Stitch Guide

2022-07-06 -

Running Stitch

This is a very versatile outline stitch which can also be used beneath other stitches to add a layer of padding. Running Stitches should all be of the same length. Bring the needle up at 1, down at 2, up at 3 and so on. The spaces between the stitches are usually the same length as the stitches themselves, but you can vary this.

Seed Stitch

Seed Stitch is an individual stitch, but when worked together in groups is called Seeding. This is simply short straight stitches worked randomly in different directions. There is no particular pattern to follow, but the stitches should all be of the same length, evenly spaced and scattered across the fabric.

Split Backstitch

Split Backstitch is an alternative way to work Split Stitch. Instead of bringing the needle up through the centre of the previous stitch, bring it up through the fabric at 1, where the end of the next stitch will sit. Then, take the needle back down through the centre of the previous stitch at 2, splitting the fibres or strands as you do so.

Satin Stitch

Bring the needle up at 1, down at 2 and up at 3, working stitches close together. Keep stitching in this way, under and over, so that the back of the work looks the same as the front. To maintain an even tension, always take the needle out at the back then back in at the front in two steps rather than in and out in one motion.

Split Stitch

Bring the needle up at 1, down at 2 and up at 3, but don’t pull it all the way through the fabric. Pull the needle up through the centre of the thread to split it, then carry on pulling it up through the fabric and the thread. Work the whole outline in this way, making sure you always split the thread in the centre to form even stitches.

Stem Stitch

Stem Stitch forms a solid, raised line with a textured appearance. It can be used to follow any shape and is good for working curved lines. Bring the needle up just above the design line at 1, down at 2 below the line, and back up at 3 above the line. Continue in this way, always working back on yourself.