Abstract: A hand-held stitching tool for forming decorative patterns of yarn on mesh materials has a stitching needle with a blunt end and an elongated handle having a top surface and a bottom surface and sized for holding between the thumb and the index finger with the index finger resting along the top surface of the handle. Preferably, the handle is wide enough to allow the third finger to be supported by the handle, allowing the user to clamp the yarn with the third finger. The stitching needle has a distal end region with an eye passage bounded by flattened surfaces that are parallel to the top and bottom surfaces of the handle. A guide passage can be provided on the handle to carry the yarn along the handle. The tool is well suited for practicing the described methods for forming decorative loops and chain stitches on a mesh material.

Abstract: The hand stitching tool can be used to create knit- and crochet-like stitches for making entire garments as well as for seaming together the pieces of a garment, surface embellishing, stitching on beads, creating unique knit-like and crochet-like edgings, stitching fabric or leather, applying fringe, stitching needlepoint canvas, jewelry making, and many other applications. The stitching tool can be used to create basic knit-like and crochet-like stitches by using it in the way shown in the drawings. A variety of other stitch patterns can be created by manipulating the stitch tool. The user creates the stitches one stitch at a time by inserting the needle into the stitch while the other hand holds the newly formed stitch. The yarn carriers carry the yarn making it easier to control than with traditional knitting needles or crochet hooks, and two strands of yarn can be used simultaneously.