Although we only have three basic stitch types to choose when creating and embroidered design, if we take advantage of all of the different property choices available, we can transform those stitch types into an almost unlimited amount of embroidery effects.
I would like to start with running stitches.
A running stitch can easily be transformed into a double or triple (bean), but can also be converted into a row of symbols or motifs, and the size of each is controlled by the stitch length of your original running stitches. If you lengthen the stitch length you increase the size of each of the symbols or motifs. The difference between motifs and symbols is that symbols can be any combination of stitch types and can be custom digitized by you to recreate any shape or object you wish to add to your design. Motifs are comprised of running stitches and are also can be custom digitized by you to recreate any shape or object you wish to add to your design.
The next two entries will expand these ideas to include Satin Stitches and Fill Stitches.