How to make
Detached chain stitch leaves
Detached chain stitch leaves are super easy to create and perfect for making small leaves where you need pretty ‘fillers’ in your project.
The stem is done with simple back stitches and the leaves are made with detached chain (also called lazy daisy) stitches.
Have a look at my short video to see a how detached chain stitch leaves are made.
If you are having trouble viewing the video below, view the detached chain stitch leaves video on Youtube.
Kindly “like and subscribe” to support my Tinker patterns channel.
Step by step
Follow along and you will very soon master this simple but pretty leaves stitch.
I’ve demonstrated 2 versions of this stitch below. In the first version the lazy daisy stitch (left side of the stem) begins on the outside and the loop part sits against the stem. In the second version the lazy daisy stitch (right side of the stem) begins against the stem.
Use back stitches to create the stem
1. Start by threading your needle with embroidery floss. You can use a single DMC strand for a delicate line or multiple strands for a thicker line. (I used cotton no 5 thread in my demonstration.) Knot the end of the floss.
2. Bring your needle up from the back of the fabric, where you want to start your stitch. Make sure the knot is on the backside of the fabric.
3. Insert your needle back into the fabric, a stitch length away from where you came up. It is very important to keep the length of your stitches even as you go along. For a longer stitch, insert the needle further away from your starting point.
4. Bring your needle back up through the fabric a stitch length away from where your first stitch ended. This time, insert your needle back into the same hole where you ended your first stitch.
5. Continue this process, working your way along your design. Make sure to keep your stitches evenly spaced and consistent in length.
6. To finish, bring your needle to the back of the fabric and tie off your thread.
Create the leaves with lazy daisy stitches
1. Start at the outer tip of the leave (not at the stem.) Bring the needle up from the back through the fabric.
2. Take the needle down through the same point you came up from or just next to it, but don’t pull it through completely. Leave a roomy loop behind to make up the leaf.
3. After making a loop of desirable size, push needle from the back positioning it on the inner edge of the loop of the leaf. Pull the thread gently until you feel it catch at the back. This is the first step in securing the leaf in place.
4. Poke down your needle at the outside of the top edge of the leaf, keeping it close to the perforation point of step 3. This will create a small stitch that will hold the leaf in place. Make sure not to poke the needle through the center of the petal loop.
5. Continue this process, working your way along your design. Make sure to keep your stitches evenly spaced and consistent in length.
Alternative: turn the stitch around
You are here > How to make detached chain stitch leaves > Embroidery Stitches > Home
