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.
- What is the purpose of 'beeswax' in hand embroidery? → Conditioning thread to reduce tangling, knotting, and fraying
- 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
- In cross stitch, what does the term 'tent stitch' refer to? → A diagonal stitch covering one canvas intersection
- To what does the term "reticella" refer? → Lace
- Which Indian embroidery tradition uses mirrors (shisha) stitched into the fabric? → Shisha embroidery
- Which stitch is created by working multiple straight stitches from the same central point outward, like spokes of a wheel? → Star stitch
- What is 'waste canvas' used for in embroidery? → Enabling counted cross-stitch on non-even-weave fabrics
- What is 'appliqué' in machine embroidery? → Attaching a piece of fabric onto a base fabric and securing it with embroidery stitching
- Which fabric is most commonly recommended for beginners learning embroidery? → Aida cloth
- Which stitch is most frequently used to outline embroidery elements? → the Stem Stitch
- 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.
- What is a 'slate frame' (also called a 'scroll frame') used for in embroidery? → Holding large pieces of fabric under even, consistent tension
- What is 'thread painting' in embroidery? → Using long and short stitches to blend colors and mimic the look of a painting
- What file format is used by Brother embroidery machines? → .PES
- What type of stabilizer should you use when embroidering on stretchy knit fabrics? → Cut-away stabilizer
- What is the purpose of the seed stitch (also called rice stitch) in embroidery? → To fill areas with small random scattered stitches for texture
- 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
- What is 'Sashiko' embroidery and what culture does it originate from? → A Japanese running stitch geometric embroidery
- Which Mexican embroidery tradition features brightly colored geometric and floral designs worked on white fabric? → Otomi embroidery
- Which country is the origin of 'Kantha' embroidery, made from layered old cloth stitched together? → India and Bangladesh
- What is the recommended minimum DPI (dots per inch) for digitizing an embroidery design from a photograph? → 300 DPI
- Which ancient civilization is credited with some of the earliest surviving examples of embroidery? → Ancient China
- What is the purpose of the blanket stitch in embroidery? → Finishing raw fabric edges and decorative borders
- What is the function of a 'laying tool' in embroidery? → Smoothing and aligning thread strands for a flat, even finish
- What is the French knot used for in embroidery? → Creating small raised dots or textured accents
- What is 'Broderie Anglaise,' and which country is it most associated with? → A whitework style with cut and embroidered holes, associated with England
- What is the purpose of a 'design transfer method' in embroidery preparation? → Copying a pattern from paper or digital source onto fabric before stitching
- What is the recommended way to prevent embroidery floss from tangling during use? → Working with short lengths of no more than 18 inches
- Which thread type is most suitable for goldwork embroidery? → Metallic passing thread
- Which of the following cultures is the source of the decorative reinforcement stitching known as sashiko stitching? → Japan
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