Seed Stitch is also known as
Rice grain stitch / Rice Stitch [EN], Puntada de semillas [ES], Point de sable [FR], Samenstich [DE], Punto seme [IT], Ponto de semente [PT].
How to do the Seed Stitch
This stitch uses simple Running Stitches in a single direction to fill in patterns. Visually, it is more or less like the Darning Stitch, but there is a slight difference – it has shorter stitches above the fabric and longer stitches on the reverse side. They remind of strawberry seeds, probably, which inspired its name. Often Seed Stitch is often used interchangeably with the Rice Stitch due to the similarity in its nature and name. They are essentially the same – only, variants of each other. I am going to work inside a leaf-like pattern to demonstrate this stitch and its use. Seed Stitch adds texture to the fabric while adding strength to it.
 |
 |
| Fig 1: Make rows of short Running Stitches as illustrated. You need not do row after row, as long as the strawberry seed pattern is more or less maintained. | Fig 2: Try not to bend with the curves of the pattern. The rows of running stitch should essentially be done in straight lines. |
Learn this stitch using the 3SAT Sitting Bird pattern
Learn Hand Embroidery Stitches | Reverse Chain Stitch, Long Tailed Daisy, Rice Stitch/ Seed Stitch
Visit and Subscribe to Sarah’s YouTube Channel
Learn this stitch and 305 other stitches from our 600-page eBook.
Sarah has been researching and sharing hand embroidery lessons for over 17 years, making it accessible to everyone around the globe.
Is there an easy way?
Just this. Drawing the stitch lines should help.☺️
When you see this you feel that is easy but for me is really hard to do it by the way
Hi Christine,
To make it easier, just check out how to do the Running Stitch. This is Running stitch back and forth. It is ok if you cannot follow the ‘brick’ formation. You will get it as you practice more. 🙂
https://www.embroidery.rocksea.org/stitch/running-stitch/running-stitch/
First of all, I love your site… it’s a lot of work to put together a project like this.
There is another stitch that is called “seed stitch”. It is two short back stitches worked beside each other, giving a small round dot. It was often used as a ground stitch in blackwork and jacobean embroidery, instead of knots. The effect would be similar to your seed stitch from any distance.
It would not be surprising that different traditions ended up giving the same name to a stitch that gave a similar effect. When it was done randomly (like the rice stitch) is was sometimes called “speckling stitch”, too.
So many stitches, so little time 🙂
Thank you for this information, Jane! I think I will add it to the stitch dictionary. I totally agree- So many stitches, so little time 🙂
how to do crow foot stitch and what is over casting stitch??
Hello, Sarah ~
I’m starting a new project with a pattern that does not provide suggestions for the stitches to be used for each part. (It’s a partridge in a pear tree; I’m starting early for the holidays.)
The pear, as far as I can make out from the photograph, is made with seed stitch — but done with two different colors. How is that accomplished? Do you just fill in half with random stitches, then switch to the other color and continue? Or is there some secret method, known only to an Enchantress of Embroidery?
With kind regards ~
Deborah
Hi Deborah.
Like you said, you fill half with random rice stitches in one color, then switch to the other color and continue. Hehe…no secret method!
Well Sarah it is really hard for me and can asked
This question where do you live
😍
🎊
Hi Christine. We are right now in Washington, USA.
Dear Sarah,
God Bless you. Thank you very much for such a lovely support on line.
Take care
thankyou sarah i will try this seed stitch.Happy Navarathri sarah , rocksea Have a nice day .takecare.
I have been looking for the chevron stitch… where is it please
Sandy
I love your site..
Your site is great! I’m almost 60, and looking for a “new” hobby to pick up.
Thank you for your easy instructions.
I am doing a some stitches in my kurti but it is not looking like so much fruitful. please suggest some stitches corresponding with run stitch.
So much help ful sister
I need to know how to put hand embroidery in a blouse. Please reply as soon as possible.
Dear Thivya,
I don’t know which part of the blouse you want the embroidery in. I asume you are asking for a saree blouse.
There are a lot many types of embroidery on a blouse depending on the kind of look you want it to have and also how it might complement the saree. You can try kutch work or, mirror work or, even kasuti.
i want zardhosi work
I can’t tell you how much I appreciated your site. I has been desperately looking for good kasuti designs, especially after my recent trip to Karnataka. Fancy finding some good basic work here. Thanks.
Anasuya,
Thanks a lot. 🙂