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Although embroidery tends to fall just outside the most basic sewing skills, that doesn’t mean it has to be complicated. According to A-1 Vacuum & Janitorial Supply & Sewing Center, there are few essential hand embroidery stitches that are easier to learn than you may think. Based in Kalispell, MT, they’ve offered the best vacuums, sewing machines, and related home supplies for more than 30 years. Here, they list their top five favorite stitches for beginners.

5 Basic Hand Embroidery Stitches

1. Running Stitch

Perhaps the most basic needlework technique, the running stitch is simply a straight line of short, evenly spaced ones, just like a dotted line. If you know how to baste, you already know how to make a running stitch! Simply note the length of the latter is shorter.

2. Back Stitch

Whereas the running version has spaces in between, the back stitch is a solid line. When you’re embroidering small letters or lines that need just a little bit of heft, use this type. For anything heavier, you may want to use a satin stitch.

3. Chain Stitch

If you happen to crochet, an embroidery chain stitch will look familiar; it’s practically the same in appearance. There’s more to it than the previous two types, but with a little practice, you’ll master it.

4. Satin Stitch

embroideryFor a nice, smooth, solid block of color, turn to this type. It’s simpler than it looks, but you still need to be careful. Since you’ll be going across relatively large areas of fabric, it's easy to accidentally pull the embroidery floss a bit too tightly. Go slowly, and check in on fabric tension every now and then.

5. French Knot

A fun little stitch, the French knot can create subtle texture or emphasize a design detail. These dots are often kept small and peppered throughout the needlework, but you can make them a little bit larger by wrapping the floss two or three more times before pulling the needle through.

Unsure where to take your growing embroidery skills? A-1 Vacuum & Janitorial Supply & Sewing Center offers a wonderful supply of fabrics and notions that are sure to feed your creativity. They also offer high-quality sewing and embroidery machines. To learn more, visit their website, or call (406) 755-1871.

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