Embroidery Cheat Sheet 2026

The 30 highest-yield Embroidery facts, distilled from real exam questions. Print it, save it as a PDF, or study it here — free, no sign-up.

1. What is the purpose of 'beeswax' in hand embroidery? → Conditioning thread to reduce tangling, knotting, and fraying
2. What does 'satin stitch' refer to in machine embroidery fill types? → A zig-zag stitch that creates a smooth, satin-like surface for letters and narrow shapes
3. What is the purpose of a split stitch in embroidery? → To outline shapes and create fine lines
4. A stem stitch is worked by always keeping the working thread on which side of the needle? → The same side consistently throughout
5. What is the term for the small loop that forms when the needle exits the fabric too far from where it entered on a satin stitch? → Float
6. When working satin stitch, how should stitches be placed to avoid a lumpy appearance? → Lay stitches close together and parallel, without overlapping
7. In cross stitch, what does the term 'tent stitch' refer to? → A diagonal stitch covering one canvas intersection
8. Which stitch is best for filling large areas with solid color in surface embroidery? → Satin stitch
9. To what does the term "reticella" refer? → Lace
10. Which Indian embroidery tradition uses mirrors (shisha) stitched into the fabric? → Shisha embroidery
11. Which stitch is created by working multiple straight stitches from the same central point outward, like spokes of a wheel? → Star stitch
12. What is 'waste canvas' used for in embroidery? → Enabling counted cross-stitch on non-even-weave fabrics
13. What is 'appliqué' in machine embroidery? → Attaching a piece of fabric onto a base fabric and securing it with embroidery stitching
14. Which fabric is most commonly recommended for beginners learning embroidery? → Aida cloth
15. When splitting stranded embroidery floss, how do you separate the strands most effectively? → Cut the floss then strip each strand individually from a single length
16. Which stitch is most frequently used to outline embroidery elements? → the Stem Stitch
17. What is the name of an embroidery technique that uses loosely twisted yarns and is typically worked with flower, leaf, and bird motifs? → have a larger eye to accommodate specialized threads.
18. What is a 'slate frame' (also called a 'scroll frame') used for in embroidery? → Holding large pieces of fabric under even, consistent tension
19. What is 'thread painting' in embroidery? → Using long and short stitches to blend colors and mimic the look of a painting
20. What file format is used by Brother embroidery machines? → .PES
21. What type of stabilizer should you use when embroidering on stretchy knit fabrics? → Cut-away stabilizer
22. What is the purpose of the seed stitch (also called rice stitch) in embroidery? → To fill areas with small random scattered stitches for texture
23. Why is it important to leave a margin of unstitched fabric around the design when finishing for framing? → To provide fabric for wrapping and securing around the mounting board
24. What is 'Sashiko' embroidery and what culture does it originate from? → A Japanese running stitch geometric embroidery
25. Which Mexican embroidery tradition features brightly colored geometric and floral designs worked on white fabric? → Otomi embroidery
26. Which country is the origin of 'Kantha' embroidery, made from layered old cloth stitched together? → India and Bangladesh
27. What is the recommended minimum DPI (dots per inch) for digitizing an embroidery design from a photograph? → 300 DPI
28. What is the function of a 'laying tool' in embroidery? → To keep multiple thread strands smooth and parallel as a stitch is formed
29. Which ancient civilization is credited with some of the earliest surviving examples of embroidery? → Ancient China
30. What is the purpose of the blanket stitch in embroidery? → Finishing raw fabric edges and decorative borders