How to Embroider: Burden Stitch- Video and Step by Step Tutorial

Burden Stitch

The burden stitch lays down horizontal lines of thread and then covers them with interlocking short vertical stitches. It's a detailed filling stitch that can add texture and pattern to any project. This stitch is part of the couching stitch family. Use this DIY video and step-by-step tutorial to learn how to embroider the burden stitch.

What you'll need to create the Burden stitch:

• cotton fabric

• embroidery hoop

• embroidery thread

• embroidery needle

• embroidery scissors

Burden Stitch Video

Burden Stitch Step-by-Step Tutorial

1. To start the burden stitch create a horizontal stitch the length of the space being filled. Continue to add horizontal stitches that are about 1/8 an inch apart to fill the shape.

2. Next, add the interlocking tacking stitches. Bring the needle up in the bottom corner of the shape and make a stitch that overlaps the horizontal thread and ends under the horizontal thread above it.

3. The stitch next to the one just made will start above the first horizontal thread and overlap the second horizontal thread, ending just underneath the third horizontal thread. Repeat adding these two stitches that overlap the first two horizontal threads until the first two horizontal threads are covered.

4. Now repeat with the next two horizontal rows above. Continue in a zig zag pattern, overlapping two horizontal threads at a time with short vertical interlocking stitches, until the shape is entirely filled.

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Looking for more helpful embroidery tips, supplies, and hands-on workshops?

Workshops

Join Melissa Galbraith of MCreativeJ for a hands-on workshop! Melissa makes hand embroidery easy with a wide variety of embroidery classes. Classes are beginner-friendly to advanced and will walk you through a wide variety of stitches, techniques, and designs.

Find all upcoming workshops at: https://www.mcreativej.com/upcoming-seattle-events

Embroidery Books

Want a great hand embroidery reference? Try one of Melissa's hand embroidery books! Each book is great for beginners and breaks down materials, stitches, techniques, and projects for you.

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