Let’s call this one a U stitch.
I’ve searched through all of my embroidery encyclopedias and can’t find this stitch mentioned in any of them, so I have no idea what it’s called. I always think of it as a U stitch, so that’s what I’m calling it here. If any of you know the official name, please chime in in the comments!
The U stitch stitch is worked exactly the same way as a lazy daisy, but instead of a closed petal, it’s an open U. It’s almost a fly stitch, but the holding stitch at the bottom of the U is tinier than it is in fly stitch.
It’s really easy and makes great feathers, scales and petals. I used it for the wings on these hens.
See? Doesn’t the U stitch make perfect little wings?
Get the free pattern to make your own felt chicken here.
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Here are all my lessons for other stitches.
Return to the Learn to Embroider main Table of Contents.
Move on to the lessons about finishing your work.
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Thank you for posting this video. It was so easy to understand. I love your blog.
Wendi, your “U” stitch is called the “fly” stitch 🙂
It’s certainly very similar – but I learned that the fly stitch is pulled tighter so the sides are straight (not curved in a U) and the little anchor stitch at the end is longer. I did that video here. http://wendigratz.blogspot.com/2011/06/embroidery-how-to-fly-stitch-video.html
I think this is one of the reasons I don’t “do” a lot of different stitches. You get to a point where they’re all the same thing with just the tiniest variations and I find myself wondering if it’s really a new stitch at all. 🙂
This looks like the feather stitch, but I can’t be too sure. embroidery is new to me. I am learning as this year’s summer project with my kids. I’m glad I found your site, it is very helpful!
It’s very similar to feather stitch, but there the loop that holds the bottom of the U in place becomes the top of the next U.
Hi Wendi,
I have an old book (The Constance Howard Book of Stitches) where it seems to suggest that this stitch is called the “Detached Fly” stitch. However, I like your name for it much better : )
Lesley from Scotland
It’s REALLY similar to the detached fly stitch, but on that one the anchor stitch is bigger – making a little line at the bottom like the down stroke of a Y. 🙂