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Raised leaf stitch icon
Raised leaf stitch

Raised leaf stitch consists of a number of loops of thread stitched down by one, or sometimes two, straight stitches to form the ‘stem’ of the leaf. The loops of thread resemble a leaf.

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Looped Raised Embellishment Leaves Stumpwork Surface

In memory of Gillian Cox, former Royal School of Needlework student.

Method

​Raised leaf stitch is most effective when worked small. Experiment with the width of card used, but if the stitch becomes too large the loops of thread will become difficult to control and the finished effect can look untidy.

Any thread can be used for this stitch, and any sharp pointed needle.

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Raised leaf stitch method stage 1 photograph
1

Begin by cutting a small rectangle out of card - no wider than about 1cm and significantly longer than the leaf.

Raised leaf stitch method stage 2 photograph
2

Mark the position of the leaf with a single line drawn onto the fabric. Bring the thread through to the front of the fabric at the tip of the leaf.

Raised leaf stitch method stage 3 photograph
3

Hold the card at right angles to the fabric and stitch over it, making sure that the thread of the first stitch is taken down through the same hole as it came up (this will ensure a sharp point to the leaf).

Raised leaf stitch method stage 4 photograph
4

Pull the thread through to form the stitch, then bring the needle back up on the opposite side of the card just in front of the last stitch.

Raised leaf stitch method stage 5 photograph
5

Continue to form stitches along the card. When you have worked approximately six to eight stitches, bring the needle up on one side of the card and pass the eye-end of the needle under all the stitches back to the tip.

Raised leaf stitch method stage 6 photograph
6

Pull the thread through, then hold on to the stitches with your left hand and remove the strip of card with the other.

Raised leaf stitch method stage 7 photograph
7

Hold the stitches upright and gently pull the thread over towards the base of the leaf.

Raised leaf stitch method stage 8 photograph
8

Shape the leaf gently and take the thread down through the fabric at the base of the leaf.

Raised leaf stitch method stage 9 photograph
9

The completed leaf. Try using a thread in another colour to work a single stitch from the centre to the end of the leaf. This will add variation to the central vein and stem.

Raised leaf stitch

Structure of stitch

Looped Raised

Common uses

Embellishment Leaves

Embroidery Techniques

Stumpwork Surface

Related Stitches

Fishbone stitch Straight stitch

Identifying Raised leaf stitch

Raised leaf stitch consists of a number of loops of thread, seemingly to come from one hole at the top of the stitch (when in fact it is a row of looped stitches attached down a line drawn on the fabric) and attached down by one or two straight stitches to form the ‘stem’ of the leaf. The loops of thread resemble a leaf.

References

  • Various Authors, The Royal School of Needlework Book of Embroidery (2018) , p.272