Have you heard of 3D hand embroidery? Unlike traditional surface embroidery that lays flat on the fabric, three-dimensional hand embroidery uses raised stitches that sit away from the fabric. They create texture, bring depth, and add a new dimension to an embroidery pattern.
Any stitch that doesn’t lay flat with the fabric can add dimension. You might already be familiar with many hand embroidery stitches, such as French knots, chain stitches, and bullion knots that sit further away from the fabric.
(Photo the book How to Embroider Texture and Pattern by Melissa Galbraith)
Three-dimensional embroidery builds on layers. While some stitches sit close to the fabric, others sit higher off the fabric or can be used in layers to create added dimension to a design. These contrasting stitches bring an embroidery design to life.
Here are 3 of my favorite hand embroidery stitches to create 3D elements in an embroidery and how to make them
Be sure to check out the book I share at the end for more stitches on creating texture, depth, and dimension.
(Photo close-up from the pattern A Pacific Northwest Spring in the book How to Embroider Texture and Pattern by Melissa Galbraith)
Danish Knot
The Danish Knot creates a raised triangular knot on the front of the fabric.
- Start by bringing the needle up through the fabric at the top point of the triangle.
- Bring the needle back down through the fabric at the bottom right corner of the triangle, making a straight stitch.
- Next, bring the needle up through the fabric in the bottom left corner of the triangle.
- Slide the needle under the straight stitch with the tip pointed towards the bottom left corner.
- Gently pull the thread so that it wraps around the straight stitch.
- Slide the needle under the straight stitch again, with the tip of the needle pointed towards the bottom left corner.
- This time, the tip of the needle should go over the thread coming out of the fabric.
- Again, gently tug the thread so that it is flush with the fabric.
- To end the Danish knot, bring the needle back down through the fabric in the bottom left corner of the triangle. This creates one Danish knot.
(Photo close-up from the pattern Forest Foraging in the book How to Embroider Texture and Pattern by Melissa Galbraith)
Drizzle Stitch
The drizzle stitch creates a packed row of stitches that stick straight out from the fabric.
- To start, bring the needle up through the fabric at the base of the drizzle stitch.
- Next, unthread the needle and stitch the needle tip into the fabric next to where the thread is coming out of the fabric.
- Now cast stitches onto the needle. Do this by creating a crossed loop with the thread and pulling it tightly around the needle. Cast on the desired number of stitches to the needle – the more stitches cast on, the taller the drizzle stitch will be.
- Next, thread the needle with the loose end of the thread. With the needle threaded, gently pull the needle through the fabric, creating a single drizzle stitch.
(Photo close-up from the pattern Among the Wildflowers in the book How to Embroider Texture and Pattern by Melissa Galbraith)
Turkey Work
Turkey work creates a fluffy, pom-pom like stitch on the front of the fabric.
- 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.
- 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.
- 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. 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 the thread longer than you like and then shortening it as needed. You can always trim more, you can’t trim less.
(Photo author and fiber artist Melissa Galbraith holding her book How to Embroider Texture and Pattern)
My new book, How to Create Texture and Pattern, features 20 step-by-step embroidery projects of beautiful landscapes, desert canyons, unique flora, and more! This book is an inspiring embroidery guide for beginner to advanced crafters to learn how to embroider texture, color, pattern, and add 3D elements to their embroidery projects. The pages are filled with vibrant embroidery patterns inspired by wanderlust that will challenge and grow your skills as you bring these beautiful outdoor scenes to life. Pre-order your copy on Melissa’s website.
Learn how to embroider stunning textures, patterns, colors, and 3D elements
- Inspiring embroidery guide for beginner to advanced crafters to learn how to embroider texture, color, pattern, and 3D elements to their embroidery projects
- 20 step-by-step embroidery projects and patterns of beautiful landscapes in nature that slowly progress in difficulty
- Helpful overviews on fundamental embroidery techniques, from how to transfer a pattern and prepare a hoop to creating your own fabric patterns
- Illustrated stitch guide is included for over 30 need-to-know stitches that create texture
- Skill-building approach enables stitchers to improve and grow their repertoire, breaks down stitches, explores how to blend colors, how to work with fabric prints, and more
- Author Melissa Galbraith is the owner of MCreativeJ where she offers hand embroidery patterns, project kits, and teaches workshops for crafters of all skill levels
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