Comment broder raised stem stitch
Tutoriels de points de broderie > Tous les points > raised stem stitch
The raised stem stitch, step by step
We guide you here, step by step, to embroider the raised stem stitch.
This variation creates a raised band by wrapping a thread around a foundation of straight stitches.
1 – Working the straight stitch foundation
Work a row of vertical straight stitches of the same height and evenly spaced across the desired width. These stitches form the structure of the raised band.
2 – Wrapping the thread
Bring up the needle on the right side of the fabric at A, at the bottom left of the first straight stitch. Without piercing the fabric, pass the needle under the first straight stitch keeping the thread below the bar. Continue passing under each straight stitch from left to right, wrapping the thread to form a regular band.
3 – Continuing the filling
At the end of the row, insert to the right of the last straight stitch. Pass the thread to the wrong side, slide it under the stitches already worked, then bring up above the start of the first row to begin the next. Work row by row from bottom to top, placing the rows parallel and close together. Secure the thread on the wrong side under the stitches already worked.
FOR RIGHT-HANDED EMBROIDERERS: Work the raised stem stitch from left to right.
FOR LEFT-HANDED EMBROIDERERS: Work the raised stem stitch from right to left.
Tips for a perfect raised stem stitch
Foundation regularity: Straight stitches of the same height and evenly spaced ensure a consistent relief across the entire band.
Thread position: Keep the thread below the bar on each pass to maintain an even, well-laid wrapping.
Using the eye of the needle: Slide the eye of the needle under the straight stitches to avoid piercing the threads of the stitches already worked.
Thread tension: Wrap without pulling tight in order to preserve the volume and suppleness of the raised band.
Row alignment: Place the rows parallel and close together for an even filling without any visible gaps.
Result
On the front: A thick, regular, textured band formed by wrapping the thread around the straight stitches.
On the back: A succession of aligned vertical straight stitches.
EXPLORE FURTHER
The raised stem stitch, an essential stitch for learning hand embroidery
The raised stem stitch adds volume and texture to an embroidered area, creating a thick band that stands out clearly from the fabric.
It is used in traditional embroidery to create decorative bands, highlight outlines, or structure raised elements.
It appears in motifs requiring substance and volume, such as thick stems or ornamental borders.
The raised stem stitch: a variation of the stem stitch.
It is built from straight stitches around which the thread is wrapped without ever piercing the fabric.
This construction produces a thick, structured band with pronounced relief.
It is used in hand embroidery to enrich a motif with volume and texture effects.
DISCOVER OTHER STITCHES
Why learn the raised stem stitch?
• discover raised work and understand construction on a straight stitch foundation
• master wrapping the thread without piercing the fabric
• structure an embroidered surface with volume and substance
• enrich a decorative motif with pronounced raised effects
Learn the raised stem stitch with Un Chat dans l’Aiguille
At Un Chat dans l’Aiguille, the raised stem 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.