Shape leaves with stitch direction

Mark the center vein and outer contour before choosing a directional fill. The stitches should explain the leaf’s shape without overcrowding its tip.

Before you start

Prepare a small offcut of the intended ground with the intended needle and thread. Mark the practice area lightly and support the fabric without stretching its grain.

Try this example

Draw two narrow leaves. Try a fishbone-style crossing fill on one and angled straight stitches on the other; compare the central ridge and tip bulk.

Check your result

• Release the frame and inspect front and reverse. The thread should lie as intended without distorting the ground; shorten a stitch or change the sample before pulling harder.
• Coverage and tension depend on the actual ground, thread and stitch length. A diagram shows the route, not a universal thread quantity or tension setting.

Sources

• rsnstitchbank.org: fishbone stitch
• rsnstitchbank.org: running stitch

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