Wheatear Stitch

Wheatear stitch is a variation of the Reverse Chain stitch. It is embroidered between two parallel lines with V-shaped stitches between Chain stitches.

This stitch can be made in a row with the stitches attached close to each other or as a Detached Wheatear stitch. Detached stitch is visually similar to Bulls Head Stitch, but their embroidery technique is different.

Applications Of The Wheatear Stitch

This simple yet decorative hand embroidery stitch is excellent for borders and decorating the seams. It works well on straight and curved lines. Besides that, you can add beads to this stitch to make it even more decorative.
Wheatear stitch is widely used in floral embroideries for its wheat-like shape. You can add some Backstitches under the Wheatear stitches group and create a grain plant.
The rows of Wheatear stitches stacked close to each other, facing opposite directions, with the straight stitches overlapping, create an exciting pattern for filling.
Detached Wheatear stitches can be used as decorative stitches independently, or you can group them to create interesting filling patterns.
This hand embroidery can be used for couching thicker yarns.

Wheatear Stitch embroidery with pear cotton thread — Wheatear Stitch embroidery with pearl cotton thread

Wheatear Stitch rear side — Rear side of the sampler

Wheatear Stitch embroidery various options — Various options of positioning the stitches

More Hand Embroidery Stitches From The Chain Stitch Family

Learn how to embroider Wheatear Stitch

Follow the step-by-step tutorial with detailed photos below, and you will learn the Wheatear 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 Wheatear Stitch

Step-by-step hand embroidery tutorial

Instructions

1. Start embroidering from the top downwards.

2. Make two diagonal stitches that form a V.

3. Come up in the center between the lines one stitch under and make a reverse chain stitch, passing under both diagonal stitches.

4. If you are embroidering Detached Wheatear stitches, stop here and make a new stitch.

5. If you want to continue with the row of the stitches, come up on the left near a chain stitch and make a diagonal stitch down to the same point where the chain stitch ends. Make one more diagonal stitch on the right.

6. Come up in the center one stitch under and make a reverse chain stitch, passing under both diagonal stitches and the previous chain stitch.

7. Continue like this until you finish the marked line.

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!