The most basic and fundamental stitches in embroidery has to be running stitch. It is a versatile and straightforward technique to master. Here's my handy guide on how to do running stitch.
What Is the Running Stitch?
The running stitch is like the humble workhorse of embroidery stitches. It’s simple, efficient, and incredibly useful. Here’s what you need to know:
Purpose: The running stitch serves various purposes:
- Outlining: Use it along straight or curved lines to outline a shape.
- Filling: Work it in rows within a shape to create a fill.
- Assembly: Use it to assemble finished embroidery projects.
- Darning: Repair rips and tears by working running stitches in different patterns.
Materials Needed:
- Fabric: Start with a small square of cotton fabric for practice.
- Embroidery Floss: Cut a 12 to 14-inch length of six-strand embroidery floss.
- Needle: Choose an embroidery needle (size between 1 and 5).
- Hoop: Use an embroidery hoop to keep your fabric taut.
Step-by-Step Instructions:
a. Mark Your Fabric: If you’re still learning, mark your fabric with a few practice lines using a ruler and a water-soluble pen or pencil. Or use a fabric such as aida that has a clear rows of holes.
b. Thread Your Needle: Thread your needle with the embroidery floss and knot the other end.
c. Start Stitching: - Decide how long you want your stitches to be and the space between them. - Bring the needle up through the back of the fabric to the front at the right end of the line you want to stitch (point 1).
Take the needle down from front to back a stitch length away from the first point (point 2).
Bring the needle up again from back to front a space length away from the end of the previous stitch. - Continue stitching in the same manner, spacing the stitches evenly, until you reach the end of your line.
d. Variations: - Experiment with stitch length and spacing to create different effects. - Try irregular intervals for a more artistic look. - Use contrasting thread colours for visual interest.
You could also try, whipped, threaded, looped and laced.
Practice Makes Perfect:
Practice on scrap fabric until you feel comfortable with the stitch.
Remember to move your stitching hand from the back of the fabric to the front as needed.
Don't forget to Pin it for later!
