Crow’s Foot Stitch
Crow’s Foot Stitch is a triangular, isolated decorative stitch from the Fishbone Stitch family. The long stitches are layered across the sides of the triangle till the entire shape is filled. This creates a raised shape with a textured surface.
On the back side of the fabric, you will see three smaller triangles that cover the points of the shape.
Applications of the Crow’s Foot Stitch
This decorative stitch can be used in various ways:
- To make dense filling. The triangles are positioned close to each other to cover the entire shape.
- For mending. This stitch will nicely cover small holes or stains, adding nice decorative elements to the garment.
- In decorative surface embroidery, Crow’s Foot Stitch can be combined with other stitches to create patterns, shapes, borders, or filling.
More stitches from the Fishbone Stitch family
Learn how to embroider Crow’s Foot Stitch
Follow the step-by-step tutorial with detailed photos below, and you will learn the Crow’s Foot 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 Crow’s Foot Stitch
Step-by-step hand embroidery tutorial
1. Mark a triangular shape. Move in a clockwise direction and make a long stitch from one point of the triangle to another. Pull the thread to the back.
2. Get the needle back to the surface by making a tiny stitch to the left. Pull the thread to the surface.
3. Make one more long stitch in the clockwise direction.
4. Take the needle up a tiny stitch away and make the third stitch in the clockwise direction. This will create the outline of the triangle.
5. Start the second row of stitches. Take the needle up on the left side of the triangle outline and make a long stitch, parallel to the first one.
6. Tiny stitch back and one more long stitch.
7. Again, a tiny stitch back and a long stitch to the next point of the triangle.
8. Repeat this sequence of stitches, moving in a clockwise direction. You will see how the stitches start to layer and create a surface pattern.
9. Continue adding rows of stitches until all the space on the sides of the triangles is filled with stitches and the two-layered triangle is stitched.
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.
