Amish Embroidery Stitches

Amish embroidery stitches are known by many other names. It is sometimes called chicken scratch, snowflake embroidery, and because if its lace-like appearance it is also known as gingham lace and depression lace. It is also very similar to aNorwegian needlework called som. There are so many similar types of stitches that the origins of the Amish embroidery stitch are not certain.

Amish embroidery stitches have an arts and crafts appeal in their appearance and are usually made on simple checked fabrics. It is a counted-stitch embroidery, which means that stitches are made in accordance to the threads of the fabric being used. Because of the particular way the stitches are made over the small squares of a checked pattern it can create a lace like appearance.

There are three main types of Amish embroidery stitches. The lace stitch, the x stitch and the snowflake stitch are all very simple to do. The snowflake stitch is a simple asterisk and the X stitch is self-explanatory. The lace stitch is a little harder to explain but basically it is what is called a running stitch, it forms angles around the white squares of the fabric that become anchors which the thread then wraps around. It looks a little like a compass, with a circle in the center and lines radiating out from the points of north, south east and west.

Unlike Chinese embroidery, Amish embroidery stitches are done with simple cotton yarn and they do not usually depict living things. The simple designs tend to grow concentrically and do look a little bit like snowflakes. Amish embroidery stitches are best suited to thick fabrics that are able to provide a strong textured background for the thick cotton thread that is usually used. All of the materials used in this kind of embroidery can be found at a basic fabric or craft store as well as online stores...

E-Bay has great embroidery patterns and guides available, be sure to look for sellers with 100% positive feedback or a "power seller". Read the feedback to be sure you want to do business with that seller before bidding. Here are a few embroidery stitch items on E-bay: