Arrowhead Stitch Embroidery tutorial

Arrowhead Stitch

Arrowhead Stitch is a hand embroidery technique from the Straight Stitch family. To embroider this stitch, straight stitches are positioned at the angle that shapes a triangle.

The stitch can be embroidered in the line – it forms a zig-zag-shaped line, or as a detached shape – V or A-looking. If the detached Arrowhead stitches are positioned one above another, it is called Stacked Arrowhead Stitch.

On the reverse side, the stitch looks like a line of double diagonal stitches.

Arrowhead Stitch embroidery with pearl cotton thread
Arrowhead Stitch embroidery with pearl cotton thread
Arrowhead Stitch embroidery reverse side
Reverse side of the sampler

Applications of the Arrowhead Stitch

Arrowhead Stitch is a very straightforward embroidery technique with various applications. You can use this stitch to embellish the seams and borders of household textiles. Combined with other decorative stitches, the Arrowhead stitch works as a base for decorative bands. In addition, the rows of Arrowhead stitch embroidered close to each other will create a nice textural filling.

More stitches from the Straight Stitch family

Learn how to embroider Arrowhead Stitch

Follow the step-by-step tutorial with detailed photos below, and you will learn the Arrowhead 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.

Arrowhead Stitch embroidery tutorial

How to embroider Arrowhead Stitch

Step-by-step hand embroidery tutorial

1. Mark two parallel lines. Take the needle up on the top left corner of the marked bar and make a straight diagonal stitch to the bottom marked line.

Arrowhead Stitch Step 1

2. Take a needle up on the top line. Make a diagonal stitch down to the left to the same point as the first stitch to shape a V.

Arrowhead Stitch embroidery tutorial

3. Take the needle up at the same hole on the top line and make a diagonal stitch to the right.

How to embroider Arrowhead stitch

4. Take the needle up on the top line one stitch away and make a diagonal stitch down to the left, forming the second V.

How to make Arrowhead stitch

5. Repeat the stitches till the entire shape is filled with V stitches.

Arrowhead Stitch embroidery instructions

6. To make Arrowhead Stitch filling, add more rows of the same stitches under the first one.

Arrowhead Stitch filling

Video tutorial

How to Embroider Arrowhead Stitch | Easy Hand Embroidery Tutorial for Beginners

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
DMC Pearl Cotton #8 thread on Etsy
DMC Pearl Cotton #8
Beechwood embroidery hoops Etsy
Embroidery hoop
Bohin Embroidery Needles Assorted Sizes (No. 3- 9)
Bohin Embroidery Needles
Embroidery Scissors Etsy
Embroidery Scissors

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.

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Step-by-Step Arrowhead Stitch Guide