Basic Hand Stitches and Stitch Techniques
What this domain tests
This domain tests whether you can identify, execute and combine basic hand stitches, control tension and spacing, and choose a stitch that suits a line, edge or fill. Expect questions on stitch families, starting and finishing securely, and diagnosing poor stitch quality.
Core rules
- Stitch families: flat stitches (running, satin, long-and-short), looped stitches (chain, lazy daisy, blanket), knotted stitches (French knot, bullion), crossed stitches (cross-stitch, herringbone) and composite stitches (feather, cretan).
- Running stitch: short, even stitches on top and underneath; used for gathering, quilting and outlines. Back stitch: overlapping stitches form a strong continuous line. Stem stitch: slanted stitches along a line; keep the working thread on the outside of a curve. Chain stitch: each loop is anchored inside the previous loop. Satin stitch: parallel stitches closely packed across a shape; pad long shapes or split them to prevent snagging. French knot: wrap the thread once or twice around the needle, reinsert beside the exit point and hold the wrap while pulling through.
- Start by anchoring under existing stitches or with a small back stitch; avoid a large knot on the front. Finish by running under stitches on the back. Keep tension even: too tight puckers, too loose loops.
Worked example
A curved stem in stem stitch is worked from the lower end upward. Bring the needle up on the line, take a small backward stitch, and keep the working thread below the needle on an upward curve. Reason: placing the thread on the outside of the curve makes the slanted stitches fan smoothly; on the inside they crowd and the line looks jagged. Use short stitches on tight curves and longer stitches on gentle curves.
Traps
Making satin stitches so long that they snag; wrapping a French knot too many times so it collapses; pulling chain stitches tight and losing the loop shape; and working back stitch with spaces between stitches, which weakens the line.