Comment broder Pistil stitch
Tutoriels de points de broderie > Tous les points > Pistil stitch
The Pistil stitch, step by step
We guide you here, step by step, to embroider the Pistil stitch.
The pistil stitch is worked by forming an elongated stitch ending in a raised knot, creating a small stem topped with a decorative head — ideal for representing pistils and stamens.
1 – Bring the needle up at A on the right side of the fabric.
2 – Pull the thread towards you with your left hand. With your right hand, hold the needle perpendicular to the thread and wrap the thread twice around the needle.
3 – Insert the needle at B, at the end of the traced line, to form the stem. Slide the two wraps down to the fabric surface and hold them in place with your left thumb at the base of the knot.
4 – Pull the entire thread through to the back of the work, keeping the thread under your thumb. The knot settles at the tip of the stem. Secure the thread under the previously worked stitches.
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FOR RIGHT-HANDED EMBROIDERERS: The pistil stitch is worked by holding the thread with the left hand.
FOR LEFT-HANDED EMBROIDERERS: The pistil stitch is worked by holding the thread with the right hand. Tips for a successful pistil stitch
Tips for a perfect pistil stitch
Stem length: The distance between A and B determines the length of the stem — adjust it according to the motif you are embroidering.
Sliding the wraps down: Always slide the wraps down to the fabric surface before pulling the needle through, so the knot forms correctly at the tip of the stem.
Holding the thread: Keep the thread under your thumb at the base of the knot until the entire thread has been pulled through to the back.
Number of wraps: The number of wraps around the needle can vary to achieve a more or less voluminous knot depending on the effect desired.
Even results: For a consistent result, maintain the same stem length and the same number of wraps throughout the motif.
Result
On the front: a small stem ending in a raised knot, forming a well-anchored decorative pistil.
On the back: a small, discreet stitch securing the thread.
EXPLORE FURTHER
The Pistil stitch, an essential stitch for learning hand embroidery
The pistil stitch is used to represent stamens, flower centres and small botanical details that bring life and precision to a composition.
It appears frequently in traditional embroidery to animate floral designs with a touch of punctual relief.
By varying the length of the line and the number of thread wraps, each element can be modulated in silhouette to suit the desired effect.
Pistil stitch: an elongated variation of the knotted stitch.
Its structure combines a straight stitch serving as a stem with a rounded head formed at its tip, without ever reinserting the needle at the same point.
This construction produces a precise and expressive punctual motif, immediately readable within a piece.
It is an essential tool for composing detailed botanical elements in hand embroidery.
DISCOVER OTHER STITCHES
Why learn the Pistil stitch?
• learn to control the length of a knotted stitch to create elements of varying sizes
• embroider pistils, stamens and small botanical details with precision
• combine a straight stitch and a knot in a single fluid motion
• enrich your floral motifs with precise, expressive punctual raised effects
Learn the Pistil stitch with Un Chat dans l’Aiguille
At Un Chat dans l’Aiguille, the pistil 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.