Otomi Stitch
Otomi Stitch is technically not a stitch on its own, but a way of using dense Herringbone Stitch to fill the shapes of exotic flowers, animals, people, and plants in traditional Otomi embroidery.
The rows of Otomi stitch are positioned closely together to fill the shapes of the figures with vibrant, colored threads, creating traditional textiles.
On the reverse side of the fabric, this stitch results in two rows of tiny stitches. The major part of the thread is visible on the front side of the fabric.
Applications of Otomi Stitch
The most obvious way to use Otomi stitch is to embroider traditional Mexican designs, also called Tenango embroidery.
But you can also use this technique for filling contemporary embroidery designs.
More stitches from the Herringbone Stitch family
Learn how to embroider Otomi Stitch
Follow the step-by-step tutorial with detailed photos below, and you will learn the Otomi 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.
How to embroider Otomi Stitch
Step-by-step hand embroidery tutorial
1. Mark the outlines of the design. Take the needle up to the surface on the top left corner of the shape and make a stitch to the lower line of the shape, slightly to the right.
2. Pull the thread through and take the needle back to the surface on the left, making a tiny stitch on the back.
3. Make a stitch to the top line. Leave a small gap between the stitches, as you will need it for a return stitch. Pull the thread to the back side of the fabric.
4. Get the needle back up in the gap you left and make a stitch to the other side of the design.
5. Repeat the steps on the lower line of the shape. Stitch down and back up on the left, in the gap between the stitches.
6. Use this technique to embroider the entire shape with Otomi Stitch.
Video 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.
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!
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Need More Guidance?
The top 10 hand embroidery stitches to learn is a free online course created for beginners.
