Each week I'm working on a different hand embroidery stitch that began by following the guidelines of the “Take a Stitch Tuesday" project created by Sharon Boggon.

I worked on Linked Chain Stitch, Fly Stitch, Italian Border Stitch, Blanket Stitch, Reversed Blanket Bar Stitch, Stem Stitch and Portuguese Stem Stitch.

I'm putting the stitches onto a scroll, continuing my use-it-all-up initiative begun in 2020. Still haven't purchased any new art supplies, although I was gifted a few things I was short on by kind friends.

I skipped the standard Chain Stitch since I've done so much of it and Linked Chain Stitch is new to me. I tried it in both Perle Cotton and stranded floss. I think the detail is list with the floss. The beads are an interesting addition with the stitches creating an interesting frame around the beads. I'll definitely be using this one again.

I've dabbled with Fly Stitch a bit in the past but haven't really found a place for it in my work. I tried to think of a few different ways it could be used and played around with different patterns. Was a good use of my time. I've already used it in a piece I'm working on now. It wouldn't have occurred to me to use it before this

Italian Border Stitch is a version of Fly Stitch that es adds a knot at the base. I'm not sure where or why I'd use this, but perhaps it will inspire me as I'm thumbing through the sampler scroll someday in the future.

Blanket Stitch and Reverse Blanket Bar Stitch

I've used Blanket Stitch a lot, so I just did a few quick passes with some of my favorites. Reverse Blanket Bar Stitch was new to me. After working Blanket Stitch you come back through and wrap a thread around the stitches. I included it on a piece I'm working on creating a very effective stripe pattern. Love how it looks worked around a circle of blanket stitches.

I seldom use Stem Stitch because it always feels a bit heavy and splits on curves. I know it's popular for lettering, so I used it for these oversized letters. I still prefer Holbein or Point de Sable Stitch for lettering. The Portuguese Stem Stitch was new to me. It creates smooth curves and an interesting texture, but even stitch length is important.

If you're interested in learning more, or joining in on the Take a Stitch Tuesday project check out Sharon Boggon's page.