How to
Pistil stitch
The Pistil stitch is basically an elongated French knot consisting of a long straight stitch with a knot on the end. It is named after the pistil in the heart of a flower where pollen can be found.
It can be used for adding fine detail to the heart of flowers. It can also be useful when doing crazy quilting, to make rows or borders and can beautifully combined with other stitches to make interesting patterns.
Have a look at my short video demonstration below to learn how to Pistil stitch.
(If you are having trouble viewing this video, please click here to watch it on Youtube.)
Want to practice this stitch? Click here to have a look at a pretty (free) design to try out.
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Step by step
If you know how to make French knots, making the Pistil stitch will be easy for you. Please refer back to the French knot page if you still need to learn how to make the French knot or if you need a quick reminder.
If you are having trouble with this stitch, slow the video down and follow along carefully. To slow the video down click on the video to view it on Youtube. In the top right hand corner is a gear icon. Click on it and slow the re-play speed down to a crawl. This will enable you to slowly follow along until you are able to do it smoothly.
Remember practice makes perfect!
Start by threading your needle with embroidery floss. Knot the end of the floss.
Bring your needle up from the back of the fabric, where you want to start your stitch.
Hold the tread between your thumb and forefinger of your opposite hand while holding the needle.
While holding the thread, wrap it around the needle twice. I find that wrapping in a clockwise direction works best for me.
Insert the needle back into the fabric where you want the knot to be. Gently pull on the thread so that the knot moves down the needle to sit snug on the fabric.
Gently keep hold of the thread as you push the needle into the fabric to keep the tension even. Don’t pull too tight as you won’t be able to push the needle through the fabric if the knot is too tight.
Only let the thread go when you have only a small loop left over. If you let go too early the knot will be loose and uneven.
As the needle disappears to the bottom of the fabric, the knot will form.
Want to Practice?
Download this (free) practice design so that you can hone your Pistil stitch skills.
There are full instructions on the download page and the the video (below) will take you step by step through the embroidery process. Enjoy!
If you are having trouble viewing this video, please click here to watch it on Youtube.
Blanket stitch
Variations
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