The term ‘applied’ relates to threads or objects that are held in place using another thread, either by couching over the object or stitching through it. For example: beads, sequins, spangles, cord, padding and delicate threads such as metal threads can be couched or secured onto the fabric with small or invisible stitching.

Chained stitches are looped stitches. When working a chained stitch, the thread must form a loop on the surface by taking the needle in and out of the fabric at the same point. The next stitch begins inside the previous loop, making a continuous chain-like structure.

Composite stitches are those which are made up of two or more different stitches. They can also be referred to as ‘compound stitches’.

Corded stitches are needlelace stitches which are worked over a laid thread.  The laid thread is part of the structure but also forms a distinctive part of the stitch.

Couched stitches are used to hold a laid thread in place using either the same thread or a contrasting one. These stitches are normally small and worked at regular intervals to secure the laid thread in place. They are always worked over the laid thread, they never pierce it.

​A crossed stitch is created by two overlapping flat stitches, to form an X shape.

Detached stitches are those which are minimally attached to the fabric.

The term is also used to describe stitches which are detached from each other - these are included in the ‘Isolated’ stitch structure.

Drawn stitches are worked on evenweave fabric which has had the warp and/or weft threads removed (drawn out).  This creates an open area in the fabric which can then be worked further.  Drawn thread stitches are traditionally used in Whitework.

Flat stitches are those with minimal texture which lay flat to the surface.  They are made without knotting, looping, overlapping, crossing or otherwise interweaving the thread.

Isolated stitches are those which are routinely worked as an individual stitch, i.e. not as part of a line or shape or pattern.

Knotted stitches are formed by creating a loop and then passing the thread through the loop and pulling it tight to form a knot.

A line of ‘foundation’ stitches with a second thread intricately laced through the foundation stitches.  The second thread doesn’t pierce the ground fabric.  A laced stitch may have a similar third laced thread.

These stitches may also be referred to as ‘threaded’ stitches.

Laid stitches are long, often parallel, stitches which are frequently used to fill a shape.  Laid stitches use less thread by alternating direction rather than looping around the back of the fabric.  From the back laid stitches show a tiny stitch on the back of the fabric. They are sometimes couched down to secure them.

A looped stitch is one where the thread loops back upon itself and is held down by that thread or a different thread.

Looped stitches are distinct from knotted stitches: for the latter the thread passes through the loop and is pulled tight.

The concept of overcast stitches originated with a repetitive motion of wrapping the edge of a piece of fabric with stitches.  They have evolved to include stitches worked on flat fabric, but the principles remain the same: a line is formed of stitches which are normally short, parallel, relatively close together and stitched in the same direction without looping.  The stitches can be worked over a fabric edge, a line of padding, or just a design line.

Parallel stitches are parallel, straight stitches worked closely together in the same direction.  They are used to fill a shape with a smooth, solid surface. Stitches can be worked diagonally or straight across the shape.

A combination or configuration of stitches repeated at regular intervals to build up a pattern. Most commonly used in Canvaswork, Blackwork, Smocking, Pulled Whitework, Diaper patterns, Wessex embroidery and Trellis techniques.

Piled stitches are those which are formed by loops of thread which are cut to form a texture like the surface of a carpet.

A stitch where the thread is intricately looped, often more than once in different directions, to form an evenly-textured line.  The thread is predominantly on the surface of the fabric.  Plaited stitches can can also be referred to as braid stitches.

Pulled thread stitches are tightly worked stitches which pull open the warp and/or weft of the fabric, often in repeated formation in order to form a pattern.  Pulled thread stitches are traditionally used in Whitework.

A stitch which is substantially raised from the surface of the fabric.

Reversible stitches are those which are either identical on both sides of the fabric, or form different versions on the front and back.  They are ideal to embellish items where both sides of the fabric may be seen.

Running stitches are the simplest form of flat stitch in which the thread is worked in and out of the fabric continuously.

A solid-line stitch is used to form a solid, unbroken line.

Tied stitches are those where a thread is tied down to the base fabric or around a group of other threads so that they are bunched and pulled out of alignment.

Trellis stitches are constructed by filling the desired area with a grid of evently-spaced horizontal and vertical stitches.  Where the trellis stitches cross, small couching stitches secure them in place.  The trellis can also be diagonal.  Frequently found in Jacobean Crewelwork.

Whipped stitches are those which are wrapped around previously worked foundation stitches; the whipping stitches always wrap in the same direction. The foundation stitches can be a line, parallel or star shape.  The whipping stitches do not pierce the fabric.

Woven stitches are those which are worked around foundation stitches; the woven stitches are worked in alternate directions or with an over and under motion.  The foundation stitches can be a line or star shape.  The weaving stitches do not pierce the fabric.