Comment broder Cast on stitch
Tutoriels de points de broderie > Tous les points > Cast on stitch
The Cast on stitch, step by step
We guide you here, step by step, to embroider the Cast on stitch.
The cast on stitch is worked by forming a series of loops cast around the needle between two anchor points, creating a soft, raised petal whose width varies according to the thickness of the needle used.
1 – Work the straight stitch
Bring the needle up at A on the right side of the fabric. Insert at B, then bring up as close as possible to A. The distance between A and B determines the length of the stitch.
2 – Form the first loop
Slide the thumb under the thread to maintain a slight tension. Pivot the finger towards you while tightening the thread. Place the finger against the tip of the needle. Slide the loop formed onto the needle. Pull the thread while sliding the loop along the needle. Make sure the first loop sits at the very base of the needle and touches the fabric.
3 – Build the loops
Repeat the same gesture to form the following loops around the needle. Continue until the desired number of loops is reached.
4 – Complete the stitch
Pass the index finger under the needle and hold it in place with the thumb. Pull the needle gently until the loops tighten. Pivot the thread towards B, making sure the loops remain on one side only. Insert at B to secure the whole stitch.
5 – Finish the stitch
Pass the thread to the wrong side and fasten it under the stitches already worked. ___________
FOR RIGHT-HANDED EMBROIDERERS: Hold the needle with the right hand and use the left hand to form and cast the loops onto the needle.
FOR LEFT-HANDED EMBROIDERERS: Hold the needle with the left hand and use the right hand to form and cast the loops onto the needle. Tips for a successful cast on stitch
Tips for a perfect cast on stitch
Choice of needle: The wider the needle, the wider the loops and the more voluminous the stitch — adjust the thickness to achieve the desired effect.
Thread tension: Maintain an even tension throughout the formation of the loops to achieve a uniform finish.
Position of the loops: The loops must be packed closely together and positioned at the base of the needle.
Holding the needle: Hold the cast on stitches firmly during the final pass to avoid distorting them as they slide through.
Regularity: Form loops of identical size to achieve an even, harmonious petal.
Result
On the front: a raised stitch formed of tight loops, soft and rounded, ideal for representing petals.
On the back: a simple anchor stitch.
EXPLORE FURTHER
The Cast on stitch, an essential stitch for learning hand embroidery
The cast on stitch is used to create raised petals and decorative shapes in floral compositions.
Its soft, rounded structure gives it a valued place in traditional embroidery for shaping flowers and enriching motifs in relief.
The width of the petal can be easily adjusted by changing the needle thickness or the number of loops.
The cast on stitch: a raised embroidery technique built around the needle.
Its construction rests on the accumulation of loops cast around the needle between two anchor points.
This architecture produces a soft, precise and adaptable element according to the number of loops and the thread thickness.
It is one of the most expressive techniques in hand embroidery for composing raised floral motifs.
DISCOVER OTHER STITCHES
Why learn the Cast on stitch?
• understand the principle of building a raised stitch around the needle
• develop precision of gesture in forming and sliding the loops
• learn to adjust the volume of a motif by varying needle thickness and number of loops
• enrich compositions with soft petals and raised floral shapes
Learn the Cast on stitch with Un Chat dans l’Aiguille
At Un Chat dans l’Aiguille, the cast on stitch is taught step by step with clear, structured guidance.
Our approach to teaching is part of a complete hand embroidery stitch encyclopaedia, designed to support every embroiderer on their journey.
It allows you to progress at your own pace whilst building precision, consistency, and confidence in hand embroidery.