Maidenhair Stitch
Maidenhair is a variation of the Single Feather stitch from the Feather Stitch family.
To embroider a Maidenhair Stitch, you will need to mark seven parallel lines to create geometrical borders. But if you are aiming for wavy, botanical lines, you can mark the central line of the stitch and improvise with the rest of the markings. If your fabric has a loose weave, you can use its weave as a guide.
Make a Single Feather Stitch grouped by three, alternating the sides of the decorative bar, and you will achieve the Maidenhair stitch.
On the reverse side of the fabric, you will see groups of diagonal stitches, positioned on both sides of the central line.
Applications of the Maidenhair Stitch
The Maidenhair Stitch is perfect for decorating the seams and for borders. Add decorative stitches, such as French Knots or Lazy Daisies, to create your unique border designs.
In botanical embroidery, this technique is excellent for depicting twigs, branches, or grass. This stitch takes curves well. Therefore, you can adapt it to any modern embroidery design.
Also, the Maidenhair Stitch looks excellent for filling. Make rows of this stitch, one next to the other, and fill the fabric with beautiful texture.
More stitches from Stitch family
- Feather Stitch
- Double Feather Stitch
- Single Feather Stitch
Learn how to embroider Maidenhair Stitch
Follow the step-by-step tutorial with detailed photos below, and you will learn the Maidenhair 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 Maidenhair Stitch
Step-by-step hand embroidery tutorial
1. To make a straight decorative border, mark seven parallel lines. Start stitching from the top downwards (or from left to right). Take the needle up on the third line and push it down to the fifth line, leaving the loop of the working thread open.
2. Take the needle up on the central line, as if making Fly Stitch. Pull the thread through and tighten the loop.
3. Push the needle down on the second line.
4. Get back up on the central line, inside the loop. Pull through and tighten the loop.
5. Make one more Feather Stitch to the left (groups of three stitches to one side).
6. Now, change the direction and start making Feather Stitches to the right. Start with the smallest loop, one line to the right.
7. Take the needle up on the central line inside the loop and tighten it.
8. Make one more stitch. This time to the sixth line.
9. Add the third stitch to the right. This way, the whole sequence of stitches required to make Maidenhair Stitch is finished.
10. Continue by making groups of three Feather Stitches on the alternating sides till the entire border is filled with stitches.
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.
