for different looks- and it’s a fun stitch to do!
Patty
My favorite embroidery stitch is the Queen Stitch. Why? I love the texture it gives. I do a lot of counted thread–especially samplers. You can take a traditional carnation motif and just cross stitch it, but change that carnation into a queen stitch version, and you have definition and texture. Love it.
My favourite embroidery stitch is the cross-stitch. It’s the first stitch I learnt and has always held a special place in my heart. I’ve completed projects with a variety of stitches but come back to the cross-stitch.
My favorite stitch is the buttonhole stitch because it is useful in both embroidery and quilting.
After a bit of thought, I’d say my favorite embroidery stitch is the stem stitch. It can make lines, fill in areas, be thick or thin, be wrapped with color and best of all, it’s easy!
I think I have to go back to one of the basics – the chain stitch. It was the first stitches that my grandmother taught me that I actually was able to master quickly. Plus it came with time spent with my Grandma and the wonderful stories she use to tell. Thank you, Mary.
The chain stitch. It is one of the first stitches I learned. You can vary it by color, thread, size, direction, tautness, etc. It is an easy, fun stitch.
One of these days I’ll actually use some of your named stitches. In the meantime, I’ve learned so much from your site that I felt very comfortable removing the ecclesiastic ornament from our worn out silk vestments and reinstalling them onto new vestments using couching techniques.
Thanks!
Palestrina stitch is my favorite! I haven’t tried too many fancy stitches but this one yes – it’s very fun and I love the look.
French knot is my favorite stitch. It reminds me so much of struggling to learn it in the beginning and how practice, practice, practice has built my confidence to continue learning new embroidery stitches.
Fishbone
My favorite stitch is a ghiordes knot. I love making the little fuzzy stitches for bunny tales etc.
It’s truly mundane, but, while I love stitching jessicas and other “string art” like stitches, the cross stitch is the one that I would pick. I’d pick it for its versatility and ability to paint a whole piece while only changing color. The same could be said of the long and short stitch.
I love buttonhole/blanket stitch. Depending on the spacing and thread it can look entirely different from one seam to another. I’m into crazy quilting, so I generally stitch on seams.
My grandmother taught me the satin stitch to fill in the areas of drawings of mine that she copied onto white cotton with a pencil in the early 50s. Hours of quiet time were spent with her learning home arts, but these were my favorite moments, seeing the animal or flower come to life in color using just a thread. Mind you, this was way before color tv or cartoon entertainment for children!
Oh! The beautiful threads! Probably my favorite stitch has to be stem stitch and only because it is so versatile! You can do so much with one little stitch! And you can do it relatively quickly, from filling to outlining! It’s a great stitch!
I have fallen in love with the feather stitch since I have been working from the stocking kit. I have not used it before so it is new to me. It looks a lot like a vine and tipped with a bead , it is quite exquizite in embroidery.
I’m new to embroidery, but so far my favourite stitch is the satin stitch. It’s incredibly satisfying to get a clean set that’s not lumpy and a very meditative stitch
Thank you for providing the vehicle for the offering of this drawing. I would pick the straight stitch because of its versatility.
Hi, and Merry Christmas, Mary!
Thank you for your uplifting writings. I look forward to reading how you continue to embroider such beautiful items.
My favorite stitch is the French Knot, because the feel of them after being made has its own characteristic, yet it can be used in almost any creative unit; such as, eyes, flowers, skies, clothing, shapes, and the list goes on.
I would chose the chain stitch – so versatile and with lots of variations available.
Darcy Walker
Hi Mary,
My favorite stitch is the chain stitch. It doesn’t always come out as neatly as I like, but I love it for so many different things. I recently learned the stem stitch (thanks to you) and I’ve been using it a lot.
Best Wishes,
Nicola
1 adore the look of French knots usEd in groups to suggest…whatever you want!
The French Knot. I did not even have to think about it! It has so many uses. Singly it stands alone and is noticed because of it’s texture. The size can be changed so easily. In a cluster it can be a beautiful flower, a space filler and anything else you can imagine. It can be a trailing path or buds on a rose bush. I love making them and found the secret is to hold the outside thread taught while inserting your needle and pulling the thread through to create the knot.
Submitted with wishes for a wonderful Christmas Season and a Happy and Healthy New Year to you Mary, and all of those who love your blog and appreciate the hard work you do to make us better stitchers.
The stem stitch is the stitch I go to when in doubt. It’s so easy and versatile.
Favorite stitch: the queen stitch! (The question didn’t require this to be my favorite stitch to actually “do”!) It’s simply such a beautiful stitch and appears so appealing when used as a background, as well as looks fabulous when done in metallic threads.
I love chain stitch! It took me the better part of six moths to figure it out, but now I think an even border of chain stitch is lovely on almost any project.
Favorite (or “most useful”) stitch would have to be stem stitch. I just figured out a “braid stitch” and that has been quite fun! to practice lately!
I really like the Stem/Outline Stitch and I find it extremely versatile, not just for single outlines or stems but I also use it for filling small areas and combining it with other stitches.
I love trying out different metallic threads as it is always interesting how all of them are different and feel different when using them. My favourite embroidery stitch is the stem stitch as it gives such a nice appearance to leaves, etc.
I like the fly stitch because there’s so many variations.
I’m just about to start a Christmas table topper and am envisioning it embroidered with all those wonderful sparkly metallic threads! Thank you!
I like colonial knots and use them anytime I can. I like to use them any way. I use 2 strands but use two different colors of strands so it is an interesting look.
I love adding sparkling threads to my projects. My favorite use is when I have a project’s with stars. The threads are a stand out addition!!
Buttonhole, it’s versatile, easy, and satisfying to do. And it was the first stitch I learnt to do.
My favorite embroidery stitch is a plain Jane of stitchery, I’m afraid. It’s the back stitch but with a twist; I usually always do a double row of back stitching where one is suggested. It looks thick and ropy and stands out beautifully.
My favorite stitch is the stem stitch. I use it all the time. It’s flexible and can be used in many ways.
Love the lazy daisy stitch! Thanks for your wonderful information! Merry Christmas
My favorite stitch is the stem stitch. It is basic and is used in most projects. It can look different depending on what type of fiber and how heavy the fiber is. It is easy to perfect and very calming because of the smooth even motions. Definately my favorite.
Since I seem to always lean toward blackwork, my favorite stitch is backstitch.
I love many stitches but perhaps my favorite is, yes, good old basketweave. It is a purely meditative stitch, and once I start in, I am “in the zone” in no time. It is so very relaxing, and when done with even tension, it gives the eye a place to rest in an otherwise busy project. It does its job very well.
Just beginning to explore embroidery. With every new kit I am introduced to new stitches, but the back stitch is my favorite “old friend”. It is comforting to settle back and stitch with relaxed familiarity. And also, I like admiring the improving neatness & uniformity
Has to be stem stitch, it’s quick & easy, goes around corners, & it holds everything in place.
My favorite is the French Knot. You can use them alone to dot an “I” or be an eye. You can use up several to make the center of a flower, or lots to make a tree, flowers on a bush, or ground cover. You can scatter them around to represent leaves or petals that have fallen to the ground or just to fill a space in a slow stitch project. You can make them different sizes depending on the number of threads you use and how many wraps you do. Besides…they’re just cute!!
My favorite embroidery stitch is the chain stitch. I use it for padding in cutwork, for quick stems and for flowing script to personalize a small gift. To end this miserable year with Au Ver a Soie would be brilliant!
Today my favorite stitch is the Braid Stitch from Twelve Trees for Christmas, Tree #8!! I’m in the process of learning it! COVID has taken me back into embroidery. I’ve been able to get to a reasonable level with the basic stitches. Learned the Palestrina stitch while embroidering the spring towels. Some people are learning a new language, experimenting with recipes. Me, it’s embroidery. What a gift it has been. So, I’m still struggling with the Braid stitch (started practice yesterday). But, once I get it, how pretty that trees is going to be!!!!
Merry Christmas
I suppose the stitch I couldn’t do without is the chain stitch, but I love them all!
for some strange reason i like the buttonhole stitch, it’s simple and you can embroider beautiful flowers
I think my favorite stitch is the colonial knot! I have better success with consistency with the colonial compared to the French knot which I love!
I love the woven cross because for very little effort, you get a result that looks more complex than it really is! And…it looks a bit jaunty! Can’t say that about every stitch!
My favorite stitch is the Montenegrin, because it looks complicated and fancy, but is really easy and covers quickly.
The metallic threads are beautiful!
Patti
I recently learned about the drizzle stitch, which is fun to do, and adds a cute dimension to anything it’s added to. I used it for the center of a flower, but it could be used for so many things!
It may be a little boring, but my all-time favorite embroidery technique and stitch is good ole’ fashioned cross stitch, followed closely by herringbone. I’m also in the process of finishing a nuno felted silk scarf which has not been totally successful in that some of the wool has not felted into the silk. The plan is to feather-stitch over some on the “mistake” areas to hold it down. No-one will ever know my secret – except all of you! Please don’t tell.
I had a design that used blanket stitch very close together almost as a complete filling and it was soo hard to get it just right, it was either too close or too far apart , it took forever to get it just as I wanted and so lots of unpicking took place but once it was done it just looked fantastic so for this reason I love that stitch.
My favorite stitch is split back stitch because I love neat & tidy edges. It gives an even polished look to tiny curves.
I like the long and short stitch. It is the easiest to make and yet the most difficult to look good….to make the colors flow and texture appear.
One of my favorite stitches is the Jessica. I love working this stitch as it requires some concentration which can be a form of meditation for me.
I love the chain stitch. It is so versatile, either alive, detached, or as a filler.
My favorite stitch is chain stitch. It is a rhythmic stitch so it is easy to work, their are many variations that change it up just a bit, & I love the textured line it creates!
I love making bullions !.. loopy ones, fat ones , sleek ones. Filling spaces. So many ways and easy with a millinery needle
I think if I had to pick just one favorite stitch it would be the satin stitch. It really is amazing how often I use this stitch. To dress up a design, to pad a design for extra strength and to build into something wonderful….like perhaps some goldwork. I find myself doing the satin stitch without thinking about it. It’s like an old, tried and true, friend.
I’d have to say my favorite stitch is the Fly Stitch. It’s an extremely versatile stitch that can have long or short arms that allow you to make wonderful pine needles (for example) or dandelion fluff. They can be long and narrow or short and fat or even a combination of both. It’s a good filler stitch as well. To top it off it’s a very easy stitch to make.
I like doing french knot as it is fast and make the embroidered work look 3D
I’m not an expert with experience in a large variety of stitches but I’m really loving the split stitch. I like how it looks so tidy while giving texture, particularly when it’s filling in a leaf. And it also outlines nicely. I don’t tire of using it or looking at it!
My favorite embroidery stitch is the French knot. I love the dimensionality it brings to any piece. Plus, it’s pretty darn easy to do!
I have done a lot of different embroidery pictures over the course of my life, and I really enjoy the outline stitch. I have recently used it as a filler on some Christmas trees.
when I was little my Grandma taught me embroidery which I still enjoy. We struggled with making a good looking French Knots. My little fat fingers, the needle and that thread just took a very long time getting coordinated. it is still a favorite stitch because I think of her and her patience when we attempted yet another group of flower centers on pillow cases or some other project.
My favorite embroidery stitch is the chain stitch. It can be used in so many different ways. I especially love a tiny chain stitch. It is very easy to make yet looks so delicate and is so versatile.
What an AMAZING giveaway! I just love both The French Needle & Au Ver a Soie. Thanks to both for this offering, as well as Needle ‘n Thread! Happy Holidays!
I have not used this brand of metallic thread but have tried other brands, they are hard to work with but I love the effect of the metallic threads give a project. Would love to win this wonderful prize. Love your e-mails and all your helpful hints.
I like star type stitches
I’d have to say split stitch. It is a most adaptable stitch and can be used in multiple ways. Also it isn’t as precise as some others and doesn’t show your screwups as obviously!
If you had to pick one (and only one) favorite embroidery stitch, what would it be, and why?
Woven Wheel Stitch, I love how it looks like little roese!
Love these metallic threads! Sparkle is such a great addition to holiday projects, and this is my favorite time of year to make gifts for friends as well as my own tree!
This is easy – French knots. Love them.
Pick me!
I always love your emails. I learn so much from east one. We even discuss your emails in our hand sewing group monthly. Thanks so much for all the knowledge you give us.
My favorite embroidery stitch is French knots. I really don’t know why I like doing them except you can make them large or small depending on the thickness of your thread and how many strands of thread you use. Yes ….. it’s French knots for me!
Stem stitch. It’s the first stitch I learned and I use it all the time. Beautiful metallic threads!
stem stitch for its versatility and ease!
My favorite stitch is Chain, I was just using it yesterday. I just like the “weight” of it. It really shows up. My second favorite is Satin stitch.
If I could use only one stitch it would be the straight stitch because it is so versatile.
My favorite stitch by far is the Queen Stitch. It can be worked on any fabric or canvas. Although it is a bit tricky to do, it is worth stitching because of the lovely look of it. I do a lot of this stitch in metallics.
My favorite stitch is the Feather stitch. I love the way it covers seams especially. I have used it on older quilts needing repaired, it reinforces the seam with beauty. I also have used the Feather stitch as my quilting stitch a couple of times.
My favorite stitch is the French Knot. I like the 3 demential effects it produces when I embroider sheep and people with curly hair. It serves many purposes in the embroidered pictures that I create.
For some reason, I’ve always liked the feather stitch. It can be very delicate looking. Or you can dress it up with beads or other stitches. It just seems very versatile. And I like to work the fishbone stitch. Don’t know why, I just do.
Having just tried metalic threads recently your article was really an eye opener. The project I did was Glistening Webs a workshop with our local guild, and I used the glittery threads for the Webs. When I went to buy, I knew nothing, and ended up picking colors I wanted instead of realizing they came in different sizes. How much faster it would have been to have had Au Ver a Soie #8 to work with.
That is a really hard question but if I had to choose only one it would be the stem stitch.
My favorite embroidery stitch is long and short stitch. The majority of the stitching I do is needle painting and you can’t needle paint without lots of long and short stitch! It was my first love stitch wise and I continue to find it challenging and satisfying.
Does it count that my favorite stitch is more a needlepoint stitch? (Although it can be done in counted work, or even regular surface embroidery if you have a good eye)
My favorite stitch is any kind of crescent stitch (done with many stitch leg). When I doodle stitches, that’s the one I doodle the most.
Hello Mary:
Todays entry is tough as there are so many lovely stitches but if I had to choose one it would be the stem stitch as it is so versatile, and can be used in so many different ways colors. It can not only be used as a stem on a flower, as an outline stitch which without it our embroidery would not look finished . It was also the first stitch I learnt how to do!
Thank you
Yvonne
I would have to say my favorite stitch is the outline stitch. I could do it in my sleep. I have an addiction to dish towels and that is my primary stitch for them. I love the way the stitch curves and you don’t have to worry about getting the needle in the hole like you do for backstitch.
I enjoy the outline stitch. It is very versatile. I can use it as a filler, outlining, accenting, lettering. Additionally I can manipulate all types of threads with the outline stitch.
My favorite stitch is the back stitch
My favorite stitch is stem stitch because it’s the first “real” embroidery stitch I learned. It’s so versatile…outlines, filling, whipped and around curves! And it’s really fast!
My favourite embroidery stitch is cross stitch. Quite simply I can do it! And it has enanled me create a lot of things which I have given as presents which have given both me and the recipient great joy!
I love the split stitch as it’s so versatile and it’s VIP for me to ‘draw in the foundation before I ‘color in with more stitches
My favorite embroidery stitch is the stem stitch. It can be varied in length and width depending on threads used and it is the first and base stitch for me to make a beautiful piece of fabric start to come alive with color and form.
My favorite stitch is Palestrina stitch. I saw it in Elisabetta Sforza’s book. It’s sooooo elegant! Thank you, Mary and French Needle for this drawing. Merry Christmas!
My favorite embroidery stitch is the Long/Short stitch. I love to see how shape and shading can be achieved.
Oooooh! Those threads are making my heart skip a beat! Yummy! They would be soooo happy living with me.
My favorite stitch would have to be the woven square that’s used a lot in chicken scratch, My Mother did chicken scratch embroidery and I loved to watch her. It’s one of the first stitches she taught me when I was young.
I have only used Au Ver a Soie floss on one project. It’s a little out of my budget. But it is so lovely to stitch with.
French knots. ‘em. Used to struggle so much then Mary’s video fixed it for me. Fell in love with stitch and website all at once
My fav stitch is the stem stitch. It is versatile and fast to apply.
That’s an easy question for me. Hands down it’s the chain stitch. I can use it anywhere and also add more to it to change it up. It’s very versatile. I really like to outline my wool pieces with it. It makes the birds and flowers come alive.
The lazy daisy stitch! So easy and yet will create a beautiful stitch addition to so many items, including clothing and embroidery projects of all kinds!
ooooh – be still my magpie heart!! I do love sparkly things!! Favourite stitch – there are so many but I guess my first choice would be the French Knot. It can be used in so many different ways and with pretty much any thread (altho’ I guess not so much with metallics). It can make flowers….it can make leaves….it can be a filler stitch….it looks wonderful in variegated threads….and I could go on….
Since I only do cross stitch, I’d have to say backstitch is my favorite stitch. Even after 30 years of doing cross stitch, I still get amazed by how much the backstitching at the end makes the whole design come to life!
Very intersting. I have been wanting to learn how to work with metallics!
I’d go with satin stitch. Its versatility makes it my go to stitch.
My favorite embroidery stitch is the stem stitch because it can curve easily and it covers lines very well. I am also enjoying French Knots which take a lot of practice. Thank you for this wonderful opportunity. Merry Christmas.
This is an amazing giveaway. These are my absolute favorite fibers to stitch with. I love all embroidery stitches, but if I have to choose a favorite, it would most definitely be French knots. I love them, I adore them!
Definitely bullion stitch…it was tricky to master but is so useful..thing of the myriad of flowers it can be used on!
Today’s gift is wonderful. Thank you French Needle, and Thank you Mary.
Susan in San Angelo (not San Antonio) Texas.
The double daisy chain(Hungarian chain stitch) is fun to work with. Since lots of my appliqué involves plants and flowers, I get loads of practice. It makes beautiful vines and stems.
My favorite stitch is the old favorite, stem/outline stitch. It’s so versatile and can be used as an outline and filling stitch.
Unquestionably, my favorite stitch is the feather stitch. It can be a border, the basis for a wandering vine, be dainty or bold, done in overlaid layers, combined with a variety of metallic threads and blenders, and much more. If necessary, it becomes the blanket stitch. Chain/ lazy daisy has potential, but feather stitch is my favorite because of its flexibility.
Greetings! Thank you Mary for these give aways! My one stitch would be a chain stitch. It makes a great outline as well as filler.
Happy Holidays
I have two favorite stitches. The first is Jean Hilton’s Jessica. I love the way you cannot tell where the stitch starts and finishes. The second stitch I like is the Basket Weave. It is a finishing stitch. When I’m done with the background I’m done. And my piece is off to the framer.
Cross Stitch. I find it relaxing.
Satin stitch is my favorite. I’m not very experienced, and on top of that am left-handed. So interpreting instructions for the more intricate stitches as a leftie is sometimes hard. A beautiful shimmering satin stitched piece is why I love embroidery.
The stem stitch is, to me, very versatile. It does borders and fill-ins. It’s also fun to stitch.
I would say the backstitch is my favorite because it is so versatile. Outlining, filling both can be done and still look so pretty. I also LOVE metallic threads and I think these will be so much fun to stitch with.
Lazy Daisy is a favorite. It can be chained, used for flower petals or along an edge, it can be wrapped or beaded.
If I could use only 1 stitch it would be long and short because it works for filling, shading and is simply beautiful when done correctly( which I’m still working on!!) Merry Christmas ⛄
My favorite stitch is the French knot. It’s so pretty and forms like magic with a little manipulation of thread and needle.
Becky y
Satin stitch love the way it fills in a pattern
My favorite embroidery stitch is the Bullion Stich. It enables me to construct beautiful roses to decorate a variety of items – pictures. kleenex pouches, and jewelry bags, which I love to give as gifts.
Hi, Mary!
My favorite stitch is the queen stitch. It’s a little fussy, but it’s fun to make & beautiful when finished. I especially like to make strawberries with the queen stitch. It just makes me happy!
My favorite stitch is the outline or stem stitch. It’s very versatile for both outlining or filling.
My favorite is the Palestrina stitch. I love that it has a fascinating Italian history and it’s a stitch that isn’t often seen in American embroidery. It can even be embellished for a small but spectacular border. It was time well spent, learning this one.
I love the chainstitch for its versatility and decorative effect! It’s very “agile”, to get around corners, outline etc. I love how effective this simple stitch is, it covers the surface quickly and shows off the thread so well. I’m also trying to master the tambour hook, to use it for larger surfaces more quickly and attaching beads on clothes. I am passionate about embroidery!
My favourite embroidery is canvas work. I love the variety of stitches and the bold looks that you can create.
There are lots of stitches I enjoy. But my favorite is the stem stitch. It is very versatile.
My favorite stitch would likely be the satin stitch. When done right it looks so beautiful and shiny. It can be difficult to keep smooth and straight, but when it works – <3!
What a way to make the new year sparkle and shine!!!! My favorite stitch to make is Hungarian Braid. I love the way it welts up to make a beautiful wider stitch line.
My favorite stitch is the queen stitch – I love its texture and that it can be lacy (or not) depending on how hard you pull the thread.
Mary my favourite stitch would be palesterna. So many beautiful combinations to cover lines and turn simplicity into beauty. Thank you.
Cross stitch. That’s all I have time for these days. I hope to attempt more complicated stitches in the future. Love your blog.
My favorite stitch is the chain stitch because it is so versatile. I use it for stems and outlines, especially when I need something a little wider than a back or stem stitch. It can also be woven through for an even thicker look.
The Palestrina stitch I have found very useful. I have used it as an outline stitch, it adds texture. It is very pretty on ornaments that are two sided to close around the edge. It is fun to stitch. I also love many stitches and always looking for new ones.
My favorite stitch is the stem stitch. You can do so much with it.
Feather stitch. It is versatile, decorative, and I get great satisfaction from stitching it.
My favorite stitch is the very first stitch of a project! It is the stitch that always makes me grin. Thank you for your insights and generous nature!
I would have to choose French knots, not because I love them but because I have found them so very useful in my art painted/embroidered pieces to depict trees. I actually get very tired of them, (doing them), LOL, but the texture they create I just love so it’s a Love/Hate relationship!
My favorite embroidery stitch is the French Knot. There is something in its execution that I find soothing as well as satisfying. The stitch is also versatile. Change the size of the thread and you have a whole new look. Make the thread matte or shiny (yes I do love shiny) and if you are making flowers, your bouquet comes to life. Lastly, I love the texture. French knots can give that pop of relief on many different shapes on your design. This stitch is just fun!
I have had the benefit of visiting The French Needle and everything is so tempting. Everything is lovely, well thought out, and customer service is the best! Loved the article and would love a needle threader.
What a treat it would be to win this wonderful sparkly thread!!! I’ll be holding my breath till you do the drawing……not really!!
My favorite embroidery stitch is the satin stitch because it is so dramatic and accents my work. A lot of bang for the buck!!!
Nearly impossible to choose. However, I guess my favorite would be padded satin stitch. First because I love the way it looks. And second because it develops slowly into the finished look
My favorite stitch is the stem stitch. It is very versatile and almost indispensable.
Oh the threads are just gorgeous!
Hard to pick a favorite stitch because I enjoy them all along with the whole process! But, if I have to pick one, I think I’d pick shadow work because it’s so pretty and delicate!
Gina
Probably the fly stitch, because it lends itself to many variations easily.
Straight stitch. When I was nine years old, my grandmother taught me how to embroider. She taught me one stitch—the straight stitch. She would draw a simple flower on a piece of waste material with a tiny pencil and I would then “go to town” with my “embroidery “. Really thought I was hot stuff. I’m seventy five now and know a few more stitches, but every time I embroider, I think of my dear grandmother and the wonderful gift she gave me.
It’s a hard ask to choose just one favorite stitch, like colors favorites change. Currently though, I am enthralled with the ease and look of whipped chain stitch. The whipping takes something so simple and homespun and makes it into an intricate, elegant border.
The Queen’s Stitch! I love the way it looks when all the threads line up just right! Very delicate!
The stitch I would choose would be the chain stitch. Besides being a fun stitch to do it adds texture and movement, if you so desire. I have used it as a filler, bark on trees, vines, stems. The look can be changed by weaving another color into it or adding another stitch on top. Lots of choices!
My favorite stitch is hard to choose as I like all of the variations. I am going to go with the cross stitch as the stitch is soothing when I do it.
One and only one would be backstitch. It goes back to my “favorite stitch project”. Rediscovering redwork and the wonders it does for my stress made this my favorite for the last few decades and also on a roadtrips it is wonderful
Braided chain stitch It is so elegant looking
I don’t have a lot of recent experience with embroidery as my current projects are cross stitch related and I haven’t advanced yet to specialty stitches. I would say the French knot is my favourite. I love how they give a three dimensional look to my work and when they execute well, they are a delight in their simple perfectness! Maybe also because I stitch them at the end, there is that sense of nearing the finish line and the anticipation that comes with completing a project and moving on to the next one!
My favorite stitch is the bullion knot. Thank you for the fabulous give away!
My favorite embroidery stitch is the cross stitch. If I need to stitch something quickly, it covers nicely. In addition there are lots of designs for it, and you can use it anywhere, especially if you have a good supply of waste canvas.
Ooh that’s so hard! If pressed I would have to say it’s trellis stitch because I just love all the little extras you can add to really change how it looks. Also the 3-dimensional effect is lovely
My favorite stitch is the running stitch. I’m not a very good stitcher but I enjoy adding color to most of my projects.
Even though the first embroidery stitch that I learned and used the most during childhood was the ‘stem stitch,’ I believe that the ‘back stitch’ would now be the stitch that has been my go-to favorite. It is easy to stitch well – in a variety of applications.
My very favorite stitch is chain stitch. One can vary the look by changing the size of the loops or the thread. By combining different colors in the needle, a multitude of textures can be achieved. It give faster coverage than a stem or outline stitch; it’s amazingly versatile.
Thank you Mary, The French Needle, Au Ver a Soie, and Kiriki Press for this giveaway.
My favorite stitch to look at is the padded satin stitch because it is so smooth and beautiful and shows off flat silk threads.
My favorite stitch to use is the lowly backstitch. I can practically stitch on autopilot when I use it and it is so easy. Yet it can be used to beautiful effect in Blackwork and it can add just the right amount of detail or highlight an area.
Love the bling and the silk!
Mary
How can one choose a favorite stitch as they all have appealing aspects? My favorites include counted cross-stitch, hardanger, and canvas work. Counted cross-stitch lends itself to many designs. Hardanger allows one to use mathematics to design a piece. Canvas lends itself to so many different stitches. My favorite will depend on the day and my mood.
I will try any and all stitches and it’s difficult to choose one over another. However, I do use chain stitch a great deal as it can be done large for texture, tiny for spaces requiring delicate, and combined with other stitches in so many ways.
Definite favorite is backstitch because 1) I can actually master it, and 2) it makes a lovely line with potential for some variations!
I love stem stitch because it is so versatile! It is both lovely on it’s own but also used as a filling stitch.
I love the Queen stitch because it looks so uniform and when you look closely at it you can see how intricate it truly was to stitch.
I love complicated embroidery stitches, but in my old age, poor vision and something called “over-extended thumbs” have led me to a deep appreciation of running stitch. One can do incredibly beautiful and complicated-looking things with this single stitch.
I like brickwork using brick stitch. Also I paint watercolors small bricks to have new colors ideas combinations for embroidery.
My very favorite stitch is the cross stitch–anyone can do it, can be used on just about any material and there are millions of patterns designed specifically for it.
Naming my favorite embroidery stitch is like finding a needle in a haystack. There are so many beautiful stitches and have learned so many and liked most (I do have a few I am not fond of), but my all time favorite is a very simple stich– Whipped Running Stitch.
I too love sparkly threads, but then I love all kinds and colors of thread. I love using them in combination with other beautiful threads and the Whipped Running Stitch allows me to do so. A simple Running Stitch changes into a completely different looking and beautiful stitch.
My favorite stitch is the herringbone stitch because it’s just so pretty!
I had to think about this one.. but my vote is for chain stitch! It is one of the earliest I learned (lazy daisies?) but also makes a wonderful fill stitch in Jacobean style embroideries .. very versatile .. especially once you learn how to turn corners..
hh
Hi Mary!
Hard to choose a favorite stitch, but I lean toward Lazy Daisy stitch. Not because ??? (well, okay maybe I am lol) I’m lazy … but because that stitch is so easy to modify in so many colorful ways to create more complicated looking, more realistic looking, from flower petals to long borders. Even in silk ribbon embroidery!
Thank You, Mary!
1 stitch n only 1, huh? That would be the Chain stitch, done Brazillian style! It can go from tiny to BIG, thin to wide, single color stitch to multiple color chains! It can be open or closed. It fills, it outlines, it can do it all, well, except for a buttonhole. But given time, I could probably figure out a way to do buttonhole with a chain stitch.
Probably Jessica’s. I took me a long time to get them right but now I love them
If I could only use 1 stitch it would probably be the long and short stitch. I love to thread paint.I like the shading and the depth this stitch can add to embroidery.
My favorite stitch is the palestrina stitch it is also called the twirling stitch. Chris Schaudel
satin stitch- covers so pretty
My favorite is satin stitch because it is both challenging and achievable and has an elegant look when finished.
My favorite stitch is the palestrina stitch it is also called the twilling stitch. Chris Schaudel
I would pick stem stitch, to go fast but still have some texture.
These metals are beautiful. I’ve never tied incorporating them in my needlework, but would love to try it.
It would be chain stitch, I find it very cathartic and soothing while I’m sewing this stitch. It can also be enhanced in so many different ways.
My favorite stitch is the long and short, aka. Trisha Burr.
Hi Mary,
The running stitch seems like a basic from which many shapes can be made. Besides, I like to do blackwork.
My favourite stitch is the simple straight stitch. For me, it is like a brushstroke, the foundation for needlepainting.
My favourite stitch in embroidery would be the long and short stitch as I love to see the blending of colour and threads as you cover the surface . Cheers!
I love the drizzle stitch, sometimes with a bead at the end! I just completed Sue Spargo’s Squash Squad and used your videos to help me with the various new stitches involved with this project—so much better than drawing and written directions! Thank you for this wonderful resource.
I would have to say back-stitch is my favorite. It’s so versatile. This has changed. A few years ago I would have said outline or stem stitch.
If you had to pick one (and only one) favorite embroidery stitch, what would it be, and why? – probably cross stitch since it is so versatile. You can vary it and trying to make it reversible adds to the challenge.
My very very favorite stitch is the stem stem. I know I use it too often, and I have to force myself to use other stitches more. I just love the way it looks and how easy it is to stitch. I find it especially useful when I am making very small embroideries, using only one thread, which I find myself doing a lot lately.
I can’t pick just one, so I’m going to give two (though I really have three that I love): stem stitch and chain stitch. Both are so versatile and easy. They do straight lines and curves. They lend themselves to embellishments with aplomb. I love them both and use them often.
I love the whipped back stitch because it neatens everything up and makes curves look nice and smooth!
I have mixed feelings, and also limited expertise. The pragmatic in me says stem stitch; it is so versatile and can be used for both line and filling. On the other hand, I find making French knots very satisfying. And for some unexamined reason, I love fly stitch. Sorry I’m not playing by the rules here.
It would have to be cross stitch – it’s very versatile, uses almost any thread – even yard, and adding beads and such are easy and quick.
I love French knots. They are so versatile and great for texture.
Thinking about it, I would have to say the stem stitch. I use it so often. It’s soft and curves easily.
Only one…. it would probably be the Cast-on Double Stitch. I love the braided edge look it has, so neat an precise.
What an awesome gift someone will win ~ probably not me
Only one stitch? It would have to be the stem stitch.
Pekinese stitch is my favourite.
Easy, versatile and perfect for statement edging both on straight and curved shapes. It’s structural flexibility allows for stitching in a variety of threads and you can add embellishments. All depends upon the effect you want to achieve.
The french knot is my favourite. I love it versatility from flowers, to faces to Christmas baubles on the embroidered tree can’t get enough of them
The cross stitch, because you can create beautiful pictures with it.
If I could only use one stitch, it would probably be split stitch. You can use it to outline or fill, and it’s fairly thread-efficient (most of the thread is above the fabric, not below like backstitch.)
If you had to pick one (and only one) favorite embroidery stitch, what would it be, and why?
My favourite embroidery stitch, if I have to pick only one, is the French knot. For some reason it took a long time for me to learn it. So, when I finally mastered it, making those little knots brought a lot of satisfaction and pride. Now I love them for the endless possibilities for shading or adding context to a piece. A few here and there creates a starry sky in one piece, or bunched together, one on top of the other they create the movement of drifting snow in another piece. Such a delicate, versatile little stitch!
My most useful stitch is the stem stitch. It is so versatile, you can do the whole design with it, outline, fill, layer , do casalguidi and much more.
Palestrina. I was learning a variety of new stitches and this was one. When I finished it, I thought what a pretty stitch and it is still my favorite stitch. I use it every chance I get. For some reason I find that this stitch comes out really well every time and I’m a lefty.
My favorite stitch would be stem stitch for its versatility. It’s good for script, outlining, filling – you could do a whole picture in stem stitch and its variations!
Right now my favorite stitch would have to be the boullion. This is because it took so long for me to learn and now I am delighted that I can finally do it without looking it up all over again!
Linda
I have always admired goldwork and the use of metallics in embroidery. I need to take the time to use both more.
Favorite stitch? That’s a tough one. Maybe the running stitch as I do enjoy Shasiko.
I like doing the Herringbone Stitch. Its so vercital . It can be couched,closed, threaded or laced, doubled or tied. Each version unique it their own way.
My favorite stitch is the chain stitch. The reason is that you can do so much with it. Zig zag it. Separate it and it becomes a lazy daisy. Weave other threads through it or do a back stitch in another color. You can do rows and rows of the chain stitch and get so many looks. See Yemenite embroidery patterns. I have been doing this on the hem’s of my Women of the Bible series I am working on.
I love queen stitches! They aren’t difficult to do, but give such a rich appearance to my embroidery. I especially like to use them in a larger area for a densely packed look.
I’m a real newbie for this craft. What fun adding your website to my resources.
I’m a real newbie for this craft. What fun adding your website to my resources.
Only one embroidery stitch!! I have been doing a lot of french knots lately, so I’ll pick that one, but I really wouldn’t want to be limited to just one stitch.
Heather M. in BC
I would probably pick the blanket stitch since I do a lot of applique and I like the look it gives to my pieces.
Cross stitch is my favorite stitch. It is easy and is universal. I like it for doing Assisi work also, which is a favorite
technique.
To choose an embroidery stitch is as if I was in a candy store and could only pick one. Earlier this year on one of your towels I did the Palestrina Stitch in variegated thread. I love the texture and versatility of the stitch. I have used this stitch in every possible way besides a straight line. I vote for Palestrina Stitch as my favorite.
I am drawn to Nordic designs so I would say my favorite stitch to use is the satin stitch, so far. I am still a beginner so I am looking forward to learning a lot in the future.
My favorite stitch is long and short stitch. Gives me a lot of freedom and makes it easy to blend colors.
My favorite embroidery stitch is chain stitch. It can be embellished in infinite ways and manipulated into so many trims and flowers. It is the first stitch I learned. I wonder if everyone’s favorite is the first they learned.
Au Ver a Soie metallic has a wonderful color range.
My favorite embroidery stitch is stem stitch. I like the rhythm of stitching it and love the way it looks when you get the stitch length just right. Plus it’s so versatile.
I love long and short stitch because of my love for thread painting.
I love doing the stem stitch. Now that I have mastered the correct way, it just seems to flow along.
Thanks for sharing such beautiful goodies.
Wow – favorite stitch? That’s hard – for fun I like the Rhodes, Jessica, waffle, colonial knot because of the texture they provide. Of course if I am working with another stitch that would be enjoyable in the moment.
Thanks again
Melissa D
I absolutely adore stem stitch for some reason. I find it tricky to do, but when I get clean lines and it looks effortless, it’s so pretty! I also love it for couching!
My all time favorite stitch is the Pekinese stitch. I love it because I can use different threads, color and weight, but I love it most because it looks substantial and yet lacey at the same time.
My favorite stitch, although I still struggle with it, is the bullion stitch. It adds so much texture to a piece, and makes objects “ come alive.”
Merry Christmas! I lost my stitching mojo after all my stitching retreats to and EGA meetings were cancelled. Your articles spark my interest in new projects and materials. Thankyou. My favorite stitch is the Queens stitch. I like how it fills a space and is different from a regular x.
My favorite embroidery stitch is the stem stitch,love how it looks when making stems and etc.
My favorite stitch is Stem Stitch. I love it because it is so versatile. Thin lines, thick lines, outlining, even as a filling, stem stitch is wonderful for so many uses!
My favorite stitch must be the satin stitch. It is so versatile – many cultures have used it and the stitch functions well with most threads – pearl cotton, wool, silk, metal (especially couching). The stitch can create multiple textures – long and very long (thread painting), Hardanger, canvas work, pulled stitches, and seam closures come to mind. Merry Christmas Mary! And thank you so much for all you do.
The cross-stitch. So simple, so pretty. Love those metallics!
I have no idea what stich is my favorite. I suppose it’s the one I’ve just mastered!
My all time favorite stitch is the chain stitch. It’s such a pretty little hard worker that can be added to and tweeked.
My favorite stitch is the Queen Stitch.
Since I love doing a lot of machine applique quilts, I would say my favorite embroidery stitch hands down would be the satin stitch. The reason why I like that stitch so much is the texture of it, especially when I use various machine embroidery threads.
The chain stitch, because it’s so versatile.
I’m interpreting “favorite “ stitch to mean if you could only use one stitch what would it be. For me it would be chain stitch because of its versatility. Thin or thick thread, little or big stitches, one color or shading, close together or spaced apart. I can see so many things you can do with it.
That is a tough question. I suppose outline stitch because it is versatile…obviously it can outline…it can be a line…it can fill areas…there are many variations.
Among the embroidery stitches I like the most, I like the chain stitch for its versatility. It can be whipped or used singly – so many options. I like it better now that I’ve used it on your sampler stitched monograms for Christmas gifts this year.
I love making french knots! I once won a prize for making a Christmas ornament design entirely out of french knots. It was so fun — I made a little Christmas wreath entirely out of french knots in green and little knots of red threads!!
My favorite stitch is the French Knot.
If I had to pick only one favorite stitch and the reason for it would be the stem stitch. The stem stitch has a beautiful effect when outlining or stitching a monogram. There is something lovely about how smoothly it lays. Once I stitched a cursive K in stem stitch and for once I actually felt like an embroiderer! It turned out that nice.
The satin stitch is my favorite!
Favorite stitch – split stitch! It is incredibly versatile and give a nice tidy line. You can use it to fill shapes and it is the basis for other more complicated stitches.
My favorite stitch is long and short. I love how you can paint with your needle and thread with this stitch.
My favourite stitch is the French knot. It is so versatile for creating dimension. I have used it thousands of times in my quilts, along with silk ribbon. I have made tiny pictures consisting entirely of French knots and one of my bird quilts features a seed cone where I have embroidered French knots on top of other French knots for a very unique look.
Couching is my favourite stitch. With it I can cover an area quickly, add an even edging, highlight an area of texture and insert a sense of directional flow across a piece of embroidery. It also allows me to change direction easily if I decide the thread wants to go somewhere other than I first planned. I especially like couching because I can achieve color effects with both the couched thread and the couching thread, use speciality threads mix colours and just play with effects. Yes couching is my favourite.
I would love to try these metallics which I have never tried.
I love adding glitz to Christmas ornaments!
My favorite stitch is stem stitch because it is easy and looks great as a line or outline stitch. I love the way it can be used to create shaded stems, branches or trunks simply by stitching lines of stem stitch side by side in graduating shades of a color.
Stem stich would have to be mine. It can be used for so many things- thanks so much – Kim
Chevron stitch. You can make it big or small, wide or thin, over the top of each other, close together or far apart and each time it is different. Would love to try chevron stitch with the metallic threads, weaving around each other; it would love fabulous.
Thank you Au Ver a Soie, The French Needle and Mary for offering and organizing this lovely give away.
My favourite stitch is the blanket stitch because it can be used in so many different ways.
I love doing things like a drizzle stitch or double cast-on stitch. I like textural stitches.
If I had to choose a favourite stitch it would be the blanket stitch. It is the most common stitch that I use. Most things I do with other stitches I could somehow manipulate the blanket stitch to fill that purpose.
I love the feather stitch. So many varieties of this stitch. It can be tiny and dainty or larger and more bold. I use this stitch alot in heirloom sewing. The threads are beautiful! You can never have too many beautiful threads.
I would choose the humble running stitch as it is so versatile.
One candidate for my favorite embroidery stitch is blanket stitch — I just learned a new version, up and down blanket stitch, for a project I am stitching for a Christmas gift. There are so many varieties of blanket stitch, and I find that I use some version of it in just about every project.
Cretan stitch is my fave for 4 reasons. It’s functional, holding fabric layers together. It’s graceful. It’s versatile – can be tall, skinny, short, plump. And fourth, it plays well with others – laazy daisy, french knots, straight stitches, beads.
I love the Fishbone stitch!! It is addicting. If you vary it , you get a whole new look! Its peaceful to do!!!!
How can I choose just one. I use the backstitch a lot but can’t say it’s my favorite. The satin stitch can make ordinary stitching bold looking.
My favorite is long and short because i like to mingle realism with other design elements for a versatile, favorite gift idea.
I do a lot of red work, so I like the stem stitch. I slowly growing in my skill and would love to work with these beautiful threads!
My favorite embroidery stitch?? That’s a really hard one, there are so many wonderful stitches. If I have to choose, I guess I’d say queen stitch. It’s a bit fiddly, but he results are so wonderful. Depending on the tension, you can get so many different looks. Lacy, solidly textured, all beautiful and interesting.
I love metallics! Preparing for the holidays, I go through countless yards of the stuff. I even crochet yards of lace for my trees! What I couldn’t do with such a windfall. Snowflakes, ornaments, decorations galore! Such a generous giveaway!
Stem stitch – versatile- can be wrapped, curve, straight. Makes a beautiful edge when doing silk shading too.
My favorite go-to stitch is the fly stitch. It’s easy, goes quickly and it’s very versatile. It can be stitched in lots of patterns and embellished with other stitches or beads. Almost all my pieces have some fly stitch somewhere.
My all-time favorite stitch is the French Knot. Its lovely in white-on-white or in color and I just can’t get enough of it!! It’s relaxing to do and satisfying to complete a project done only in this stitch.
My favorite stitch is the stem stitch. It is easy to master and can be used in so many ways!
The first stitch I learned was the stem stitch. It is one I often use, and I love how it turns out every time.
Ah, my favorite stitch is the Lazy Daisy stitch. It’s a very versatile stitch. It can be stitched alone to make raindrops & flowers and when chained/stitched together it can make a decorative line that is easily curved.
Awesome!
I tend to use cross stitch and multiple Hardanger stitches the most; love what I think is called woven cross in Hardanger. For surface embroidering, I really love the look and joy of working wheat stitch; it’s so organic-looking.
I think my favorite is the long stitch. Great for a quick fill and super for shading.
Merry Christmas.
I’m not sure I have a favorite, I just love to stitch!
My goodness, talk about an impossible question! It would have to be something really basic and universal. I think I’ll go with split stitch, then I can threadpaint with it. But chain stitch, like with a tambour, would be a solid second choice. I vote for split stitch.
What beautiful threads! I am coveting them greatly.
Favorite stitch? Tough question! Guess I’d pick the chain stitch. I like the texture when used for filling and I can make some areas appear darker by taking smaller stitches or lighter by going a bit larger. Quite a versatile simple little stitch. I’d love to win one of these give-aways, thank you, Mary!
My favorite embroidery stitch is the wheatear. It is so very versatile and makes an impressive line of stitching. I’m a Crazy Quilter and I’ve pretty much made this my signature stitch.
French knots I love the texture they add to embrodery
It’s so hard to pick a favorite, but I suppose I could say possibly the split stitch. It’s so easy to follow curves or make sharp corners and can be used as a filler also you can alternate lengths to even do a (sorta) dimensional satin stitch.
One stitch…hmmmm, stem stitch I guess because it’s just so versatile! Especially because I love to embellish every project I do and can blend multiple fibers…and every one has metallic accents of some kind!
I would choose the French Knot because you can make gorgeous embroideries with simply clustering that stitch.
I think I would pick the satin stitch so that I could fill in and stitch leaves and flower. One satin stitch , in a way, is the stem stitch or backstitch! These are beautiful products you are showing us every day! Thank you for sharing the joy of stitching!
My favorite stitch is a basic stitch. It is the back stitch. When someone asks what embroidery machine I use I just look at them, smile and simply put out my hands tell them this is my machine.
My favorite embroidery stitch is basketweave, because it transformed my needlepoint.
The Daisy stitch. It makes me happy.
I love Satin stitch – still not the best at it… but… still trying.
Bonjour Mary,
Sans hésiter, je choisis le point de feston. Je le trouve apaisant, sa régularité, son mouvement répétitif me font du bien. En plus, il a tant de dérivés…. d’une telle richesse.
À bientôt
I think the lazy daisy would be my favorite stitch. I am pretty good at it, and it is versatile. That’s why I love it!
My favourite stitch is the split stitch. Wishing everyone a safe and healthy Christmas.
Yikes! like asking me to pick a favorite child! If pressed, guess I would choose the split stitch – lots of versatility, not to mention pretty quick and easy!
Satin stitch is my favorite, padded on not. I love the rhythm of the repetition and the concentration to make each thread line up perfectly spaced with exact tension.
My favourite stitch is Quaker stitch.
I would have to pick the straight stitch because you can arrange it so many ways as to create other stitches (cross, satin, running, back, stem, herringbone, etc.).
Hungarian woven chain stitch. (Hope that’s the proper name.)
I like this stitch because of its versatility. It looks great in different thread weights and makes a nicely defined look for stems, etc.
If I could do one stitch from now on, I would pick the stem stitch. You can do so much with this: vary the length, the thread and even the direction or shape. I would be lost if I couldn’t do this calming stitch.
I would say my favorite stitch would be the satin stitch, because it makes such a statement when it is done correctly and covers a lot of area. It also can add a lot of texture depending on the thread that is used.
Only one stitch?? OH my what a hard choice.. I think it would have to be the stem stitch…it is my go
to stitch for doll clothing embellishments.
I would pick the back-stitch as it can be used for anything.
French knots!
I can make a whole picture with them.
My favourite embroidery stitch has to be the French knot. I was always a bit wary of it, then many years ago I did the City & Guilds level 1 embroidery course. For one of my projects I made a bag covered in flowers, many of which were made of French knots, which meant I got confident over doing them. Now I love doing miniature embroidery using them and just 1 strand of DMC thread.
My favourite embroidery stitches are dimensional stitches, such as the cast-on stitch and bullion knots, but if I had to choose just 1 stitch, it would be stem stitch. It can be used to outline a shape, or fill it. It can add movement to a piece, and creating alternating rows allows for filling a shape nicely. One can vary the size of thread, with this simple stitch, to add interest. I’d love to win the metallic Braid! Thanks for the opportunity Mary!
French knot! Its all about the texture….
They look gorgeously sparkly and great to stitch with.
My favorite stitch is satin stitch. I love how it covers the fabric.
What a nice giveaway. I’m a magpie at heart and love all things bright and shiny. I’m very happy to hear that the French Needle is carrying metalic Au Ver a Soie,
My favorite stitch is the feather stitch. The first time I used it I was doing a small underwater scene and I loved the way I could sway it back and forth.
I had to think about this one as I am rediscovering embroidery stitches. However, I recently started using a darning stitch in a recent project and I love it (from my 2nd=hand Mary Thomas Dictionary of embroidery stitches!) and am thinking of all the different ways to use it such as different coloured warps and wefts to make checks and plaids……..
Oh Mary I love today’s give away (who doesn’t)!!!
My favorite stitch is back stitch. It make a fine and precise line better than outline or stem stitch. It is easy to keep even stitches.
My favorite embroidery stitch is queen stitch
My favorite embroidery stitch is the Smyrna Cross Stitch, because I like the texture it gives.
It was a difficult decision but I would choose chain stitch, I still remember the cherries that were part of my first embroidery work when I was 9 yeards old, I filled them with chain stitch and a super red thread, I use chain stitch for outlining designs but also for filling spaces playing with the thickness of the thread
Can’t wail to incorporate more shine into Christmas projects.
My favourite stitch thus far is the stem stitch because it is simple but so versatile.
My favourite embroidery stitch is the French knot. I like its versatility. It can be used to create to a whole picture or just as a accent. It works well with floss, heavier threads and even metallics, all to create different effects. And if you don’t have any beads handy, it can be used to replace them.
Haha, I’ve been struggling just recently with Gütermann metallic threads in the little Christmas stockings. What if I would win this time? No, I won’t, I never win, but that’s okay, fun is everything. ;D
So here’s my answer: stem stitch. (I could have added a couple more, but I’ll abide by the rules.) Why? Because it’s easy and precise to perform, it can be worked in lots of ways (think Portuguese knotted stem stitch), it always looks nice and perfect, and it takes every curve so well. Plus it can be used as an effective filling stitch, so it’s versatile, too.
I read your review of the metallics from Au Ver a Soi last year, and have enjoyed them ever since. So thank you. D
I think my favourite stitch is satin stitch. It is not the easiest stitch to do but that smooth shiny finish is worth the struggle
My favorite stitch is the Cretan stitch. I have done lots of crazy piecing and find this stitch is so versatile! I love to add beads and/or French knots to this stitch! It can be done slanted or straight, close together or spread apart! Very fun!
I like the long arm cross because of the rhythm.
I’m going with a straight stitch since straight stitches combined in various ways make up lots of other stitches giving maximum flexibility while still using only one stitch. However I glad that in real life we don’t have to choose only one!
My favorite embroidery stitch is the French knot. I just love how you can use them individually in places and scatter them around and also build them up into mounds.
Carol bu
If I could only pick one embroidery stitch it would have to be stem stitch. It can be used for lettering, outlining and as a filling stitch. It is easy for a beginner to learn and a more experienced stitcher can combine it with other stitches for various effects. A good basic stitch!
If I have to pick one favorite stitch, it would be the lazy daisy. It can be a flower, a chain, raindrops – just pretty versatile.
Starting late in life, I am trying to teach myself contemporary embroidery stitchery. I have struggled a lot, but thank goodness for your Videos. I like the French knot the best and use it a lot, followed by the running stitch which creates a great background. If I had a middle name, it would probably be shimmer or shine. Maybe glitter…..
Oh my, what a wonderful prize. I love sparkly threads and beads. I think I must have been a magpie in a former life! My favourite embroidery stitch is the stem stitch – it’s so versatile and always looks nice.
Hi.
I think my favourite embroidery stitch is long and short. I love this as it gives you the opportunity to blend shades of colour to give a more realistic look to your embroidery. It also enables you to be able to create curves easier and to give contours when doing flowers and animals.
French knots, knots and more knots make me so happy!
I think I’d pick chain stitch because you can make it very tight for a solid looking line, or broader for other looks. You can whip it, bead it, and do so many playful things with it.
I love doing satin stitch, as a newbie, I still struggle to keep the stitches just next to each other with no gaps. But the look of it when it’s finished nearly always looks good.
The stem stitch, not that it’s elaborate or has that wow factor, but one that will fit in any design, a great
travel stitch and a no fail stitch.
Satin stitch, as it can be used as one solid color or variegated with different colored threads.
I would chose long & short stitch in needlepainting. I find I can successfully achieve beautiful color shading.
Choosing a favourite stitch is difficult as I love so many, but I would probably say backstitch. It brings cross stitch to life.
If you had to pick one favourite embroidery stitch, it would be stem stitch! You can do outlines, fill with it any forms and shapes. it is versatile!
I love the look of satin stitch. It can be used in so many different ways. It makes for lovely motifs.
I Love queen stitches! and Bullion roses!
Good afternoon Mary,
I am so proud that I can now execute the Colonial Knot and that is only because of your tutorial. I love that you repeat the instructions at least 5-6 times. It is such a great stitch which I can use in so many areas of stitching
And many many thanks for the tip about another metallic thread!!!
tootles,
brenda
The stem stitch is my favorite as it’s so useful and can be modified in many ways.
My favorite stitch is the Bullion. It adds a bit of dimension and elegance or whimsy to the embroidery.
Oh, an easy answer… chain stitch. It’s such a versatile stitch, it can be whipped, reversed, twisted and how about heavy, broad and magic? And the wonderful raised chain band, a personal favourite. Check out Jacqueline Enthoven’s ‘The Stitches of Creative Embroidery’ for another 47 (I just counted them!!), it’s certainly a stitch that can take you anywhere on a stitching project.
Lazy Daisy! It packs so much punch for a simple little stitch, and is adorable. Also easy to vary for different looks.
Probably the back stitch. You can do so much with it.
French knots. After making miniature rugs with them, I realized they’re so versatile!
My favorite stitch is broad chain stitch, easy to do and lovely effect.
The basic stem stitch because it can be used so many different ways.
French Knot
My very favorite embroidery stitch is Holbein/double running stitch. I love figuring out a path so I can make the embroidery double sided.
My favorite stitch would be french knot because I use it over and over again to create texture in my mixed media works. It’s also a stitch I can do easily with my eyesight and do easily on a variety of ground fabrics.
My favorite stitch is the chain stitch because it is so versatile! It can be used in all sorts of situations of the stitching kind; filling in, outlining, stems, leaves, etc!!
My favorite stitch is now the Palestrina stitch. I fell in love with the monograms in Elizabetta Sforza new books and have used it in many of my embroideries. It is bold or fine depending on the fiber used to create the stitch.
My sincere thanks to these needlework shops that carry the fun supplies we NEED and suffer through Covid closing requirements. Blessings! Now, if I could only choose one stitch? (Why?) it would be stem stitch. It can be worked as a line or filling. The stitch/line length could be altered to make an improvised satin stitch. It can also be “stacked” to give texture. I’d bet you could do some fun things just working different thread diameters with different colors and stitch lengths placed next to or on top of each other. You could also bead it. Does whipping/lacing count as the “same” stitch? 😉
If I could pick just one stitch, I think it would have to be the chain stitch for it’s versatility. It can create outlines, flowers (lazy daisy), can be worked singly, en masse as a filling stitch for foliage ,can be whipped, worked as double chain in different coloured threads and has so many variations you can create just about any effect with chain stitch.
I love stitching glazzig embroidery, I discovered some years ago at Pascal Jaouen embroidery school in Kemper – France. Why? Because all stitches and colors can be used and a lot of beautiful silk threads are available. This is marvelous to express creativity of all stichers !
I love the lazy daisy stitch, it’s so versatile!
So difficult but I think the versatility of Stem Stitch inclines me to pick it. Outline with a single row, be a bit more dramatic by lining up 2 rows, use it as a filling…the effects can be varied with different shades. So much potential!
Gorgeous threads!
One favourite stitch? Maybe scroll stitch. If the question were, if you could only use one embroidery stitch forevermore, which would it be? the answer would be different. But if it is one favourite, scroll stitch is probably currently it. Prior to scroll stitch, it was petal stitch. (So whether it will still be scroll stitch by the time you draw the names, I don’t know!)
I love the way scroll stitch makes loops which are neat but can vary (if you let them) in size and orientation. Good for waves or for trickling a thinner thread over a loosely knotted or looped layer of a thicker one.
My favorite embroidery stitch is when I execute a perfect bullion rose. ‘Sparkling’ is my middle name!
I’d probably chose Palestrina knot stitch although it’s a hard decision. I love getting into the flow with this stitch and the way it adds texture to surface stitchery projects. It is also great for finishing – like the edges of pincushions or ornaments, or when you attach a piece of embroidery to a bag or something similar.
Thanks for your newsletters and website! You’re always an inspiration…
Thanks also for the give-away entry opportunity!
My favorite stitch is the Rosetta chain stitch. I love the lacy look of this stitch and how it easily works around a circle.
I love buttonhole stitch! It’s sort of overlooked but you can really do a ton of different things with it.
The one stitch that I love and would use all of the time is a bullion knot. I know, I know. Most embroiderers don’t care for them but I love how the thread wraps around the needle in those neat coils and then stays there when you pull the needle through. It’s like a magic trick to me.
The French knot
Oops!
I forgot to include my favorite stitch in my previous comment…
So many to choose from, but I love a good satin stitch done with richly gorgeous silk thread.
Such beautiful threads. I’d love to make a project using them.
I hate to be boring but my favorite stitch is the back stitch. I like it because I can do it! But I also find many different ways of using it so that it isn’t just a line. I can fill in places quite effectively using the back stitch.
It would be the French knot for me! Because I’m French! And so many cute things can be done up in French knots 🙂
My favourite stitch at the moment is long and short stitch. Such beautiful threads. I’d love to do a project with them.
The stem stitch because I find immense pleasure in its simplicity. Learning it taught me how to be patient and precise. And that I could play with embroidery! Create new ways (to me) such as splitting the threads. Oooh, fun. Mix color strands. Ooh, pretty. I often feel just content while stitching.
LizzieB the stem stitch
The lazy daisy stitch—- I LOVE anything glittery, thanks for this opportunity!!!
My favorite stitch is the French Knot. Odd perhaps, but as it is sculptural, and variable with the fiber used, it’s often helpful as an interesting accent.
My favorite stitch is STEM STITCH. It’s so versatile and easy to do.
That’s a really hard one. Probably stem stitch because I can use it in many configurations.
Favorite: stem stitch! Easy to learn and remember-HAHA. Love the way it looks on everything.
Favorite embroidery stitch: Always stem stitch! So lovely in a single line, versatile as a filling, giving definition to shapes or subtly enhancing there without shouting its existence. And easy to work on top of all that! Amazing stitch, I use it probably a little more often than I should 🙂
Holly
My favourite stitch is palestrina knot stitch as it can be used in so many ways
If you had to pick one (and only one) favorite embroidery stitch, what would it be, and why?
My favorite embroidery stitch is the not-so-fancy cross stitch. Those little X’s are just perfect to make my stitching time feel calm and relaxed. Yes, it’s repetitive, but that’s the point. Very therapeutic in these anxious times.
My favourite stitch? How difficult is that? It’s like picking your favourite cake or sweet on Bake Off – The Professionals! I think that it has got to be Bargello because of all the fantastic patterns and colour effects you can achieve with it. But then what about the pulled thread stitches? Oh! and the needle lace filling stitches in stumpwork, and the Or Nue goldwork. Its just impossible.
Ann
Waiting in anticipation for my stocking kits.
I love the woven wheel because I love flowers.
My favorite stitch is the stem stitch because it is so versatile. You can use it as a single line of stitching or have multiple lines with different shades to create a different effect.
My favorite stitch is wheat stitch because it is what I like to call a compound stitch. It has the look of feather stitch & chain stitch combined all in one.
Hello Mary; I think my favorite embroidery stitch is the cast-on. It looks so pretty and ruffly, and is easy to manage – much more easy to manage than those pesky bullions!
If you had to pick one (and only one) favorite embroidery stitch, what would it be, and why?
Only one? Hm. I’ve been trying to perfect the Palestrina stitch, so I’d say “a perfect Palestrina stitch!”
My favorite stitch is cross stitch. I do more cross stitch than anything else.
I like the Knotted Cretan Stitch. I use it on my hand made cloth art dolls bodies and add tiny beads. It’s a textured stitch and a versatile stitch that you can use for a multitude of creating. It also looks great for underwater seaweed and such in embroidery.
Love to do the Fishbone Stitch, I love leaves!!
I use stem stitch all the time as my go to but I most love colonialknot.
When my mother taught me to embroidery, I loved the Lazy Daisy stitch. To this day, 69 years later, it still reminds me of my mother!
My favorite stitch is the stem stitch. I love the various ways it can be used…..from stems to leaves, flowers, borders, etc. I recently stitched a table runner using just the stem stitch, and it turned out really nicely! Using variegated thread makes it even more versatile.
I guess if I had to pick only one stitch it would be stem stitch. I do a lot of needlepoint and that stitch works great for so many things, including hair, Santa’s beard, and tree trunks and stems.
Hard to choose but I think my most fave stitch is Chain. Sooo much one can do with it.
Grouped in a chain of course, going straight or looping around something.
Can be “as is”(i.e. empty) or filled up with FK’s, or Bullion knots, or beads, or straight
stitches.
Can be single (detached Chain going around a center to make a flower) .
Can fill itself up, i.e., a big chain stitch filled with successively smaller chain stitches, perhaps
each a different color.
Can be done with any kind of thread I can think of. Can be big or little. Easy to teach and to
learn.
Can be layered …..like one on top of another on top of another overlapping, and on and on
Can be done on fabric or on canvas
And probably more
If I could only use one stitch it would probably be stem stitch. Just due to its versatility lines, curves, fill and beads it can do all of them and all with a lovely twist finish.
I think my favorite stitch would have to be the long and short stitch. I love the effects of threadpainting and when I can get it “right” it captures the beauty of whatever I am stitching. I love to see the blending of colors come to life. Thank you for these wonderful opportunities.
My favorite embroidery stitch is always the next one I am learning on my next challenging project. I could be learning how to properly add beads to the new or old stitch, using a different type of thread on a different material to obtain a different look or smocking with the new stitch. I then love to develop my own design using what I have learned.
The Queen Stitch; besides having a great name I really like the way it looks in creating strawberries. I know some of us in the “colonies” call it the Rococo stitch as not to give deference to the Queen, but I believe we are past that now and are quite fond of Her Majesty the current Queen.
Satin stitch is my favorite. There’s something about guiding threads with a stiletto that makes me smile. Petting the finished area with my finger is irresistible.
My favourite stitch is stem stitch. I find it very adaptable for all kinds of situations.
Oyster stitch is my favorite stitch as I love it’s fluidity and texture..
It also makes the sweetest little flowers.
It also reminds me of the old friend who taught me this stitch and has since passed away.
My favorite stitch is the Palestrina Knot. This is for many of the same reasons a lot of folks love the stem stitch (and I do too). I pickd the Palestrina over the stem because it has more texture.
Detached chain stitch is the winner for me! Dozens of things can be made with this stitch by making only minor variations. In no time a few detached chains becomes a whole image.
Granted getting the thread tension PERFECT may take some practice, but it is well worth it to learn to do a simple detached chain stitch correctly.
I would choose lazy daisy. It seems very versitle and I have been able to use it in many ways and adapt it to different projects.
Just one!?! Really now Mary, how can you seriously ask a bunch of embroiderers a question like that! Embroidery stitches are like potato chips… you can’t stop with just one!
But all scolding aside (truly, I jest), I think my all-time favorite would have to be french knots. Though I tackled this at a fairly young age, it took a few years and many tries to get them small and tiny and close to the fabric instead of being all wibbly-wobbly and falling over. But once that was accomplished, I found that there are hardly any projects where I don’t use them. They even came in handy for accents (or eyes or the dot on an “i”) when I used to do counted cross-stitch, and they come in handy in my beloved silk-ribbon embroidery. I embroidered a photo of my mother’s garden gazebo surrounded by blooming flowers for her 80th birthday and, because the photo was so detailed and the flowers so tiny, most of them ended up being worked in french knots, whether 1, 2 or 3 strands of thread. So, french knots it is… but “knot” because I only have one favorite 😉
Thanks for all your work in arranging these wonderful giveaways!
My favorite stitch would have to be the Satin Stitch. I love how smooth and shiny it is when it’s done right. Which is not easy to do.
I love the metallic threads. Looking at the colors make my finger itch. I’d love to try gold accents.
Buttonhole stitch is my favourite. It is interesting, rhythmic and versatile. It allows me to cut fabric away whenever I feel like it.
A close second is stem stitch. Not that you asked but it deserves some profile. So under-rated.
Thanks Mary.
I love Camélia stitch- it is such a fun stitch and creates some amazing depth to my work.
Thank you Mary for this opportunity to win some extra threads. Hope you enjoy this year’s Christmas regardless of the traumatic year you have just had.
I had a hard time picking one embroidery stitch as my favorite stitch. I decided on the detached chain stitch as it is good for making flowers as well as using it for borders and other design accents. I think many others had a hard time picking a favorite stitch as even a french knot can be used in a variety of ways.
My favorite embroidery stitch is the French Knot. They can be made to different sizes to give a piece depth and interest. I also like some of the simpler stitches like the stem stitch and outline stitch just because they are simple and look so pretty when we’ll done.
My favorite stitch is battlement couching because it looks so cool and kind of 3D. It’s tricky to make it look good, but with patience, a ruler, and a laying tool, it can really turn out fabulous!
I am boring. I like the back stitch, but I stitch a lot of words and this stitch works the best for me.
Happy holidays, Mary. Love these giveaways!!
I’ve been coveting those metallics since your first mention!
My favourite stitch is on my wishlist of stitches to try and/or master – Elizabethan braid stitch – love its appearance and the period when it was popular.
My favourite stitch is cross stitch. I am always astonshed by the results – just like the pixels on a computer, you can build amazing pictures with these little elements that are so life like.
My favourite embroidery stitch is stem stitch. So adaptable, and decorative in it’s many forms. Although when I do split stitch it can really lock into place the embroidery on the fabric. Too many choices!
French knots are my favorite embroidery stitch. I just love the look and the texture, and I actually enjoy stitching them!
It would be very hard not to use the basic stem stitch as a base for outlining and fine stems and vines, so simple and so versatile.
I think my favorite stitch, other than the utilitarian back stitch, would be the humble blanket stitch. ❤️
I love a chain stitch, particularly the reverse chain stitch. It’s a versatile stitch that can be enhanced with other intertwined stitches and looks fabulous in metallic threads.
My latest favourite stitch is montenegrin – finally mastered it after much gnashing of teeth, cursing, unpicking, etc so I’m not going to let it go anytime soon!
Outline stitch because you cam do so much with it..plain..shading..completely filled in..
My favourite embroidery stitch?….where to start…..which one do I always go back to??
i think it is Buttonhole and all its varieties
I like doing the long and short stitch. I love how you can blend colors like painting.
Over a year from 2018 to 2019, I was in a wool club that taught us lots of stitches. I have looked at your tutorials for help with the stitches – what a huge help! I think my favorite is the Palestrina since it adds dimension and can be sized differently and also used on edges of things like the mini Christmas stockings I just got the kit for! Thanks for all you share.
My favorite embroidery stitch would be Swedish weaving, with its infinite variations on taking a needle through pairs of raised threads on the surface of huck cloth.
The chain stitch is my favorite because it’s both versatile and beautiful
I always come back to random long and short (of course, I like to do animals probably why :)). Thanks for the giveaway!
Just starting working with metallic threads so would love more!
It’s only 4:17 Central Time — I’m trying to enter for the drawing that closes on Friday, Nov. 11 at 5 pm Central Time, but the form said that it was closed already!
I’ve always been a stitcher — it’s hard to remember a time when I wasn’t. I suppose the earliest stitching I can remember would have been as a 2-3 year old using the sewing cards with a shoelace like yarn. My allowance by the time I was 5-6 years old was usually spent on small embroidery projects and floss. I remember embroidering squares to make a doll blanket.
Thanks for the memories! I hadn’t thought of those early years for quite a while!
None of the drawings in the series says they end at 5:00 pm. They all say 5:00 am on the date specified.
If I had to pick only one embroidery stitch I’d say stem stitch. After simple cross stitches it was probably the first that I learned and a good one for not having to work too hard at manipulating the thread and fussy with needle placement – good for days you want to stitch and just zone out. It’s also very versatile.
My favorite embroidery stitch is the Van Dyke, typically using a metallic thread. I frequently add borders to my needlepoint designs and the Van Dyke is used prominently in those borders!
The versatility of Running Stitch makes this stitch my favourite. It is the basis of so many embroidery styles, from simple naive surface embroidery; the double running in blackwork; the Pattern darning of Kogin, Smoyg and Ukrainian to the double running darning of the Samites. Such a simple stitch used to create many beautiful patterns.
I would love to try these metallic threads. If I had to choose one stitch it would be cross stitch, it does occupy most of my time at the moment. I find it calming and therapeutic to stitch this stitch. I would miss specialty stitches in my work but I believe cross stitch is the Queen of counted work.
The one stitch to select would be a cross stitch. There are so many ways a stitch can be crossed it is endless. From a simple cross stitch to an Amadeus stitch!
I love chain stitch because it has so many variations and can be used in so many different ways.
Thanks Mary for the chance to enter another of your wonderful give Christmas aways.
If you asked what I use most often, it would be stem stitch. But the stitch that I enjoy doing is the reverse chain stitch. It is easier to do evenly than regular chain stitch, with little variation it becomes the heavy chain stitch, it follows curves very easily, it is fairly quick, …..and just somehow satisfying to me. I look forward to those parts of a project where that stitch can be used.
Thank you for your website!
My favorite embroidery stitch is the feather stitch. I love it on heirloom garments, I love it on crazy quilts, I love it in samplers. It is my favorite because, probably, because I love chickens . They are my favorite animal, the best of feathered friends. You probably think I am mad, just a little. Tanya heidi
What a tough question! I have so many. I love the stem stitch, French knots, the blanket stitch, the split stitch but my absolute favorite is the back stitch because it’s so versatile. I use it when I sew, when I quilt and when I cross stitch. Now ask me which one scares me the most? (Answer: the satin stitch, but it doesn’t mean I don’t use it.)
Palestrina knot stitch is my favourite stitch. Firstly its rythm is relaxing and its variations intoxicating, Inlove it.
French Knots! My husband is French, so why Knot?
No, I love them because they can look like sheep’s wool, flower petals, the dot on an “I”,
eyes, beads, and just texture. I recently put a secret message in something using Morse Code.
Love the knot.
I really enjoy the versatility of the chain stitch. I use it in layers to add depth to a stem or to outline a shape.
I like the bullion stitch, just because it’s fun to do!
I guess if I had to pick one, it would be a classic cross-stitch. You can do so much with them!
I love the buttonhole or blanket stitch-looks the same to me. It’s a lovely edge choice for applique and with quilting projects I use it all the time.
I don’t like to be limited because variety is the spice of life. But since I must pick only one I will go with the stem stitch because I use it so much for outlining. That bundle of metallics are eye candy for a stitcher’s soul. So luscious looking. Have a great weekend
My favourite stitch is blanket stitch. It’s so versatile which is why I love it. It can be used for edgings or buttonholes or used to join two pieces of fabric together and in its finer form it can become needle lace
My favorite stitch in all it’s forms is the lazy daisy stitch. The first one I learned when I was 5. Sue M.
Cross-stitch is my embroidery version of comfort food. Old and familiar with the potential to either zone me out or keep me on my toes depending on the project.
My favourite stitch is bullion stitch you can do so much with it I have a book a bought a few years ago show all the lovely designs you can use it for..
I struggle with metallic threads.
I think I’m going to say the Cross Stich – not only is this the stitch I remember learning 1st (along with Back stitch) but you can do so much with it and it is easy! Want fine do one thread over one on linen, want normal 2 strands over 2 threads on linen, in fact you don’t even need linen it works great on fabric or canvas too. Pictures, alphabet, borders… cross stitch does it all and if we are allowed variations on our one stitch well… there’s half, quarter, long-arm…
Counted cross stitch. I’m always in the mood for that.
Ohhhh – La La
Hmmmm. When I see your work, I love them all! But to do, I love French knots. Twirling the needle around the yarn is a mini pirouette. Just fun.
Chain stitch is my most favorite stitch!
I too am a lover of sparkles & would love to have such an assortment of these threads.
I don’t embroider often but I would have to say stem stitch because it is so versatile.
Thanks!
I seem to gravitate towards all different forms of the buttonhole stitch (edging, flowers, borders). I have very limited experience with “bling threads” – hope I win!!!
My favorite embroidery stitch? That’s a very difficult question! I’m going to say the buttonhole stitch because it can be used for edging as well as surface embroidery and needlelace!
My favorite embroidery stitch is the lazy daisy (or detached chain). First it’s easy to do. Second, it can be incorporated into all kinds of designs. It can be a big bright yellow sunflower, or I can use it to make lovely little clover blossoms in variegated pink flosses. I can use it for leaves on a variety of flowers or greenery. I can you is to make “scales” on a fish, or a shingled roof on a cottage. I can use it to make ears on a bunny, or eyes on a fox….It just has so many uses! If I’m helping a youngster to learn, we always have success with lazy daisy.
I’ve been nuts about counted cross stitch and all variations of CCS since I first discovered it in Dec 1975. I’ve done large projects 3′ X 5″ and smalls 1 ” square on everything from Aida to my favorite – Linen. I’ve carried my stitching every where I’ve went in the world and of check out the LNS in every city, large or small, that I’ve visited.
My favorite embroidery stitch? I think I’d have to say it’s backstitch, because it can be whipped, woven, and otherwise enhanced. It’s the first stitch I ever used, when in my teenage years I was trying to embroider a picture.
For silk ribbon, I love the ribbon stitch, seeing those edges folding into a point.
Oooo….. I’d probably pick stem stitch, because it can be an outline or filling. Or running stitch, because it’s the most basic, but you can build patterns with pattern darning and outlines with holbein stitch…
Oh, what a sad world that would be, though.
I find that when working with metallic threads, it is hard to find one that is easy to work with and that will not fray while doing your project. I do take thread length that are not too long but this does not always work. I just finished Celtic Christmas by Lavender & Lace. This project was started in 1997, left in my UFO for a number of years. I finally decided to continues & finish it during this period of confinement. I have notice that the metallic thread I finished it is very different from the one I started the project with. The latter, I cannot locate and have no idea of what it was. I juggled with the idea of pulling out all the older goldwork stitches. I finally decided agains it. All the trials & errors will remain part of the history of this project.
My favorite stitch right now is the stem stitch, because I am working on dish towels for gifts. Mostly because it is quick and easy.
It has to be chain stitch. I do a lot of tambour embroidery and the amount of variety you can get from that single sitch keeps surprising me!
Previously I would have said my favorite stitch was the stem stitch. Reluctantly after I started doing something with the back stitch and have gotten better at it. My now favorite is the back stitch. I am able to do letters that look very nice with one thread. For thicker lines I can use 2-3 threads. I like combining 2 different threads when I need to use 2 threads in stitching. In the last year I have greatly improved in my use of the back stitch and appreciate how nice it looks.
I use the satin stitch the most and enjoy it.
My favourite stitch would have to be stem/outline stitch. It can be tiny or broad, sketchy or controlled. I love stacking it to fill shapes, neatly outlined with the same stitch of course! It can be annoying to do with a badly behaved metallic, but the Au Ver a Soie threads are great to use.
I came to goldwork via classes in Japanese embroidery and have been hooked ever since! I have never had the opportunity to use the Au Ver Soi metallics but I’d love to try them!
I love the chain stitch. It can be filled with a bead for a little bling!
I think I like long and short stitch best. I am still no good at it, but, I still enjoy it.
I really don’t think I will win, this comment is more in hope than expectation.
Have a very Happy Christmas everyone. With luck there will be no more lockdowns here in the UK and I will be able to see 4 of my grandchildren. The other two will probably be not before Easter
My favorite stitch is the blanket stitch. I use it a lot to border my projects and as decoration. I love its versatility.
I like the Lazy Daisy stitch because it is one of the first I learned from my Grandmother.
I love couching stitch – I don’t do it well yet – there is the challenge.
I love the Palestrina stitch! It is so versatile, and gives such wonderful texture to everything. It adds elegance and looks so complicated and impressive. And, best of all, I can add beads to it!
My favorite stitch is palestrina stitch—fun to work and so very pretty, and I learned it from you, Mary! Thanks for all you do, and best wishes for a happy holiday season.
If you had to pick one (and only one) favorite embroidery stitch, what would it be, and why?
Outline stitch. It’s so easy to do well (with care), and so very versatile. Though, I admit, far from sexy.
I would choose the chain stitch. I find it fun to do and it makes a nice thick outline.
From the point of versatility back stitch would be my favourite stitch, it outlines, it is the basis for blackwork. simple but effective
would love to win these as I have a little (big) thread addiction. thanks.
I like a good chain stitch. You can make it curve and do all sorts of shapes.
Stem Stitch is a good useful one & also lazy daisy….but that might just be because as a kid I liked the name
Only one stitch??? Oh, that’s a hard one.
If I was thinking about tambour (which I am quite a bit these days), it would obviously be chain stitch, but generally speaking I think I would go for stem stitch. It’s smooth, it’s silky, it’s sinuous… Beautiful and practical both, and what more can one ask?
My favorite stitch is the Smyrna Cross. It is an easy, yet elegant, stitch. It seems to add depth to a stitched design.
My favourite embroidery stitch is the French Knot. Individual ones add a bit of sparkle to designs, and clusters of them add wonderful texture.
I love long and short stitch, because you can use it for some incredible shading effects.
One stitch? Only one stitch? It’s impossible. I do think stem stitch is one I use a lot but I think any stitch that can be done with pretty metallics is great!! I like sparkle.
My favorite embroidery stitch has to be classic cross stitch. It’s so orderly and symmetrical, and items embroidered that way just burst with color.
My favourite stitch is Laisy Daisy stitch (you might know it as Detached Chain) as it was the first “fancy” stitch I learnt as a little girl and it made me feel very clever!
I love all things sparkly and glittery! My favorite stitch (if I have to pick only 1) is stem stitch. It can be used to both outline and fill areas, and is easy to do.
I do a lot of cross stitch so that would probably be my favourite stitch, there are just so many wonderful patterns/designers out there. For decorative stitches, mostly counted rather than surface I really love the variations of Jessica stitches they’re so dimensional.
My favorite stitch is the French knot. They can be a little difficult at first but once you get it you want to make more and more. They are like tiny little flowers.
Hi, I’m quite partial to french knots and use the chain stitch or lazy daisy stitch frequently.
I love the look of French Knots – so many things involve French Knots – stamens, flowers, snowflakes, etc.
My favorite embroidery stitch is the chain stitch. It takes curves well, and different thread thicknessesI give it a completely different look. I especially enjoy using it in crewel work.
The fish bone stitch is just wonderful and my favorite, It can be wide or narrow, spaced close together or wide apart, stitched right side up or upside down next to each other in rows and can be a circle or any shape you want.
Ok, first of all one stitch to pick is not fair to the rest of the wonderful stitches out there. LOL But since your asking to kick one I would have to say the stem stitch. It can be be used as an outline, a filler, and it can be tweeked a bit for variety.
I would love a spool of gold thread for Christmas tree I have started.
Merry Christmas
French knots, not!
My favorite stitch is long/short stitch because I can create just about anything with it.
I love satin stitch! It makes the thread such a feature of the motif.
My very favorite stitch is the queen’s stitch. It is a most regal and beautiful stitch. Our needlepoint guild did a friendship sampler. Each member chose the threads and fabric for their friendship sampler. Then each member would stitch a band. On each sampler I stitched a row of the queen’s stitch. Everyone was delighted with the queen’s stitch on their sampler. A good time was had by all!!
Oooooohhh..that’s easy….the feather stitch!
My favorite is stem stitch. You can do much with it.
I like the stem stitch and french knots….both of these stitches are easy for me!
My favorite stitch so far is long and short because of how it can be used for such a variety of effects. Thanks for the give away!
I’m bad at choosing favorites. But I find stem stitch satisfying to do and quite versatile in its use, so I’ll go with that.
I love using Fly stitch because it is so versatile: close together it makes a beautiful leaf; spaced it looks like birds in the sky. As Constance Howard once said, you only need a few stitches, as long as you stitch them well.
I would pick the daisy stitch as my one favorite stitch. I have found that the daisy stitch is very versatile, fairly easy to do (in all its incarnations) and pretty much a stitch I use in every project because of this.
My favourite embroidery stitch is the cross stitch. It was the first stitch I learned. I like the look of cross stitched pieces. It is always what I return to.
This is tough for me because I love the stem stitch & the french knot. I think in the end I would pick french knot just because of the funky look. Metallics would be gorgeous in this stitch!
I love the bullion stitch. Beautiful threads.
Lovely threads.
I’m still new to embroidery, but I’ve been using chain stitch a lot for outlining and I love the look of it
I love the chain stich because its so versatile. It can be very simple or made more complicated depending on the look I need.
My favorite embroidery stitch would have to be the satin stitch. Once you’ve covered an area with the satin stitch, it catches the light from every direction.
My favourite stitch would be the couching stitch as it is so versatile and is an absolute necessity in goldwork.
I just completed The Humbly Magnificent Couching Stitch with Natalie Dupuis (Sew by Hand) and I learned so much. And I will shamelessly plug that she is offering the course again starting in February 2021. Registration starts on December 15 at 10:00 EST.
One stitch…wow, how do I pick just one? I think I would choose the satin stitch, because I can make it have direction, depth, shading (with different colors and voids within the stitching), and it can become a challenge for learning…depending on the fiber chosen for stitching. Thanks for the give-away, and for making me think about the topic question.
My favourite stitch is a canvaswork stitch called Fleur de Lis created by Jean Hilton. This stitch is very versatile and can be scaled in any direction, flipped, rotated to make unlimited cool combinations.
What a difficult task you asked. It is like saying which is your favorite child. But anyway I will follow the rules.
My favorite stitch is the Bullion Stitch. Then I could go with a triple feather stitch and ……
And silk make the stitches so much shinny and well define
Thank you
Happy Holidays,
Yoly
I enjoy using the chain stitch. It is a nice sturdy stitch which works well in containing threads in whitework designs. It can be used as a fill stitch or for outline work in surface embroidery, and adds a decorative touch when combined with other outline stitches. I love the way one can end a continuous circular design invisibly. It also looks nice on the reverse side if any embroidery projects.
If I could choose only one stitch, I would choose the Greek cross. It is my favourite hardanger filling stitch.
Chain stitch – in fact Elizabethan or reverse chain to be specific. It is the first stitch I remember learning at high school and I’ve always loved it. I love the way I can get a great result and very tiny chains in a hoop using the stabbing method. Pretty on its own, or whipped, or heavy chain, or used as a pretty filling within an outline – I love all the variations.
backstitch
My favorite embroidery stitch is the stem stitch. When you get good at it, all the stitches will be uniform in size and length and lay beautifully. When I was a young stitcher, I was so proud when I mastered this stitch.
If I could only ever do one stitch it would be the stem stitch, but I love them all!
I have always loved the look of a metallic thread, but my past experience has not been good. I am curious and excited to learn about this thread. I KNOW I’d enjoy a sewing journey with it!
If you had to pick one (and only one) favorite embroidery stitch, what would it be, and why?
The leaf stitch because my other love is real plants which I love to take care of. Each stitch makes me remember how much enjoyment there is to both hobbies.
My favorite stitch is the stem stitch. It is the first stitch I learned, it’s easy, quick, and works well on curves. Thanks for the giveaway! Have a wonderful weekend!
I would for sure choose stem stitch. It’s highly versatile and… well … I just enjoy stitching with it!
Detached Buttonhole – as you can create fantastic three dimensional animals/flowers etc
My favorite stitch is a French knot
Stem stitch
Thanks for the chance! My favorite embroidery stitch is the Algerian Eyelet – it’s easy to do, but looks good, adds texture and interest.
Mary in MN
Only one stitch… That’s a tough one. Bullion stitch because I can stitch flowers.
Daisy chain is my favorite stitch. I just like the way it looks
Stem Stitch would be the first stitch I did and I do use it often, for that reason it would be my favourite.
I have learnt many more stitches over the past few years which I also enjoy and I hope to learn many more. I also used Au Ver a Soie thread for the first time this year and I will say that was a treat.
I love the chain stitch because of its versatility.
Long and short stitch pops into my head because it is a challenging stitch to get right when you are trying to shade and show curves.
No question, my favorite stitch is the French knot. It’s just so versatile. I can do just about anything with it.
This is a tough question, as the beauty of embroidery work is in using many different stitches in many different ways. I’ll have to go with the stem stitch as my favorite. There’s so much one can do with it, and it is the basic foundation stitch of many designs.
There are lots of stitches which I enjoy but my favourite is long and short stitch. I find it a very easy stitch which I can do without having to concentrate. In a small hoop I can lean back and relax while sewing.
I find myself constantly going back to stem stitch. I think it’s because my Grandma taught me that one first and for probably my first 3-4 years of stitching stem and satin stitch were pretty much all I knew existed. Actually, I credit your site Mary for expanding my horizons and turning my stitching in to more of an art. 🙂
I would say that blanket/button hole stitch is my favorite. It is so easy to change it up for variety. Plus it makes for a nice decorative edging when used as a border.
Heavy chain stitch is my favorite. It’s easy to do but looks intricate and it has a, well, heaviness that I really like.
If I would have to pick just one stitch it would be the humble cross stitch. It allows you to reproduce such stunning Samplers from days gone by, and the Bristol Orphan Samplers are just exquisite.
Thank you for sharing such wonderful things every time I get your email!
The simple cross stitch, it’s not fancy but it is versatile.
The new metallic threads look scrumptious. I would love to try them.
My favorite stitch is the chain stitch because it fills a monogram with texture.
My favorite stitch is the long arm cross stitch !
My favorite stitch is a Hardanger stitch called Edelweiss. I think it is a beautiful stitch that looks much more complicated than it is, which is one of the reasons I like it.
Metallic threads, a beautiful way to enrich your projects!
The bullion stitch. This 3d stitch, it’s my favorite.
Thank for the gift
Oh my, my, my…. I absolutely lo-o-ve metallics, and all your reviews on them!!!
My favorite stitch is the French Knot, because I can make cool little flowers and other awesome things with it!
I like the back stitch.
Dear Mary,
Congratulations to all the winners thus far!
If you had to pick one (and only one) favourite embroidery stitch, what would it be, and why? To choose only one stitch is a difficult task. It has taken me all morning to ponder my answer. I have now settled on split stitch because it is straightforward and uncomplicated, and has many uses; in thread painting (I love that thread painting is very forgiving), for lettering and outlines, as a padding stitch, and all sorts of other ways in general embroidery.
Ooh, hard to choose a favorite stitch! I love French knots, but it makes me a little nervous to make them. Even though I love doing fancy stitches, I’d have to say my favorite is the straight stitch. It’s so versatile and can do so many different things, and it can also be very meditative to stitch.
Mmmmmm… this is quite difficult. Probably either outline/backstitch or satin stitch. Either can be used by itself to build an embroidered piece. Think I would lean towards outline for drawing and satin for pictures (like coloring book style). Ok I think for my style of embroidery, I think satin stitch would be more useful. Thank you very much for the chance!!! Linda in NC
Whipped backstitch because it adds so much texture and depth to the piece.
My favourite of all time stitch would have to be blanket stitch because of it’s versatile nature and variations.
My favorite embroidery stitch is the lazy daisy. It was the first stitch taught to me when I was 5 by my great grandmother.
I love French Knots! They are so relaxing and kind of Zen when doing a lot of them. They can be big, medium, or small. They make a great texture for a lot of things. Flower centers, fur, grasses and small flowers and more. I particularly like doing one wrap with one strand of floss. And a whole bunch stitched right up against each other feels good to run your fingers over!
My favorite embroidery stitch is the buttonhole stitch because of its many variations in the making of needle laces.
I love shiny things so good metallic thread is wonderful. Bad metallic thread is evil.
My favorite stitch is the stem stitch. Can be used in do many ways.
I like doing various counted stitches but I think one of my favorite things to stitch is hardanger cluster blocks. There is something very rewarding about stitching clusters blocks and having everything meet up properly when you get to the end.
I would choose stem stitch because it is the easiest (for me), quickest, and most versatile stitch. I could is I chose to, complete just about any embroidery design using only that stitch.
I choose the satin stitch because it can be dramatic when you use more threads, or it can be dainty when you use fewer threads. It can lie flat or have more definition when it is raised.
Truly beautiful thread !
Hi. Mary. I just love feather stitch. It can be used as a line stitch, especially when worked closely. It can, worked loosely and openly, be embellished with French knots, beads, sequins. It follows curves beautifully. It can be worked in one strand or six or with wool or perle threads. It’s so very versatile.
Do you have a favourite stitch Mary?
My favorite stitch is the chain stitch. I’ve finally been able to do it well with some diligent practice. I also like its variations, especially for tree trunks. So versatile.
How beautiful- I would love to try these threads out
My favorite embroidery stitch is…I think satin stitch. I just love how it looks when it’s done well. It’s a very satisfying stitch look look at when it is completed.
Love the lazy daisy/chain stitch. So much fun to do and looks beautiful in a variety of situations.
My favourite embroidery stitch is the satin stitch. It covers quickly, and I love the smooth finish.
I love all the Au Ver a Soie threads and braids – have been using them for close to 30 years. Besides Christmas projects, I have used them in both cross stitch items and other embroideries. Would recommend them to anyone.
My favorite stitch is the blanket stitch. When used it can make your appliqué pieces pop
My favorite stitch is most likely stem stitch. I embroider simple designs and I love how I can easily change the look of the stitch with different thread textures and stitch length. I’ve woven metallics through it in the past to add just a hint of sparkle.
My favourite stitch is the cross stitch and all its variations. It is amazing what you can achieve with one stitch.
My favourite stitch has to be stem stitch!!!
The humble straight stitch is my favourite stitch – it can be manipulated in so many ways and forms the basis for many other stitches that look so different e.g. satin stitch 🙂
Stay safe
Blessings
Maxine
I love long and short stitch. It’s tricky to master to a high standard, but so effective and versatile – it allows for considerable creativity wrt colour blending, showing light and shadow and a lifetime of learning to perfect it! :).
My favourite stitch is whipped chain stitch.
My favorite is the French knot because it’s simple, satisfying and adds fun and texture. Plus it took years of frustration of not “getting it” until a teacher explained and showed it properly. So when I finally got it, it became a happy stitch!
Split stitch! I just learned this one. I love that it’s so simple, but produces such pretty results.
I love the bullion stitch, especially bullion roses. I love the challenge of doing them well.
If I had to choose one favourite stitch it would be chain stitch. It’s versatile in so many ways both decoratively and functionally. We can make it long/short, narrow/wide, you can lace it with other threads, it takes curves beautifully and is great for foundation stitches for edges or padding, filling stitch and probably lots more I haven’t even tried. I’m forever thankful for Mary Corbet and Needle’n Thread keeping me entertained, comforted and challenged as well as finding so many like-minded friends.
I would choose the stem stitch because of the manifold possibilities to use it.
Gosh one stitch. Hmmmm, I think it might be the french knot. It took a while to master the correct way but now I do find it rather therapeutic. If I have a lot of knots to do I get in a zone and feel quite calm.
Thank you Mary from another Mary
My favourite stitch is long-and-short stitch. Love the way it looks like a painting.
Just love long and short stitch, Mary you have inspired me to improve my stitching by showing us your projects, I wasn’t much good before!
Well, I am going to be different…I love chain stitch and its many variations. Chain stitch was one of the first stitches I learned as a child, but more recently, I have been experimenting with how different chain stitch variations look when stitches in overdyed embroidery thread. Twisted chain, cable chain, braided chain are more recent discoveries that I just love!
I like to use backstitch whenever possible because I feel that I can control my stitch length best and it is easier to sew around curves.
That’s a really tough question! I’d probably go for the humble back stitch as it is so versatile and I also like to do counted stitch work like black work.
Hi Mrs Corbet,
My current favourite is blanket stitch, which I didn’t use to like much because I thought I couldn’t get it to look right.
But when I had to use it recently it turned out looking so nice that I want to use it on everything now 🙂
The stitch I love the most has to be long and short stitch. I love the blending of the different threads when the embroidery comes to life and looks so real. It is what makes me the happiest.
My favorite stitch is definitely the stem stitch. It is the first stitch I learned and probably the stitch I have used more than any other stitch. Because I have used it so frequently I think I’m pretty good at it and therefore it looks very nice.
My favourite stitch is french knots. This stitch adds height and texture to your work.
My favourite stitch of all time is “the laughing Stitch” the one i giggle at each time when i need to do it again, that one stitch that makes me sample sample sample until i get it right ….and that one stitch that looks back at me and smiles!
My favourite stitch is Chain Stitch – you can do so much with this stitch.
My favourite stitch is stem stitch. It has so many uses and covers the ground quickly so you have a sense of progress.
My favorite stitch is the stem stitch. My friend Cheryl taught it to me, among others. This was one of the first she taught me, and whenever I am stitching it I think of her.
My favourite stitch changes from time to time but I do tend to like consistently a french knot. Maybe because I can go back and fill in those “imperfections”. I can shade certain designs without being stressed over stitch length and placement. 🙂
Stem Stitch. Easy stitch to master. It can be used to outline, fill or embellish and shape. It can also be used on any fiber, with any fiber and using any size of fiber with or without a needle.
If you had to pick one (and only one) favorite embroidery stitch, what would it be, and why?
French knot, I like the technique in creating it. (I know there are other knot stitches but I haven’t tried them yet.)
My favorite stitch is the Cretan. It stitches up quickly and has the versatility to go wide or narrow and tall or tiny, and allows for beads or other stitches to extend or fill in around.
If I had to pick one and only one stitch, it would be the humble cross stitch. It’s the first one I learned, and the one to which I return over and over again.
I enjoy using basketweave.
Lazy Daisy stitch because it is versatile.
I hope your foot is well on the way to healed. And those are some Yummy threads!
My choice would have to be the first stitch I learned – stem stitch.
Herringbone! Mary, hands down this is the most useful & versatile stitch out there. It’s both decorative & a work horse structurally. Plus there are so many variations it boggles the mind. As an EGA project, our chapter delved into this & we lost count after 25. Glad you asked!
My favorite embroidery stitch is the french knot. It is so versatile. I am not a great embroiderer, maybe I am not patient enough, maybe just not skillful, but the french knot has rescued some of my biggest messes and made them look like they were meant to be there. The french knot was also the very first stitch I learned as a child and remembering how hard it was for me to master and how much time it took me to learn it inspires me to keep learning new stitches.
If I had to pick one – which would be difficult to pick just one – I would pick the stem stitch. It can be used on so many items and in so many ways.
Feather stitch – but next week my answer might be different!
I love to do stem stitch. To me it looks so neat and clean.
My favorite stitch is a Jessica!
How do you pick one stitch? I don’t really feel I have a favorite stitch, but if I were to pick one, I think maybe the french knot. I love the texture it creates.
This is a tough one! So many come to mind. If I have to pick one it would be Stem Stitch because it’s easy to learn, used frequently and always seems to look nice on the fabric!
Stem stitch because of its versitality. Also because it works up relatively quickly.
Hands down, my favorite stitch would be long and short stitch because of the beautiful color changes you can make with it.
Buttonhole stitch can create various motifs in surface embroidery/crazy quilting; great for finishing edges, including lovely lacey edge in hardanger and simplest needle lace stitch is like buttonhole stitches “in the air”.
The stem stitch. It is versatile and can be used in all forms of needlework: surface embroidery, counted thread, hardanger and needlepoint.
My favorite stitch is the long and short. I love that I can add depth and movement with color change and blending. Flowers are my “thing” and the long and short stitch just works wonders. I mostly do Heirloom embroidery for my grand babies so their embroidered collars are filled with a garden of beauty!!! Thank you for your wonderful blog!!!
Good Morning Mary!
My favorite embroidery stitch, at this point in my career, would have to be outline stitch, because of its versatility. It can be used on its own to stitch a line design, and it can be used to great effect in providing a line of contrasting color around applique. I do lots of applique! I have outlined with Appleton around wool applique, and with DMC around cotton needle-turn applique, and it always takes my project to the next level!
Thank you for the joy you bring to my days.
June House
Rehoboth MA
I think I like stem stitch the most, because it is easy haha!
My favorite stitch right now is the bullion stitch. It took awhile to master it but it was so worth the aggravation of learning how to do it. I love the dimensional effect it makes. Love that!!
Metallic threads are one of my go-tos when making smocked ornaments. They add just the right amount of ‘bling.’
My favourite stitch is the satin stitch for its depth & silkiness when touched.
My favorite just has to be satin stitch because the finished product when done well is just so impressive. But I think split stitch may be my favorite to actually stitch. I find splitting the thread so satisfying.
I love the back stitch. I can cram a bunch of them side by side to make an object look smooth or outline other elements of a design. It’s so versatile that I can use it in every way possible.
Oh WOW! I love sparkle but I do find metallic finicky to work with. What an amazing giveaway, thank you so much. I absolutely love lazy daisy (detached chain) stitch, because of the lovely simple flowers you can make with it!
Merry Christmas and Happy Holidays, Mary!
My favourite stitch has to be bullion knots. They look so pretty and are so versatile. They are fiddly but ultimately fun for me.
Thanks for the chance to win.
The chain stitch. It’s a simple stitch but takes practice to keep the stitches even. There’s something about an even stitched chain stitch that gives me great satisfaction.
My favorite is probably chain stitch it is so versatile and it was the first stitch I learned how to do taught by my mom and now she is on heaven and miss her so much
What a lovely giveaway! I have to confess I had yet to try metallics in a project, but I can’t wait. I’ve just read your Golden Pomegranate article, and that looks like a stunning project to try.
French knots! I’m kind of addicted 🙂
If you had to pick one (and only one) favorite embroidery stitch, what would it be, and why?
I am currently doing an awful lot of picots – fantastic and infuriating in one go. I’m doing a Kiriki alligator at the moment and there are a fair few of them.
I think stem stitch is my favourite stitch as it can be used in so many different ways. I especially love to “sketch” with it and then add a little bling. Simple I know but so effective.
I like the buttonhole/blanket stitch. I think it’s fun to stitch and adds a bit of interest to your piece.
The Herringbone stitch. Because by making small ones, close together, or big ones wider spread the effect is so different. If you want you could use it to fill a surface. This stitch is very versatile!
My favorite embroidery stitch is the french knot. It’s great for a filling stitch and very versatile as a stitch for
flowers, santa’s beard and much more. I use it in place of a bead, especially with metallic thread.
Thanks,
Teri
I love ❤️ French knots!!! I know they can be tricky but once you get the knack they are wonderful! Fill in an area, highlights, lines, they add physical texture and if you combine colors in your needle the visual texture is joyful! They look like little buns waiting for the oven!!
The next one I learn
I love stem stitch. It’s great for lines – single, double, triple, texture, wrapping, and it turns corners well. I prefer it to the back stitch because I like the heavier line on the surface of my project, rather than the reverse side.
Thank you Mary for arranging this each year! Haven’t won anything, but I enjoy seeing the variety of beautiful tools, threads, beads, and sparkly stuff.
Easy…the stem stitch!
Heavy chain stitch is my absolute favourite. I love the way it looks
I find that the Mountmellick stitch is very adaptable to many types of projects and adds a lovely finishing touch.
One of my all time favorite stitches that I learned from your YouTube videos is the Vandyke Stitch. I like to use is as a border to create a frame around something I’ve stitched. I’ve also used it to create the lines in letters.
Satin stitch. I knew immediately. I do love the straight and the stem, as well…
Thanks for your Christmas Give-Away! It always makes for an even merrier Christmas.
God bless us, every one!
My favourite is the stem stitch. It reminds me of my grandma. It was the first stitch I learnt; she showed me when she visited when I was about 8-9 years old. I thought what she was doing was magical and she shared her love of stitching with this one tiny bit of love. Thank you.
I have to stop myself from using stem stitch for everything. It’s easy to do, makes a nice line and curve and just adds a little something when I use it for outlining. That being said those sparkly metallic threads would look wonderful in a stem stitch! I love those.
My favorite embroidery stitch so far is the satin stitch. I am not great with it but when done correctly it turns the piece into a piece of art – smoothly shading in from one detail to the next.
It would have to be a multi-purpose stitch such as satin stitch that can re-invent itself for a variety of uses.
My current favourite is long and short stitch. After quite a while struggling with filling stitches, I’ve finally been successful with long and short in a recent project.
Stem stitch! So versatile and handy on curves. Looking forward to what others think. 🙂
Stem stitch is my choice because it is versatile. You can use it for outlining, lettering, filling, and even raised.
My favorite stitch is the French knot. You can use it for various effects….filling in the body of a sheep and it looks like curly fur/hair….it can act as a jewel on a crown or clothing. It is relaxing to make also and I always find a way to include French Knots in my embroidery.
Beautiful threads.
Having recently finished a slew of reversible blackwork projects, I would have to say the running stitch. When doing the return journey on the stitch, I love the feeling of ease that comes with it. The hard part has already been completed and now I can just sail along. It’s like a built-in vacation.
The rice stitch. It’s easy to get into the rhythm of it, and I like the texture of it.
My favorite embroidery stitch is the bullion. I love creating beautiful flowers with it.
I love working with metallics ( and glow in dark upholstery) threads, and would love to explore this extensive set!
Forgot to mention, I love the double chain stitch with the glow in dark thread!
Stem stitch is my go to stitch. Easy and attractive.
Currently, my favorite stitch is the stem stitch because I’m working a design with lots of curves:)
What a dilemma! Which stitch! Maybe Back stitch or perhaps running, or Stem stitch? Or Herringbone or Cbain. I think I would maybe choose dear old Stem stitch as it is very versatile. I could outline shapes, fill shapes, shade shapes, use different threads make it smaller larger or even wider. Merry Christmas Mary.
My favorite stitch is a French knot. I love the dimension it adds to my handwork.
One of my favourites is the wrapped backstitch–very simple, but offers so many options for wrapping or beading
Satin stitch. It can fill large areas and small areas and i so smooth and shiny.
My favourite stitch by a slim margin is stem stitch partially because it was the first stitch I learnt after the basics I already knew when I started learning embroidery specifically so it was sort of the first stitch unknown to me and I love learning new things and embroidery was such a revelation. Secondly because it’s so interesting and can produce interesting effects when stitched in different shapes and sizes, I love the little twist it produces too.
Satin stitch is my favourite stitch – if you can get it right, the effects are beautiful and stunning.
Hrm, favorite stitch … probably the jessica in all of it’s fine glorious variations.
My favorite embroidery stitch is sashiko due to its simplicity, minimalistic effect and therapeutic treat.
Mmmm, difficult, but I think the split back-stitch. It can be used in a variety of ways, and is easy to get the hang of!
Hi….my one stitch would be the cross stitch.
Thank you for the opportunity to win!
One favorite stitch? Like asking about my favorite child . . . but it would probably be the Queen Stitch. It gives texture and richness to any project, can be used as a pulled stitch or not, depending on how you need it to look–and it’s lovely in a metallic thread!
Wow, that is a tough one but I would have to go with cross stitch. Great for a little project when I need something fast and easy. But I love how a picture emerges on a large project. And then there are all the variations and how the look can change with a different size.
Lazy Daisy. One of the first stitches I learned and still a favorite.
This may seem funny, but one of my favorite stitches is the double running stitch. This is because, of course, I love doing Blackwell!!
My favorite stitch is the french knot. I think the final product looks like a tiny rose and I find the process relaxing. The knots give my work lovely texture.
My favorite embroidery stitch is the bullion knot. I especially like the variety of ways they can be used to create realistic looking flowers and insects.
My favourite stitch is the chain stitch because it can be embellished in beautiful ways.
Everyone like a but of bling especially this gorgeous bling.
Everyone likes a but of bling especially this gorgeous bling.
My fav stitch is herringbone. It’s so versatile..hemming clothes decorating stitcheries.
Chain stitch, since it is easy to do, is versatile, and it always looks good.
The Split Stitch, it has so many uses and is quick to work up.
My favourite embroidery stitch is blanket stitch , because it not only serves a useful purpose for hemming and edging and can be quite plain , but also has some attractive variations which I like not only for blankets , but also for more decorative embroidery on Crazy Quilting and such like .
My favourite stitch is stem stitch. It can be used for narrow outlines, stitched closely together to fill large areas or raised to give texture.
My favourite stitch is stem stitch because it is so relaxing, and meditative.
My favourite stitch is the long and short stitch. Needle painting is what got me into embroidery in the first place, although I’ve expanded into other techniques as well.
My favorite is the versatile stem dtitch.
If I had to choose one stitch it would be French knots. At first I could them really hard to do, but I’ve realised that even when not five correctly they can be nice and effective.
Super hard to pick one stitch! But I love to do french knots, so I will go with that.
Hello friends
Christmas is approaching …
A different Christmas away from the one we love but still we need to remember that if we are not together it is because we need to take care of each other ….
The point I would choose if I only had one would be chain stitch.
I think this point versatile, it serves very well for curves and straight; looks wonderful in contours and fills. Its size can be varied giving different effects . I can even use two colors !!! Anyway it is complete!
This is my favorite stitch!!!!
Those Au Ver a Soie metallics are luscious. The colors are so beautiful. It was nice to learn more about them. My favorite stitch is the queen stitch. I enjoy stitching the stitch and the pattern it produces. Happy Holidays.
If I had to pick a stitch it would be bullion stitch . I have just mastered how to do it properly and I love it especially when done in silk it just glimmers
Favorite stitch is the Colonial Knot. Individually or grouped, it always looks great. I don’t always have the beads I need for a project but this knot works just fine.
Choosing a favorite stitch is like having to choose a favorite child! Guess I would have to pick the satin stitch because it is so dramatic when well done. However, I love a small back stitch because I can control the stitching so well. Perhaps I have twin favorites!
At the moment, satin stitch is far and away my favourite stitch. It’s just so beautiful. I’m known how to do it for many years, and managed a passable version, but in the last year I’ve finally managed to do a few satin stitch elements that I was very proud of. Every time I look at them, I’m amazed at how simple cotton thread can take on such a beautiful shine.
My favorite embroidery stitch is the Palestrina knot because it is fun to do, looks different with various threads, and it is very versatile—for outlining shapes or to use as stems in floral motifs.
Favorite stitch that is a hard one. But one I loved as a child and still love is the lazy daisy stitch because I liked to make flowers with it. I liked the way it looped around and was tacked down.
My favorite embroidery stitch is the cross stitch. There is a lot of possibilities to create wonderful pictures with just one simple stitch.
I think I would choose the outline stitch because it can be used in different ways.
I really like the chain/lazy daisy stitch! It’s like a magic trick.
Again with the tough questions! After deliberation, I choose Holbein stitch as my favorite because it is reversible and because you can use it for filling (kind of like a blackwork technique) or outline. (That was my conundrum – most outline stitches [like stem stitch] don’t make a great filling and most filling stitches [like Parisian or Hungarian grounding] won’t work well for an an outline.) That turned out to be an interesting thought experiment. Thanks!
One of my favorite embroidery projects is a crewel bell pull, completed years ago when I was in high school for a history project, worked predominately in chain stitch.
Chain stitch is a pretty filler for backgrounds and running stems, and flowers, so I would have to say chain stitch!
(But I do love a french knot filled background! – I know only one!!)
I love to do the button hole stitch! It can be used as flowers or to frame your work!
Hands down, bullion knots! Dramatic, and everyone thinks they are hard to do!
My fav stitch is the Algerian eyelet. I love the symmetry of the perfect square and small whole it creates. It reminds me of when I was a little girl and I had two white eyelet tops for summer. I must have been 6 or 7 but still remember how much I loved wearing them! I finished The Lord’s Prayer sampler in 2019 and it had hundreds of eyelets, and I loved stitching every one of them.
Only one Stitch- it’d have to be stem stitch or outline stitch. From outlines to filling spaces, I can find ways to make it so what I want.
My favorite stitch is the stem stitch. I love how it adds texture and it’s so versatile.
My favorite stitch is 4 Sided Stitch because I just realized it can be made from or to any direction, from left to right, down to up, etc. and in any combination thereof but I don’t know how to do all that yet! Also I like the geometric-lacy look of it.
Bullion stitch because of the lovely roses you can make with it.
My favorite stitch is the Queen Stitch: I enjoy the rhythm of the stitch and the texture. I really fell in love with it when I stitched Merry Cox’s sailor’s huswife twice
*ONE STITCH*
Oh my goodness what a question! I think I would have to choose satin stitch for its versatility? The loss of complex texture could be regained with rich shading.
Merry Christmas and Happy Holidays to all. Stay safe out there.
Hello Mary:
My favorite embroidery stitch is Hardanger. I like the evenness of counted threadwork but find cross stich boring. I also love cutting away the fabric and doing needleweaving to fill in the holes.
Stem stitch, it’s just so versatile.
My favorite stitch is the stem stitch. I think because it was the main stitch my grandmother could teach me nearly 60 years ago. Thank you Mary, for doing this give ed away for us.
Hi Mary, what a lovely give away. My favorite stitch is definitely stem stitch because you can use it as an outline stitch or to fill in a pattern and the most important thing: it is an easy stitch that works up quick.
My favorite stitch is stem stitch – I just really like how it looks!
Absolutely beautiful threads and those needle threads are so cute.
Hard to pick one favorite stitch but if I have to it is the bullion knot. I love the shapes and textures that can be achieved with different variations of the bullion stitch.
Stem stitch! It seems like whenever I don’t know what stitch to use, stem stitch works.
My very favourite stitch is Hungarian braid stitch! I love using it with various types of threads making it so versatile as a line stitch . It is my go to stitch when creating a line that needs to be thicker than stem stitch!
My favorite stitch of the moment is fishbone, I am having great fun just playing with variations based on the length of the stitches while making small leaves. Though if we’re going by what I’ve actually done the most of, it’s cross stitch by a longshot, followed by backstitch and lazy daisies!
Stem stitch done in shiny thread is great as it adds extra depth and dimension with the light catching it.
I’m a magpie, anything sparkly and shiny threads especially for Xmas decorations. They add an extra dimension.
My favourite stitch? So many to choose from – I suppose it has to be the French Knot. So satisfying when it comes out right! And so versatile, depending on how many loops of the needle I make. I really like it.
My favorite embroidery stitch, hands down, is feather stitch. It’s easy to stitch, and has numerous variations, so it can be leaves, coral, trees, or outlines–love it!
So hard to choose one stitch, as someone who started in cross stitch and is now learning goldwork! I think I would have to say long and short.
If I were marooned on a desert island & I had needle, cloth & thread but I had only learned one stitch I would hope it would be the chain stitch. It’s so useful.
This is a great giveaway! Thanks for the generosity.
I think I’d choose stem stitch – it’s so versatile. You can outline with it, or pack rows together to fill a shape. You can whip it for a heavier line or add a bead into it for texture.
My favourite embroidery stitch is stem stitch since I was shown to work it properly.
Probably satin stitch. It’s so versatile and I love the look.
Chain stitch would be by choice; as an individual stitch or a line ( and it curves so beautifully too ) it is very useful – plus it can be varied in so many ways! In addition there is a lovely straight stitch on the reverse!
One stitch – only one stitch – that’s hard.
Smyrna Cross because of the lovely texture and how much you can do with it using multiple colors and threads.
Thanks for all you do, Mary!
Define your terms. I’m getting an immense amount of pleasure out of whipping back stitch, so in some ways that, but it wouldn’t be my pick for the only stitch I could use – I’d probably go for stem, in part because you’ve opened my eyes to its potential
I would have to choose the straight stitch, so humble, and yet in Hardanger, repeated over and over, it creates such beauty; also in long and short stitch, just straight stitches, but done in subtle color variations, the straight stitch can be exquisite!
My favorite stitch is split stitch. It was the first stitch I was taught to use as a surface filling stitch for the crewel work Hummel kits I was given as a teenager. Now I use it to outline shapes to give a defined edge before using other filling stitches over the top. It’s a stitch that wants for even stitch length to look it’s best.
Believe it or not, plain old running stitch! Think kantha…so meditative and so textural… Or if I have to choose a “proper” embroidery stitch, it would be feather stitch.
Sadly, my go to stitch is the backstitch. But i can do some really small motifs and designs
I like queen stitch. I like geometric stitches and this one really pleases me with the effect it gives. It also takes a bit of concentration to keep the tension even over a large piece.
It’s hard to choose, but I must admit that I love the Rhodes stitch and its variations. They look complex, but aren’t. They always add a nice, slightly dimensional interest to whatever the stitched piece is.
My favorite embroidery stitch is French Knots. I love the texture!
It is hard to pick only one but I think I like the bullion stitch the best. It makes the most beautiful roses.
oof, you ask the most difficult questions! I am very fond of chain stitch though, especially whipped chain stitch (which works beautifully with sparkly metallics, incidentally!)
Gosh only one!! The first that came to mind was lazy daisy. I like to make flowers or stems with it.
Whilst it is not the prettiest stitch I would say my favourite stitch is long and short stitch because of the gorgeous designs that can be created, almost photographic! It is also very therapeutic blending the colours!
Thank you Mary for the opportunity to win these gorgeous metallic threads.
I started embroidering in March of this year and have made a few Christmas-themed pieces using another brand of metallic thread but only in basic colors…not the awesome collection shown here. My fingers and toes are crossed!!! 🙂
Oh MY!
It’s all so pretty! Since I have become obsessed with embroidery, the photos made my eyes glaze over!
I would LOVE to win something, I’m not usually that lucky, but I think it was Rod Stewart who said, “Good luck is for those who believe they have it!”
So I will believe!
Judy
My favorite stitch is a whipped back stitch because it is so smooth and consistent
I am terribly boring. I like the old tried and true stem stitch. It is thoughtless for me, so I can pay attention to whatever else is going on if I want to. It is versatile in that I can use varying weights of thread to emphasize or just to contain.
As a beginner I chose to quilt my mothers Americana throw with red,blue,silver verigated metallic thread. Let’s just say a lesson learned. The quilt was finished it just took quite a bit longer because of metallic thread. And now I only use it for my embroidery.
My favourite stitch is the fishbone stitch. I like it for its versatility in filling shapes such as leaves and working out how to fill the parts left out.
It looks like I agree with several others, stem stitch would be the one that I would pick.
My favorite stitch is the stem/outline stitch. It’s the very first embroidery stitch that I learned over 50 years ago doing pillowcase embroidery and I love to stitch with it- it is so versatile. This is a wonderful give away, thank you for the opportunity to win. It’s also a lot of fun!
Today my favorite embroidery stitch is chain stitch because there are so many different things you can do to it and with it. Of course, next week I may have a different favorite. Love metallic threads. They add so much to stitching.
Pick one and only one embrodery stitch? My favorite stitch is the Montenegrin but that’s not a practical choice that lends itself to a lot of uses. To get the maximum use, I would pick the straight stitch. It can be used in long/short stitching, satin stitch, to do lines and a number of other things.
I think I would have to say the simple stem stitch is my favorites because of its utility and versatility. All those gorgeous metallics offered now at the French Needle make me swoon! I have many of the colors they offer as I work on Christmas gifts! GORGEOUS threads!
I think the Rhodes heart has a cool effect. Thanks for doing the give-a-ways again this year!
French Knots – they add texture, can be built up to make a feature, can be anything from flowerstamens to fruit like blackberries.
The stem stitch would be my go-to stitch because, when all else fails or eludes, the stem stich is there; easy to do; works as a straight or curvy line; can be doubled, tripled, or more, (in one or more colors/shades to create variety, depth, etcetera.
Hello! My favorite stitch is the chain stitch. I love it as a heavier outline but also as a way to fill in spaces. If I’m using a typical 6 thread piece of floss, I can vary the thickness and the effect of the stitch. You can also stitch it very closely or make larger loops, which can be filled in with a single straight stitch or a french knot.
The threads sound delightful and the needle threaders are beautiful. Thanks so much for sharing your expertise using various threads, especially the metallics. Also, it is really helpful when your articles include links to vendors you recommend, such as this one.
Merry Christmas!
My favorite embroidery stitch is the stem stitch. It is a very versatile stitch. It is easy to make all the stitches even and it’s one of the first stitches I learned.
I recently placed an order for some Au Ver a Soie threads. I’ve been so stuck on DMC’s basic flosses for years and have wanted to try other threads. I haven’t received them yet, but I look forward to trying them.
I believe my favorite is the outline stitch and the satin stitch
My favorite stitch is the backstitch. It can either give definition to a design, separates sections of the same color, or gives an illusion of movement. Those metallics are beautiful. I’ll have to try them sometime soon.
ok, now I have to try these threads!!! great article…
My favorite stitch is chain stitch which can be used in a variety of interesting configerations.
Greetings dear Ms Mary Corbet and wonderful readers,
I don’t even know how to make most of the more advanced stitches yet – have a very small repertoire to date. So, my comments are very inexperienced musings! Nevertheless, it does seem like simple line stitches serve as the basis of so much beauty. Not just simple outlines and accents, but all of satin stitch, long & short stitch are made with simple lines. That is simple on a single stitch basis, of course! the cumulative effect can be stunning when done with love, care, & expertise.
Thank you again for the opportunity to experience some threads new to me. I did use a tiny length of Diamante thread in a project – it was difficult and magical! I hope someday to do some of the snowflakes. It would be an honor to use the actual threads.
laura
My favourite stitch is satin stitch,it looks so smooth and satisfying.
My favorite stitch is four sided stitch, because it’s the first ‘proper’ stitch I learnt (after cross stitch) and always reminds me of the special woman who took me under her wing to teach me embroidery, aged just over 14 years old. Which has given me over 50 years of pleasure, solace and many, many friends around NZ.
LA from NZ
If you had to pick one (and only one) favorite embroidery stitch, what would it be, and why?
I’m a cross-stitcher so I’ll stick with my trusty old friend, the crossed stitch. I like playing with other stitches and have been learning from The Leafy Tree kit, but this is my go-to stitch and it hasn’t let me down in 25+ years of stitching.
Thanks so much to you and your gift-away sponsors. 🙂
Hard to pick only one, but I guess satin stitch because it fits anywhere.
I think stem stitch would have to be my pick as it can be used in so many ways. There are many other stitches I like as well but an entire embroidery could be done in just stem stitch and still look stunning.
I guess splitstitch ist the most rewarding for me, it is stitching with light with the right thread.
I think I would have to say the stem stitch is my favorite….you can use it almost anywhere, followed second by the french knot which is so very beautiful
As I am new to embroidery, any time I can get away with a back stitch, it is a good thing. I need time to work on being consistent with my needlework, but that will come.
My favorite stitch would have to be stem stitch.
My favourite would be blanket stitch as it is so versatile.
I love the old basic stitches, stem stitch for me as it gives those lovely smooth lines
French knots! I love this very cute stitch. Every time I see them used, it makes me smile!
My favorite stitch has always been the French Knot! I’ve used it as an accent and as a filler. I once made a whole piece with just French Knots.
As a fairly new embroiderer, I love so many of the stitches, but if I have to pick just one I would say I love the look and versatility of the STEM stitch—especially the method I learned from you. Thanks for this chance to win the metallic au ver a soie. I just love metallics and I’m anxious to try stitching with a metallic thread that won’t be difficult to work with.
It would be such a nice gift to myself to receive one of these prizes. It would help motivate me into trying to accomplish some type of metallic or gold work project as a gift for my church. Both giveaways look so inviting. Thank you .
My favorite stitch is stem stitch. It works so well for so many things. Most of the things I made growing up (towels, pillow cases) were almost always stem stitch with some running stitch or French knots thrown in for variety. I honestly didn’t know the variety of stitches for surface embroidery until the net took off.
My favorite embroidery stitch is stem stitch, because it is so easy and versatile!
Blanket stich is my favorite stitch. Versatile and beautiful.
I love padded satin stich. It gives a lovely puffy splash of color.
My favorite embroidery stitch is the french knot because of the texture created.
Beautiful threads! Like so many others, I would have to choose stem stitch as my favourite stitch-it’s so versatile and I find it very satisfying to do.
I love French knots for the texture and effect they add to a project and because they’re just fun to do.
I think my choice would be stem stitch. It can do almost anything. You can outline with it, side by side it can be used as a filler. You can use it for letters and numbers. Around 1972, I used it for multiple projects with silk buttonhole twist thread and stem stitch . Thank you Mary for these wonderful give-aways.
My favorite stitch is stem stitch – simple, but so pretty, and really fun to work!
Everyone needs more sparkle in their life..
I think my favourite stitch would be the satin stitch. It always looks so beautiful reflecting the light and it makes me slow down and place my stitches carefully when I’m working satin stitch.
If I had to choose one stitch, it would be the French knot. I love making it to add dimension to my embroidery, Small, large, with floss or with silk ribbon. I can make so many flowers with it.
My favorite embroidery stitch is the feather stitch. Years ago my mom made a large velour quilt for me and she did the feather stitch between each square. She is gone now and I treasure it dearly!
Cindy Matz
Hi Mary, thanks for running this fun competition again!!
I think my favourite stitch would have to be Holbein stitch. It gives such a lovely line on both sides and can really finish a project by giving a precise line around the sewing.
My favourite stitch is stem stitch. I could closely space them to use as a filler and I find that this stitch gives me a smoother look than back stitch.
I like the Rhodes stitches because they look so much more complicated to stitch than they are. It is my Birthday today so it would be great to win either of these fantastic prizes.
Impossible to choose just one: I’m a sucker for any knotted stitch – so maybe the coral or palestrina stitch
My favorite stitch is the French knot. I could do French knots all day long, whether as an outline, as a collection of buds, in a sampler, or in any other project. When I was about 10 or 11 years old, I bought my mother a full-size, stamped tablecloth to be embroidered. It called for all kinds of wonderful stitches, running stitch, back stitch, straight stitch, stem stitch, chain stitch, and probably a few more. And then it had lots of French knots. A French knot was a stranger to me, and a friend of my mother’s, Christa, taught me. There were so many French knots that I really learned how to do and love them. I bought the tablecloth probably in October, and could not find enough spare time to finish secretly in time for Christmas. Christa took pity on me, and helped embroider the tablecloth by December 24.
Cross-stitch would have to be my favourite stitch – it’s the one I keep going back to, and it can be used for either a small or large project.
Without hesitation, I would say chain stitch.
It is much harder to say why, though. I think I get great satisfaction from the overall effect of a line of chain stitch when all the links are *exactly* the same size. There is probably something very Freudian about that !
Mine would be the satin stitch because you can use it in so many ways.