Stem stitch is a favorite line stitch. It’s so basic and used everywhere. I like it better than back stitch because more thread is over the fabric than as in back stitch. It can also be used as a textured filling.
First step is to make a small stitch forward. Then bring up the needle up at the beginning of the previous stitch.
![](https://www.theflossbox.com/wp-content/uploads/2019/01/stemstitch1.jpg)
![](https://www.theflossbox.com/wp-content/uploads/2019/01/stemstitch1.jpg)
Then bring the needle down one full stitch forward, and bring up the needle up at the end of the first stitch.
![](https://www.theflossbox.com/wp-content/uploads/2019/01/stem1.jpg)
![](https://www.theflossbox.com/wp-content/uploads/2019/01/stem1.jpg)
Repeat, pick up a bit of fabric one stitch forward, using the previous stitch’s end point.
![](https://www.theflossbox.com/wp-content/uploads/2019/01/stem2.jpg)
![](https://www.theflossbox.com/wp-content/uploads/2019/01/stem2.jpg)
Continue making stitches in the same way.
![](https://www.theflossbox.com/wp-content/uploads/2019/01/stem3.jpg)
![](https://www.theflossbox.com/wp-content/uploads/2019/01/stem3.jpg)
Finish by bringing the needle down in the same hole as the end of the previous stitch.
![](https://www.theflossbox.com/wp-content/uploads/2019/01/stem4.jpg)
![](https://www.theflossbox.com/wp-content/uploads/2019/01/stem4.jpg)