Bring the thread out at the right end of the line, lay the thread along the line of the design, and hold it down with the left thumb. Take a small stitch under the line and the thread, and pull through, bringing the needle over the lower thread. It is an outline stitch and is used in vines and creepers. This stitch should not be pulled very tightly as by doing that the stitch looses its effect.

Chain stitch is a popular stitch in sewing and embroidery. A series of looped stitches form a chain. It can be used decoratively and constructively. Also known as tambour stitch and point de chainette, there are several variations of chain stitch. Its use has a long history and is widespread, throughout the world. It is believed to have originated in Persia and India, where it is worked with the aid of a fine hook known as an ‘ari’. In the west this tool which looks like a crochet hook, is known as a ‘tambour’ hook.

Chain stitch is simple to work. Bring the needle up through the fabric and hold the thread with the left thumb. Insert the needle back into where it first came out. Take the needle through the fabric bringing the point of the needle out a short space along the line to be stitched. With the thread wrapped under the needle point pull the needle through the fabric.

Buttonhole stitches are very versatile, as it is the most appropriate stitch for sewing buttonholes and one can also use them to edge fabric instead of doing a Hemstitch finish. Buttonhole stitch is also known as blanket stitch because it was often used as an edging on blankets. The stitch is also used for mirror studding. Buttonhole can be both decorative and practical that can be varied to form pyramid shapes, or can be whipped or threaded with a contrasting color.

This stitch is worked from left to right over two imaginary lines. Bring the thread out on the lower line, insert the needle in position in the upper line making a straight downward motion and then loop the thread under the needle point. Pull the needle through the fabric to form a loop and repeat this process along the line.