Star Stitch embroidery

Star Stitch

This charming little stitch adds a whimsical touch to any piece of embroidery. Whether you’re a seasoned stitcher or just picking up a needle for the first time, the Star Stitch embroidery is fun and rewarding.

As its name suggests, the Star Stitch is an embroidery stitch resembling a star. It’s created by making a series of straight stitches that cross at a central point, much like the rays of a star. This stitch is versatile and can be used in various embroidery projects, from clothing to home decor.

Other names of the stitch

There is a bit of confusion about the name “Star stitch,” as it is common to give the name of a star stitch to all the stitches that resemble the star. Algerian Eye Stitch, Star Eyelet Stitch, and Woven Star Stitch are often called Star Stitch. Remember that all these stitches are made with different embroidery techniques.

Star Stitch comes from canvas work and is called a Double straight cross stitch interchangeably.

Star stitch hand embroidery
Star stitch embroidery – front side
On the back side random straight stitches
Back side of Star stitch

Applications of the Star Stitch

The Star Stitch is beloved by hand embroiderers of all skill levels. It’s simple enough for beginners to learn quickly, yet it offers a level of sophistication that appeals to experienced stitchers. It’s a common stitch in traditional and contemporary embroidery, used by artisans worldwide.

The Star Stitch is chosen for its decorative nature and ease of execution. It’s an excellent stitch for filling areas in an embroidery piece or adding a decorative touch. Its versatility allows it to be used in geometric and organic designs, making it a favorite among embroiderers.

In traditional canvas work, Star Stitch is worked in a single color. Still, you can play with it and combine two colors or different thread types for your desired visual effect.

Troubleshooting Common Issues

If you’re having trouble with the Star Stitch embroidery, don’t worry – it’s all part of the learning process. Common issues include uneven stitch lengths and difficulty in maintaining the star shape. Practice on scrap fabric first, and remember that consistency comes with time.

More stitches from the Straight Stitch family:

Learn how to embroider Star Stitch

The Star Stitch combines straight stitches arranged in a star pattern. Follow this step-by-step tutorial with detailed photos, and you will learn how to embroider a Start Stitch in no time. 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.

Start stitch small

How to embroider The Star Stitch

Step-by-step hand embroidery tutorial

Instructions

1. Mark the position of the stitch on the fabric.

2. Make a horizontal stitch across the width of the stitch.

Star stitch Step 1

3. Make a vertical stitch of the same length as the horizontal stitch across the middle of it.

Star stitch embroidery - Step 2

4. Make a diagonal stitch across the center of the cross formed before.

Star stitch Step 3 - diagonal stitch

5. Make another diagonal stitch of the same length in the opposite direction.

Star stitch Step 4

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
DMC Pearl Cotton #8 thread on Etsy
DMC Pearl Cotton #8
Beechwood embroidery hoops Etsy
Embroidery hoop
Bohin Embroidery Needles Etsy
Bohin Embroidery Needles
Embroidery Scissors Etsy
Embroidery Scissors

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.

White sashiko stitches on purple fabric