Star
Leaf StitchThe star leaf stitch is simply four leaf stitches in four different directions with their bases touching. You could make motifs like this from a variety of leaf motifs.
This is primarily a motif stitch, which means that you would use it on a canvas when you had diamond shaped space that you wanted to fill with something fancy. However, you can fill the background behind this with basketweave or another simple stitch or even slot them together to make a filling pattern. You could use it for a large star in the sky or in geometric designs or as a center of a flower. Use them in a row for an elegant border or edging for a dress. Consider trying combinations of star motifs using different types of leaf stitches for the background of a stocking or as centers for a series of small ornaments or scissor fobs.
My stitches are worked in Watercolours, using 1 ply of the 3-ply strand. This stitch works well in twisted threads like pearl cotton or Trebizond silk. Also consider using Flair or Rachel. This stitch shows up well in shiny rayon threads, such as Patina. Consider working the straight stitches that form the center cross in a contrasting thread or in a metallic.
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