Also known as : Fly Stitch Filling
This stitch is done using rows of horizontal fly stitches in a particular symmetry to fill an area. Visually, it is similar to the trellis stitch.
You need to know fly stitch to be able to continue with this tutorial. Knowing closed fly stitch will be an advantage. I will be working between a series of horizontal parallel stitch lines.
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| Fig 1: Make a horizontal row of fly stitch as shown. The fly stitch should have a very short tail or anchor, so as to give it a V shape. You can refer the closed fly stitch tutorial for this. | Fig 2: Now, start the next horizontal row of fly stitch below the previous one. This row would look like a mirror image of the first one. The anchors of the fly stitches in the second row would fall over the anchors of the ones on the first row. They look like crosses pinned down in the middle. |
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| Fig 3: Continue making rows of fly stitches to fill up the entire area to be covered. The illustration shows a sample of four rows. Each row would mirror the previous row. |
Sarah has been researching and sharing hand embroidery lessons for over 17 years, making it accessible to everyone around the globe.
Thanks
Sarah,
Thank you for this site. Your visual tutorials are excellent. I am trying to match the embroidery in the image at this site, but am unable to ascertain what stitch has been used. It appears similar to your crossed fly stitch filling, but where yours has little anchor stitches, these appear to anchor under the fabric itself.
http://www.medievalsilkwork.com/2011/05/embroidered-border-for-my-birgitta-cap.html
Is it just a modified crossed fly filling? Completely different stitch? Thanks in advance.
Star
Hi Star Kaat.
Yes, you are right. The stitch in the image looks similar to the crossed fly stitch filling, except for the anchors. Yes, like you said, the stitches in the image goes under the fabric to create the effect. Can I say it is a modified crossed fly filling?….maybe and maybe not. Maybe because, it gives a similar appearance and is easier to execute. Maybe not because, the anchoring is an essential part of fly stitch, so this is just a well done zig zag running stitch.
Hope I gave you some ideas. 🙂
thank you for teaching me in stiches sarah 🙂
thank you!
Sarah! What in invaluable resource! Thank you so much for all the work you’ve obviously put into this. As a beginner (and very enthusiastic!) ebroiderer, it was a thrill to find.
Thanks again!
Dear Melinda,
Thanks. 🙂 It makes all the work worthwhile when we get to know that you have been enjoying our pages, especially as a beginner.
Hiiii
Cant tell how much happy I was to find ur website on embroidery for beginners. I always was interested in creative work since childhood..but got busy with studies and stuff..now when all that was over…wanted to start embroidering..but had no one who could teach me basics.
Now i can learn online 🙂 thanks to u…
Dear Sharmishtha,
I’m greatly delighted to know that you are able to find our pages good enough to revive and pursue your artistic side. 🙂 Hope you enjoy stitching and learning from all the new pages that will be uploaded as well.
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