Radiating Stitch
Radiating Stitch is a simple hand embroidery technique from the Straight Stitch family. Technically, it is a counted thread stitch that consists of triangles made with five straight stitches coming out from the same spot. You can also use this technique for surface embroidery.
Applications of the Radiating Stitch
Radiating Stitch is simple yet versatile. A single group of five stitches will create a nice detached triangular stitch to use in botanical embroidery to depict pine needles or grass. The row of connecting Radiating Stitches will create a decorative border to embellish the textiles or garments. You can also combine multiple rows of Radiating Stitches in different colors to make the filling or a more decorative border.
More stitches from the Straight Stitch family
Learn how to embroider Radiating Stitch
Follow the step-by-step tutorial with detailed photos below, and you will learn the Radiating 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 Radiating Stitch
Step-by-step hand embroidery tutorial
Instructions
1. Mark the fabric. I drew two parallel lines one cm apart and marked the length every one cm.
2. Take the needle up to the surface on the second line, in the middle of the first 1 cm mark. Make a stitch to the top left corner.
3. Take the needle up at the same starting point and make a straight stitch to the upper line. You will need to make 5 equally distanced stitches that fit the length of 1 cm.
4. Make a straight stitch to the upper line from the same starting point. This central stitch is vertical to the marking line.
5. Once again, take the needle up at the same starting point and make a straight stitch to the upper line, to the right from the central stitch.
6. Make a final fifth Straight stitch that starts from the same point and ends at the mark of 1 cm.
7. If you want to embroider a row of stitches, take the needle up at the center of the second marked section and repeat the steps.
8. To make the border more decorative and fun, you can add another row of upside-down Radiating Stitches in another color.
Radiating Stitch 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.
