Worked as a solid filling, Chain Stitch is worked row next to row, closely, side by side. The stitches should not be packed too tightly. Rows of chain can be shaded, row by row, or can be worked in one solid color. Begin by bringing the needle up at "A." Form a loop by going down in exactly the same hole and up, directly below at "B" (Diagram 1). Pull the thread to the surface gently, forming the first chain. Repeat as in Diagram 2, always inserting the needle into the same hole as the thread came out of, inside the previous loop. When filling a shape with rows of Chain Stitch, always work each row in the same direction, beginning each new row at the top and working downwards.

 2. Detached Chain

Make a single Chain Stitch and tie down the loop with a small stitch.

3. Stem Stitch

Stem Stitch is frequently used for stems or outlines, but can be used as a solid filling as well. The needle comes up a "A" and goes down at "B." Come up again at "C," exactly half way between "A" and "B." (Diagram 1) To continue, the needle goes down at "D" and comes up at "B," in the same hole made by the thread going down at "B." (Diagram 2) Continue by repeating Diagram 2. The thread may be held on either side of the needle, right or left, but should remain on the same side once the row of stitches is begun.

Come up at "A." Go down at "B." Come up ahead at "C." Repeat, always going back in the same hole as the previous stitch. Keep all stitches the same length.

5. Buttonhole Stitch

Bring the needle up at "A" and down at "B." Bring up at "C," directly below "B" and in line with "A." Thread is held under needle (Diagram 1). Pull the needle through in a downwards direction (Diagram 2). Repeat next stitch as in Diagram 3. Stitching may be spaced as in Diagram 3 or worked closely as in Diagram 2.

6. Fly Stitch (Closed)

This stitch is especially adaptable for leaf shapes. Make a straight stitch in the center of the tip of the leaf. Come up at "A" and go down at "B." This stitch should be fairly long and extend slightly over the tip of the leaf. Come up at "C," on the left side of the leaf, close to the first stitch, but not overlapping (Diagram 1). Carry the needle to the other side of the leaf, down at "D," forming a loop. Come up at "B" and tie down at "E," just below "B" (Diagrams 2 and 3). Continue down the leaf. Up at "F," down at "G," forming a loop. Tie-down by coming up at "E" and down just below (Diagram 4). Repeat to bottom of leaf.

When working a French Knot, the thread must be held taut throughout. Bring the thread up at "A." It is then pulled to the left and held between the left thumb and forefinger. Slip the needle under the thread and twist one time around the needle. The needle goes down next to the hole it came out of. Still holding the thread taut, do not release until almost through the fabric.

8. Laid Work Open Filling

Fill the designated area with long diagonal stitches, laid at a 45 degree angle, keeping spacing between stitches even. Lay in one direction and then lay stitches in the opposite direction. Where long stitches cross each other, tie-down with small up-right cross stitches.