Trying new background stitches can feel intimidating. To make that leap a little easier, we’ve curated a list of five beginner-friendly background stitches that are both approachable and beautiful.

Brick Stitch: Incredibly versatile, Brick Stitch can be worked in “small” or “giant” stitches and stitched either horizontally or vertically, making it adaptable for nearly any design.

Mosaic Stitch: A wonderful option for small areas, this stitch is easy to compensate and creates lovely detail—perfect for windows, frames, and decorative accents.

Nobuko Stitch: The woven effect of this stitch adds movement to your canvas. It’s especially beautiful for water, trees, sky, and other organic elements, and is also great for adding overall texture.

Parisian Stitch: This small stitch is ideal for tight spaces and is easy to compensate. It works equally well in both small sections and larger background areas.

Byzantine Stitch: A classic background stitch that fully covers the canvas and creates a subtle, stair-like pattern with wonderful visual interest.