Stitch leaves using the Closed Herringbone Stitch.
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This pretty and simple leaf is inspired by the leaves of the Bottle Brush Tree. The Closed Herringbone Stitch provides a quick and hassle-free filling for any kind of leaves. It takes on curves easily and creates a great texture. This pattern is great to be done as a single leaf or scatter around a larger area of fabric.
How to embroider leaves using the Closed Herringbone Stitch
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| Fig 1: Get your fabric, hoop, and threads ready. I am using a 4″ hoop and will use 3 strands of thread. | Fig 2: Start from one end of the leaf with the Closed Herringbone Stitch. I prefer to begin from the middle and work outward. |
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| Fig 3: Keep stitching keeping to the outlines. | Fig 4: Finish the petal by taking the needle in through the tip for the last stitch. |
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| Fig 5: Finish all the leaves. | Fig 6: Now, you can work the stem. I have used the Back Stitch. |
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| Fig 7: Our leaf is done! If you wish, you can work an outline using the Stem Stitch or the Back Stitch around each leaf. |
Tips to make your embroidered leaf beautiful
- Start from the inside and work outward.
- For a finishing, end by working an outline around the petal using a straight line stitch like the Stem Stitch or the Back Stitch.
Related Projects
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Flower Embroidery
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Leaf Embroidery
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Sarah has been researching and sharing hand embroidery lessons for over 17 years, making it accessible to everyone around the globe.
Very efficiently done but a not so easy stitch. Very effective piece of herringbone work. Love it.
Thank you, Lalitha.
A beautifully executed Heringbone leaf. I will have to try it. Thank you for sharing
Hi. Sarah’s
Very nice. I like it. Amazing work.
Thank you.
From Ms Khoo hooi bin
I love the texture, movement, and simplicity of this lovely stitch as you demonstrated so well. I see it in embroidered clothing in portraiture, too. Thank you, Sarah!
Happy that you liked it, Kim! 🙂
THANK YOU SO VERY MUCH (AGAIN!!)
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