Raised Stem Stitch Band
Raised Stem Stitch Band is a filling technique from the Stem Stitch family that is created in two steps. First, we create a base with the ladder stitch, then add a second layer of stitching using a technique similar to Stem Stitch. The second layer of the stitching does not pierce the fabric, but the entire thread stays on the surface. For this reason, on the back side of the fabric, only diagonal stitches from the ladder stitch are visible.
Other names of the stitch
Alternative names for this hand embroidery technique include Raised Stem Stitch and Raised Stem Band.
Applications of the Raised Stem Stitch Band
Raised Stem Stitch Band is a wonderful technique for decorative bands, ribbons, lettering, and any other elongated shapes. You can use it in botanical designs for tree trunks or branches, animals like caterpillars or butterflies, or any object that requires raised look. It also looks great as a bold outline or frame for your design.
This embroidery technique is flexible and allows you to fill straight and wavy bands of any length. The band width can range from a couple of millimeters to a centimeter or slightly more. The width can also vary throughout the same design.
Another great feature of this hand embroidery technique is that you can create color shading effects or striped designs by changing the thread color while stitching the same shape.
More stitches from the Stem Stitch family
Learn how to embroider Raised Stem Stitch Band
Follow the step-by-step tutorial with detailed photos below, and you will learn the Raised Stem Stitch Band 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 Raised Stem Stitch Band
Step-by-step hand embroidery tutorial
1. Mark two guiding lines and start creating a ladder base for your Raised Stem Stitch Band.
2. Fill the entire shape with parallel, equally spaced, straight stitches.
3. Now start filling. Bring the needle up to the surface at the bottom-left corner of the shape.
4. Pass the needle under the first vertical stitch, from right to left.
5. Now wrap the second base stitch. Pass the needle under the stitch from right to left.
6. Continue wrapping each base stitch till the entire band is stitched.
7. Push the needle to the back and secure the thread. If the band is not long, you can pass the needle under the diagonal stitches on the back, instead of cutting it and starting a new length of thread.
8. Use the same method to add the second row of wrapping.
9. And then, one more row. Keep the rows tight and push the wrapped threads down as you go, so the filling is dense and neat.
10. Add as many filling rows as you need to cover the base ladder stitches fully. After you finish all the filling rows, secure the thread on the back.
Video tutorial
Tools and materials I used for this sampler
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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. Decorative stitches, techniques for filling and outlines, borders or mending – all in one place!
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Need More Guidance?
The top 10 hand embroidery stitches to learn is a free online course created for beginners.
