How to Do Fly Stitch (Step-by-Step)
Fly stitch is a decorative embroidery stitch made from open V-shaped stitches that are held in place with a small anchoring stitch. It is a versatile stitch that works beautifully for leaves, borders, scattered texture and simple decorative lines.
How to do fly stitch (step-by-step)
- Bring your needle up at the point where you want the top of the stitch to begin.
- Insert the needle back down a short distance away to the right, then bring it up again to the left, leaving a loose loop of thread on the surface.
- Bring the needle up in the centre below the loop, catching the thread to form a V shape.
- Gently pull the thread so the arms of the stitch sit neatly on the fabric.
- Secure the stitch with a small straight stitch over the point where the threads meet.
The width of the stitch controls how open the V shape looks. Wider spacing creates a more open stitch, while placing the points closer together gives a tighter, more compact look.
More about fly stitch
Fly stitch can be worked as individual stitches scattered across an area, or placed close together to form lines and borders. When worked in a row, the stitches can overlap slightly to create a flowing, decorative effect.
It is especially useful for leaves, feathers, grasses and abstract textures. By adjusting the size and spacing, you can make fly stitch feel bold and graphic or soft and delicate.
Ready to practise fly stitch?
If you would like a project to try fly stitch on, I have a range of beginner friendly embroidery kits and patterns where this stitch is used for leaves and decorative details.
Tips for fly stitch
- Adjust the spacing of the top points to control how open the stitch looks.
- Pull the thread gently so the stitch lies flat without puckering.
- Keep the anchoring stitch small and neat.
- Try overlapping stitches to create borders or textured lines.
- This stitch works beautifully for leaves, feathers and decorative fills.
