I am always looking for a new hand-embroidery stitch and recently the Fishbone Stitch has entranced me. I learned it as a child and then rediscovered it recently. It's a very simple stitch resembles a fish spine and creates beautiful leaves. Make several to make a foliage design. The trick to this stitch is that you start in the center of the leaf and work your way around. Here's how:
1. Draw a leaf shape in lightly in pencil on your fabric. Don't forget the spine of the leaf.
2. Starting at the center of the leaf spine, push your needle up through the fabric.
3. Going at an upward angle to the right side, make a stitch out the edge of the leaf (creating the fishbone).
4. Work your way up around the edge of the leaf, going from spine to edge.
5. Once you get to the top, work your way similarly back down the left side.
6. At the bottom of the leaf, go back up the bottom of the right side.
7. Finish and knot off at the center where you started.
This is one of those stitches that looks as pretty on the back as the front. Starting at the center allows you to hide your knot! You can use this stitch to decorate blouses, totes, you name it!
For much, much more on hand-sewing, the new Handsewn book is available for pre-order. Check it out in the Sew Daily Shop!
Do you have a favorite embroidery stitch from childhood that you have rediscovered? Tell us about it!
Happy stitching!