Difficulty:
| This stitch is best for: Outlines
The running stitch is a simple and versatile embroidery stitch that is commonly used in a variety of projects. It involves creating a straight line of stitches by passing the needle in and out of the fabric in a continuous motion. The running stitch can be used to create borders, outline shapes, and fill in small areas. It is also a great stitch for beginners to learn as it is easy to master and can be used in many different ways.
How to do the Running Stitch
- Start the stitch: Bring your needle up through the fabric at the starting point of your line.
- Stitch forward: Take a small stitch (about 1/4 inch or 0.6 cm long) forward from your starting point and bring your needle back down through the fabric.
- Repeat: Continue in this manner, taking small stitches at regular intervals along your line. Keep your stitches even in size and spacing for a neat and uniform appearance.
- End the stitch: When you have reached the end of your line, knot your thread on the back of the fabric and trim any excess.
Tips
- Practice on a piece of scrap fabric before starting your project to get comfortable with the stitch.
- Use a hoop to keep your fabric taut and prevent puckering.
- Experiment with different thread colors and thicknesses to achieve different effects.
- For longer lines, use a longer thread to avoid having to start and stop frequently.
- Don’t pull your stitches too tight or they may pucker the fabric.
- If you make a mistake, simply pull the thread out and try again. Embroidery is a forgiving art, and practice makes perfect!