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!
Learn to do Leaf Stitch in 2 minutes!
Use this stitch on a pattern
Visit and Subscribe to Sarah’s YouTube Channel
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
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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!!