The fishbone stitch is a great stitch to embroider leaves. The stitches alternate coming from the left and right just like a fishbone, and that’s where this stitch got its name. It’s my favorite way to stitch leaves, and one that every embroidery artist should learn.
The fishbone stitch will definitely take some practice before you get it right. The great thing about embroidery is that you can always take out your stitches! Bring needle up at 1 and down at 2 on center line of leaf. Bring needle up at 3. Bring needle down at 4, on center line, further down the line than 2.
Follow my video tutorial below or head over to my YouTube channel to see how to work the fishbone stitch to embroider leaves. If you are using an ad blocker, you may need to disable it to see the video.
Learn all of these other embroidery stitches by making this stitch guide sampler with me. It’s a great way to practice and a nice reference to have while you are reading other embroidery patterns.
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To watch all of the videos in this series, including some basic embroidery tips, go to my YouTube channel here. I’ll walk you through the entire process and make it super easy for you.
Priyankka
Sunday 29th of November 2020
How many strings do I need for a sayin stitch ?
Jessica @ Cutesy Crafts
Monday 7th of December 2020
I think it looks best with 3 strands.
Maria
Sunday 28th of April 2019
How many strands of floss do you like to use spider woven flowers and Fishbone leaves ? Love your on-line site ❤️
Jessica @ Cutesy Crafts
Sunday 28th of April 2019
It depends on the size of the shape. I like to use 6 strands for the flowers unless they are REALLY small (like pea size), then I use 3. That gives the flower a nice texture. I switch off between using 6 or 3 strands for fishbone leaves. I'd say if it's like bigger than a nickel I use 6. You could go either way with those though.