Ermine stitch Embroidery

Ermine Stitch embroidery is a technique from the Cross Stitch family that is very similar to Star Stitch.

The stitch consists of three straight stitches – a central vertical stitch is asymmetrically crossed by two diagonal stitches towards the bottom.

Ermine Stitch embroidery with pink pearl cotton

Applications of the Ermine Stitch

Ermine Stitch can be used as a detached stitch, or you can position the rows of the stitches to form decorative borders. Positioning the rows of Ermine Stitch embroidery one above another will create textural filling.

More stitches from the Cross Stitch family

Start Stitch
Smyrna Stitch
Long Armed Cross Stitch

Learn how to embroider Ermine Stitch

Embroidering the Ermine Stitch is easier than you might think. Simply follow the step-by-step tutorial with detailed photos below, and you’ll master this technique in no time. If you’re a visual learner, you can also watch a video lesson on the Practical Embroidery YouTube channel to learn this hand embroidery stitch even faster. With these resources at your disposal, you can feel confident and capable of mastering the Ermine Stitch.

How to embroider Ermine Stitch

Step-by-step hand embroidery tutorial

Instructions

1. Start with one vertical Straight Stitch.

2. Take the needle to the surface to the left and a bit below the starting stitch, and make a diagonal stitch that will cross the vertical stitch. The stitch goes down close to the starting stitch, a short distance higher than the starting stitch.

3. Take the needle up right across the straight stitch at the bottom, at the same distance from the first diagonal stitch. Make a diagonal stitch mirrored to the first one.

4. Remember, practice makes perfect. Once you’ve completed your first Ermine Stitch, you can choose to finish there, make a row of stitches, or fill the background with the stitches positioned in the rows, one above the other. The more you practice, the more confident and skilled you’ll become in this technique, so keep at it and don’t be afraid to experiment.

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!