How to Embroider: Turkey Work Stitch- Video and Step by Step Tutorial

Turkey Work Stitch

The turkey work stitch creates a fringe or puffy raised stitches on the front of the fabric that can look like a carpet or pom pom. It's a great way to add movement, dimension, and texture to an embroidery. Use this DIY video and step-by-step tutorial to learn how to embroider the turkey work stitch.

What you'll need to create the turkey work stitch:

• cotton fabric

• embroidery hoop

• embroidery thread

• embroidery needle

• embroidery scissors

Turkey Work Stitch Video

Turkey Work Stitch Step-by-Step Tutorial

1. To start this stitch, do NOT knot the end of your thread. From the front of your fabric, bring your needle down through the fabric where you want the fringe line to start. Hold the tail end of your thread down on the front of the fabric. It’s ok if this is longer than you want your actual turkey work stitch to be.

2. Next, bring your needle up to the right of your thread and make a short back stitch over the tail end of the thread coming out of the fabric. This will lock your fringe in place.

3. Then bring your needle up next to where you started the turkey work stitch, hold your thread down on the fabric and continue until you reach the end of your row.

4. If you would like fuller or thicker turkey work stitches, stitch multiple rows stacked on one another. When you’re done with the turkey work stitch, trim the thread to your desired length. I recommend trimming longer than you like and shorten as needed. You can always trim more, you can’t trim less.

---

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.

***Thank you for reviewing my recommendations. This post contains affiliate links. Should you purchase an item listed, I may receive a small portion of the sale.***