PORTUGUESE STEM STITCH
The Portuguese Stem Stitch may be worked in any direction. This is
primarily a stitch used for outlining. This stitch should be worked from bottom to top. It is especially useful for curved work and corners. Four diagrams have been used to demonstrate this stitch. Diagrams 1, 2 and 3 have been magnified to better illustrate the details of this stitch.
Portuguese Stem Stitch (Diagram 1):
Bring the needle up at A, move up over four canvas threads, bring the needle down at B. This completes the straight stitch portion of the portuguese stem stitch. Now, we will add the first of two loops. This part of the stitch has been illustrated in dark blue. Beginning where we left off at B, bring the needle up at C, following the red arrows, move up and over the A/B stitch. Continue following the red arrows by bringing the needle around and down and move under the A/B stitch at C. Now, continue on to Diagram 2...
Portuguese Stem Stitch
(Diagram 2):
This is where we add the second loop stitch. This loop stitch will be worked below the first loop stitch. Beginning where we left off at C, continue working the needle under the A/B stitch. When this is done follow the red arrows up, around and over the A/B stitch. Continue following the red arrows down and under the A/B stitch at D. Once the needle has been worked under the A/B stitch at D, the needle will begin the next portuguese stem stitch by forming the straight stitch. Now, continue on to Diagram 3...
Portuguese Stem Stitch (Diagram 3):
This diagram illustrates how one portuguese stem stitch should look when complete. Now, continue on to Diagram 4...
Portuguese Stem Stitch (Diagram 4):
This diagram illustrates how one row of portuguese stem stitches should look when complete. Remember, this stitch is worked from the bottom to the top. Once the two loop stitches are complete (illustrated here in dark blue), the second loop stitch will work directly into the next straight stitch. Click on the Printable Version icon to print these diagrams and instructions.
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