The 12 Basic Stitches and Color Wheel Sampler

The 12 Basic Stitches using the Color Wheel

Hand embroidery does not demand you to learn hordes of stitches to create beautiful samplers and work on a project. So, if you are a beginner, do not get intimidated by the sheer number of stitches that there are. In fact, many of the projects are done using just a few basic stitches which have stood the test of time. Most other stitches are variations or a ‘build-up’ over these basic stitches. For me, there are 12 basic stitches that are easy to learn and use. If you know these 12 basic stitches, you are ready to make beautiful hand embroidery samplers.

This project is great for beginners to hand embroidery and a fun one for advanced learners. Apart from introducing you to the 12 basic hand embroidery stitches, I have added one more component to it – the color wheel. While choosing colors for your hand embroidery projects, the color wheel can help you to decide good color combinations for your crafting projects. For a quick lesson on how the color wheel can help you to decide on a color palette for your project, just go here.

I have used the 12 basic stitches to stitch a color wheel, making it a great reference for you! So, let’s begin!

Things you need:

1. A white cotton fabric
2. An embroidery hoop – size 6″ or more
3. Embroidery needle
4. Embroidery floss in the 12 colors from the color wheel – Red, Vermilion, Orange, Amber, Yellow, Chartreuse-Green, Green, Jade, Blue, Purple, Violet, Magenta

Fig 1: Start by mounting a white piece of cotton fabric onto an embroidery hoop. I have used a 6″ hoop. I would suggest you also use the same size or bigger. Learn how to use an embroidery hoop here.	Fig 2: Now, divide the area into 12 equal parts. Each part will hold a stitch from the list of the 12 basic stitches. Here, I have used a pencil to mark the sections.

Now, let us begin the stitches. Each stitch will be done in a color from the color wheel. You can refer the colors from the color wheel I have shown above. Make sure you place the colors in the same sequence, even if you do the stitches randomly.

Just click on the stitch names to go to the step-by-step tutorial of each stitch.

 

	Running Stitch: This is the most basic of all the stitches. With simple stabs up and down the fabric, you can make rows of straight stitches that can be used for outlines and fillings. There are traditional embroidery forms that depend solely on this stitch!
	Cross Stitch: This stitch is not only great for fillings on tightly woven fabric but also will help you to get introduced to Cross Stitch Embroidery done over aida/ even weave fabric.
	Herringbone Stitch: This easy stitch can be used fabulously for easy fillings, especially for flowers and leaves. They take on curves easily and can quickly become one of your favorite stitch.
	Chain Stitch: This popular stitch can make great outlines and fillings. The Chain Stitch has been popular with many cultures. This is a looped stitch. Try it with threads of different thicknesses.
	Back Stitch: I love this stitch for making outlines! Back Stitch has been replacing the Stem Stitch popularly, especially in Hoop Embroidery Art.
	Stem Stitch: This  is another great stitch used often for outlining, but it is also a good stitch for fillings! It gives a smooth seamless look and takes on curves easily when done correctly.
	Blanket Stitch: This stitch started off as a stitch to secure the ends of the fabric to prevent the threads of the rough edges from fraying. It then made it’s way to hand embroidery projects to create fillings and texture.
	Lazy Daisy: I added this stitch to the 12 basic stitches because this detached stitch can help in creating various patterns, fillings, and motifs. I have used this stitch to make flowers as an example.
	Satin Stitch: This stitch creates a smooth filling. It is simple to stitch and could take time to perfect.
	Woven Spider Wheel: It is the only ‘woven’ stitch in this list. Since it resembles a rose flower, it has become popular in floral embroidery patterns. Use it for making flowers or patterns that involves a nice filled circle. Either way, it is a great way to get introduced to the woven stitches.
	Feather Stitch: This stitch kind of falls in-between the Chain Stitch and the Blanket Stitch. It is a great stitch to create textures and fill patterns.
	French Knot: No list will be complete without the French Knot. This stitch can be used for fillings in various densities and to add a great texture. You need to use both your hands to make the knots but is not difficult. In fact, once learnt, it can be quite addictive!
	And in the end, your sampler will look like this. Use it as a reference for the different basic stitches as well as a color wheel! I filled in the center with spokes of black color.

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For more guidance on colors and stitches

Choosing colors

12 Basic Stitches

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Learn the 12 Basic stitches from our Hand Embroidery Book

Find 10 different printable patterns and a pincushion project to learn and apply these 12 Basic Stitches in a fun way.

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