Crown Stitch

The Crown Stitch embroidery technique, a decorative variation of the Fly Stitch, is a true beauty in the world of hand embroidery. Unlike its single-legged counterpart, this stitch boasts three anchoring stitches, adding a touch of elegance to any design. The tails, whether of the same or different lengths, further enhance its decorative appeal.

There are two different methods of embroidering Crown Stitch. In the first option, you use the Fly Stitch technique: three stitches attach an open loop to the surface. In the second option, you make three straight stitches and then pass the thread under them. I prefer the first one as it is faster and more straightforward.

Crown Stitch embroidery with orange pearl cotton — Crown Stitch embroidery with pearl cotton thread

Crown Stitch embroidery with orange pearl cotton Rear side — Rear side of the sampler

Applications of the Crown Stitch Embroidery

The Crown Stitch, a versatile member of the Fly Stitch family, offers a myriad of creative possibilities. As a detached decorative stitch, it can add striking accents to your piece. For a more intricate design, create a stunning filling with a pattern of repetitive Crown Stitches. When it comes to border designs, the choice is yours-position the stitches in rows for a classic look, or group them in circles for a more elaborate border. The Crown Stitch is your creative tool, ready to bring your vision to life.

More stitches from the Fly Stitch Family

Anklet Stitch
Closed Fly Stitch
Plaited Fly Stitch

Learn how to embroider Crown Stitch

Follow the step-by-step tutorial with detailed photos below, and you will learn the Crown 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 Crown Stitch

Step-by-step hand embroidery tutorial

Instructions

1. Take the needle with a thread to the surface of the fabric and pull all the thread up. Make a straight stitch. Do not pull all the thread, but leave a loop open.

2. Bring the needle up inside the loop between the ends of the stitch.

3. Pull the thread to tighten the loop, but leave it looser than you would for the Fly Stitch. Make a central stitch to anchor the loop. You can choose to make a long or short stitch.

4. Take the needle inside the loop to the left from the first anchoring stitch.

5. Make a second anchoring stitch.

6. Come back inside the loop one more time. Take the needle to the surface on the right from the first anchoring stitch and make a third tail.

7. Make as many Crown Stitches as your design requires. Remember that you can position the stitches in the row or create a semi-covering filling with an intricate pattern of Crown Stiches.

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.

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!