Rhodes Stitch

Rhodes Stitch is a hand embroidery technique from the Straight Stitch family. Multiple straight stitches are positioned around the shape at 360 degrees to cover the surface and create a decorative raised stitch.

The visual appeal of the Rhodes Stitch highly depends on the threads used to embroider it. The thicker the thread – the more raised the stitch. In my sampler, the central stitch is made with DMC pearl cotton #8, the stitches on the right – with two strands of DMC embroidery floss, and the stitches on the left – with all six strands of the same DMC embroidery floss.

The reverse side of the stitch looks very similar to the front side. In cases when both sides of the fabric will be visible, opt for the methods to start and finish the stitches that do not leave knots on the surface.

Rhodes Stitch embroidery with pink pearl cotton

Rhodes Stitch embroidery reverse side — Reverse side of the sampler

Applications of the Rhodes Stitch

Rhodes Stitch comes from canvas work embroidery. There, the stitch is used for filling. Rhodes stitches, positioned close to each other, create a beautiful geometrical textural filling.

In modern surface hand embroidery, Rhodes Stitch is more often used as a detached decorative stitch. You can embroider in various shapes – square, diamond, circle, heart, star, or any other symmetrical geometrical figure.

Note that the bigger the figure you are filling, the longer the stitches on the surface will be. In case the top stitch is too long and does not stay in place, you can add one small anchoring stitch to secure the final stitch in place.

More stitches from the Straight Stitch family

Learn how to embroider Rhodes Stitch

Follow the step-by-step tutorial with detailed photos below, and you will learn the Rhodes Stitch quickly. If you are a visual learner, watch a video lesson in the tutorial or on the Practical Embroidery YouTube channel to learn this hand embroidery stitch faster.

Rhodes Stitch embroidery sampler with pink thread

How to embroider Rhodes Stitch

Step-by-step hand embroidery tutorial

First stitch
Draw the shape you want to fill with Rhodes Stitch. Add guiding marks every quarter of the shape. Take the needle up to the surface at the top of the shape, on the middle mark. Make a straight stitch to the middle mark of the bottom of the shape.
Second stitch
Take the needle up on the top of the shape, close to the left from the first stitch. Make a stitch down. The stitch is positioned on the right side of the previous stitch.
Keep adding stitches
Continue adding stitches in this manner – start the stitch on the left from the previous stitch and push the needle down on the right side, close to the previous stitch.
Keep the stitches symmetrical
Use the guiding marks to ensure that the stitches are positioned symmetrically.
Add more stitches
Keep adding the stitches moving around the shape. Equally spaced stitches will guarantee the smooth look of the Rhodes Stitch.
Make the final stitch
Make the final stitch to close the last gap between stitches and secure the thread on the back side of the embroidery.
Embroidering Rhodes Stitch on the round shape
The embroidery technique is the same – start the stitch on the left from the previous stitch and push the needle down on the right side, close to the previous stitch.

Video tutorial

How to Embroider Rhodes Stitch | Step-by-Step Hand Embroidery Tutorial

Tools and materials I used for this sampler

Disclaimer. To cover the cost of creating free embroidery patterns and video tutorials for this blog, I do sometimes link to products. Please assume these links are affiliate links. If you choose to buy through my links then THANK YOU – it will make it possible for me to keep doing this.

Embroidery fabric cotton linen neutral colors Etsy — Embroidery fabric

What’s next?

If you’re in the mood to explore more hand embroidery stitches, check out the Stitches and Techniques page for the list of other fantastic stitches available on my blog. From timeless classics to modern twists, a whole world of stitches is waiting for you to explore and master. So, grab your hoop and needle, and let’s stitch our way to creative bliss!