Lazy daisy stitch is a single loop held down with a tiny anchor stitch. Arrange several loops around one center and you get a flower; use one loop by itself and it becomes a small leaf. It is also called detached chain stitch because each loop is one chain that stands alone.
It is one of the quickest decorative stitches to learn after back stitch and satin stitch.
How to make one lazy daisy petal
1. Bring the needle up at the base of the petal.
2. Put the needle back down into the same hole or just beside it, leaving a loop of thread on the surface.
3. Bring the needle up at the tip of the petal, inside the loop.
4. Pull gently until the loop forms the petal shape.
5. Take the needle down just outside the loop with a tiny stitch to hold it in place.
How to keep petals the same size
Mark the petal tips lightly before stitching, especially on a flower with six or eight petals. Pull each loop only until it reaches its mark. If you pull hard after the loop touches the mark, the petal becomes narrow and pointed.
Round petals vs pointed petals
For a round petal, keep the anchor stitch short and place it immediately outside the loop. For a pointed leaf, pull the loop a little more firmly and make the anchor directly at the tip.
Why lazy daisies go loose
The loop may be too large, the anchor stitch may be too far from the tip, or the working thread may have twisted. Make the loop slightly smaller than you think you need, then settle it into shape with the needle before anchoring.
Floss strands and texture
Two or three strands make a clean beginner-sized petal. More strands create a bolder, softer loop. Match the strand count to the scale of the design rather than using the same thickness everywhere.
What to stitch after lazy daisy
Pair lazy daisy petals with French knots in the center and stem stitch for the stems. That three-stitch combination is enough to make a complete small floral motif.
FAQ
Is lazy daisy the same as detached chain stitch?
Yes. Lazy daisy is the common floral name for a detached chain stitch.
Why are my lazy daisy petals pointy?
You may be pulling the loop too tightly or using an anchor stitch that pulls the tip forward. Relax the loop and keep the anchor short.
How many strands of floss should I use?
Two or three strands is a good starting point for small beginner designs. Use more for a bolder look.
Can lazy daisy make leaves?
Yes. One detached loop makes a simple leaf shape; several around a center create a flower.
What to do next
See where lazy daisy fits with the other basic embroidery stitches or practice several stitches on our stitch sampler kit.