Stem Stitch

Make your first stitch. Bring the needle out through the fabric on your traced line at A, and back down on the line at B. This will create a loop on the surface, which you need to lay and hold over to the right of your line on the fabric. Keep hold of the loop on the right so it stays out of the way while you make the next stitch. Bring your needle up at point C, on the traced line and in the centre of your first stitch, then take the thread to the left of your stitch. Pull the thread through completely to finish your first Stem Stitch. It’s best to pull it slowly and gently so that the stitch lies flat on the fabric without puckering or distorting it. This will also keep the thread strands together. To make your next stitch, push your needle in above the end of your first stitch, again on the line. It should be the same length as your first stitch. Keep the loop on the right, and bring the needle up at D at the end of your first stitch.