Comment broder Filling fly stitch
Tutoriels de points de broderie > Tous les points > Filling fly stitch
The Filling fly stitch, step by step
We guide you here, step by step, to embroider the Filling fly stitch.
This variation of the connected fly stitch is worked in close, progressive rows around a central axis to cover a surface entirely, adjusting the width of each V to follow the outline of the shape being filled.
1 – Place the starting stitch
Bring the needle up at A. Insert it at B, slightly below, to form a small vertical straight stitch that establishes the central axis of the area to be filled. This stitch is not strictly required, but it anchors the starting point and supports an even fill — particularly helpful when working leaves or elongated botanical shapes.
2 – Form the first V
Bring the needle up at C, to the left of B and level with it. Insert at D, directly opposite C to the right, keeping the thread held down with your thumb. Bring the needle back up at B with the thread passing under the needle tip. Pull gently to form the V-shaped loop.
3 – Anchor and continue
Insert the needle at E, just below B, to secure the loop with a short straight stitch. Bring the needle back up at E to begin the next V — each new motif starts from the anchor point of the previous one. Repeat along the full length of the axis.
4 – Fill the shape
Work the following rows on either side of the first, placing each V directly beside the previous one without overlapping, and adjusting the width to follow the outline of the shape. Pass the thread to the back of the fabric and fasten it under the stitches already worked. ___________
FOR RIGHT-HANDED EMBROIDERERS: Work from top to bottom, bringing the needle up on the left and inserting it on the right to form each V.
FOR LEFT-HANDED EMBROIDERERS: Work from top to bottom, bringing the needle up on the right and inserting it on the left to form each V. Tips for a successful filling fly stitch
Tips for a perfect filling fly stitch
Starting stitch: The small vertical straight stitch at the beginning of each row is not compulsory, but it sets the axis and supports a regular start — essential for following the central vein of a leaf accurately.
Central axis and outline: The real challenge of this stitch lies in following the central line and the outline of the shape at the same time — take a moment to identify both clearly before beginning each row.
Width of the V: Adjust the distance between C and D to match the width of the shape at each row — wider at the centre, narrower towards the tips — so the loops naturally follow the contour.
Spacing: Place each V directly beside the previous one without overlapping to build a dense, even surface without excessive bulk.
Tension: Pull the thread gently and with equal pressure on every loop — pulling too firmly will tighten the V shapes and create an uneven surface.
Result
On the front: A dense surface of closely worked V-shaped loops forming a regular decorative texture that follows the outline of the embroidered shape.
On the back: A series of small anchor points aligned along the central axis.
EXPLORE FURTHER
The Filling fly stitch, an essential stitch for learning hand embroidery
This stitch is well suited to filling leaves, petals, or any elongated botanical shape with a light, structured texture.
It sits naturally within traditional embroidery to build dense surfaces that retain the openness and suppleness characteristic of the fly stitch family.
The progressive narrowing of each row allows the fill to adapt to any shape, from the simplest to the most complex.
The filling fly stitch: a variation of the connected fly stitch, belonging to the looped stitch family.
Its construction is based on closely repeated V-shaped loops worked around a central axis, with the width of each loop adjusted row by row to follow the contour of the shape.
This approach produces a textured, slightly raised surface that accurately conforms to the curves of the motif.
It is a technically demanding stitch, particularly valuable for botanical compositions in hand embroidery.
DISCOVER OTHER STITCHES
Why learn the Filling fly stitch?
• master the simultaneous tracking of a central axis and an outline for accurate, controlled filling
• adjust the width of each loop row by row to suit any botanical shape
• develop consistency of movement to produce dense, even filled surfaces
• enrich compositions with light, structured textured fills
Learn the Filling fly stitch with Un Chat dans l’Aiguille
At Un Chat dans l’Aiguille, the filling fly 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.