How to learn embroidery stitches galore

If you've admired the gorgeous embroidery seen on Instagram, Facebook and Pinterest and wish you could stitch those beauties, we're here to tell you that YOU CAN. It's as simple as:

1.  Learning the stitches
2.  Combining different fibers for different textural effects
3.  Practicing
4.  Then using your newfound knowledge to create patterns

Ok the last part can be more challenging, so just focus on steps 1 through 3 if you're beginning. A new pattern series from PIecemakers—the huge store in Costa Mesa, California—will help you get started. Their "Stitches Galore" patterns focus on the most popular and basic stitches you should know as well as give you actual projects that combine the stitches. 

We love how they have combined different fibers, beads, etc to create more visual interest; something that is not hard to do at all and takes your stitches from basic to stunning. "We appreciate the quality of your products and recommend them highly," Shivaun from Piecemakers told us about using Kreinik threads in the designs. 

Look for the STITCHES GALORE series from Piecemakers or other online sources (notes in italics are our commentary):

1. Volume 1, Number 1: Buttonhole Stitch Combinations (a basic beauty)
2. Volume 1, Number 2: Chain Stitch Combinations (another basic that can be used in so many ways)
3. Volume 1, Number 3: Herringbone Stitch Combinations (classic linear/traveling stitch)
4. Volume 1, Number 4: Zigzag Detached Chain Stitch Combinations (these look really elaborate but are easily done)
5. Volume 1, Number 5: Cretan Stitch Combinations (anyone know the origin of that stitch name?)
6. Volume 1, Number 6: Feather Stitch Combinations (one of the best for creating foliage)
7. Volume 1, Number 7: More Cretan Stitch Combinations (definitely a counting stitch)
8. Volume 1, Number 8: Bugs, Bees and Butterflies (let's be honest, this is the most fun)
9. Volume 1, Number 9: Chevron Stitch Combinations (a useful foundation stitch)
10. Volume 1, Number 10: Ribbed Stitch And More (shown in the pumpkin photo in our post)
11. Volume 1, Number 11: Cross Stitch Combinations (fun to see this basic stitch worked in different ways)
12. Volume 1, Number 12: Holbein Stitch Combinations (it's so much more than a straight-line stitch)

This is a great time of year to learn new stitches and to explore embroidery ideas. Once you start combining your favorites, you will create gorgeous designs. Have fun!