As the name tells, this is a stitch exclusively used to make leaves. The simple satin stitch is used in a particular way to fill in a leaf to give it a more realistic appearance. Therefore, this stitch is used commonly in crewel embroidery and, especially, in Brazilian embroidery.
If you know the Satin Stitch, this tutorial will be super easy! I will be working on a leaf pattern divided into two sections vertically.
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| Fig 1: Trace a pattern of leaf and draw the middle vein as shown. I have marked the stitch lines as A,B,C. Now start working on the satin stitch between the stitch lines A and B. |
Fig 2: Start from the broader end to the tapering end. Make sure not to leave any spaces between two stitches, and to keep the edges as neat as possible. |
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| Fig 3: Once you finish one side, turn around and begin the next side. You will gradually see that the vein of the leaf shows up, giving it a realistic appearance. | Fig 4: A finished leaf would look like this. You can try to make the leaf with different shades on either side to get a different effect. |
Related Projects
Do you want to know where and how to use this stitch? Check out the projects below to know more!
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Leaf Embroidery
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Flower Embroidery
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Learn to do Leaf Stitch in 2 minutes!
Use this stitch on a pattern
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I made this rose for the friend I sent your site to. She was going to send me some patterns and I told her that as longg as she put them on here, she i not not need to send them. I also told her that I would make the rose for her. She said she like to use it for a pillow, so I added some leaves and sent it to her today. Hope you like what I’ve done.. The cnt3r of the rose is a big french knot. AGAIN, THANK YOU FOR BEING THERE. I COULD NEVER HAVE DONE THIS WITHOUT YOUR TUTORIAL ADVICE.
Wow ! I have just discovered your wen site. It’s amazing, incredible, brilliant ! Your instructions are so clear and easy to follow…..Ive only just started hand embroidery and you have helped enormously. Thank you so much xx
Thank you for writing, Lesley. We are happy that you are enjoying our pages. Your embroidery looks beautiful! Keep posting more- we’d love to see and it is an inspiration to the others.😊
Thank you, Rimsha. This is beautiful!!
This website is incredible. What a labour of love … and an invaluable resource for both novice and experienced embroiderers.
Thank you for sharing it with us.
🙂 Thank you Colleen!!