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Leaf stitch (surface) icon
Leaf stitch (surface)

​Leaf stitch is a series of overlapping open diagonal stitches. It is easily adapted to forms of varying width, such as petals and leaves.

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Crossed Filling Leaves Crewelwork Surface

Leaf stitch (surface) is generously sponsored by Vanda Waller

Method

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Leaf stitch (surface) method stage 1 illustration
Leaf stitch (surface) method stage 1 photograph
1

Imagine or faintly draw a double stem line. Starting at the base of your shape bring your needle up through the fabric on one of the stem lines.

Leaf stitch (surface) method stage 2 illustration
Leaf stitch (surface) method stage 2 photograph
2

Take the needle to the opposite side of the shape and take it down through the fabric on the line, creating a straight slanted stitch.

Leaf stitch (surface) method stage 3 illustration
Leaf stitch (surface) method stage 3 photograph
3

Do the same on the opposite side by bringing the needle up through the fabric on the other stem line just under the previous stitch and taking it down on the opposite side of the leaf.

Leaf stitch (surface) method stage 4 illustration
Leaf stitch (surface) method stage 4 photograph
4

Repeat the process, bringing the needle up just under the previous stitch and above the rest.

Leaf stitch (surface) method stage 5 illustration
Leaf stitch (surface) method stage 5 photograph
5

Continue by working up towards the tip of the shape until it is filled.

Leaf stitch (surface)

Structure of stitch

Crossed

Common uses

Filling Leaves

Embroidery Techniques

Crewelwork Surface

Related Stitches

Open Cretan stitch Feather stitch Fishbone stitch Raised fishbone stitch

References

  • S. F. A. Caulfeild, Blanche C. Saward, The Dictionary of Needlework (1882)
  • Mrs Archibald Christie, Samplers and Stitches (1921) , p.16
  • Mary Thomas’s Dictionary of Embroidery Stitches (1934) , p.144–5