7 Ways to Running Stitch in Embroidery (with free pattern!)
Running stitch is a utilitarian sewing stitch with a lot of applications, but it can also be used as a decorative hand embroidery stitch.
I always tell people not to overlook running stitch as a decorative stitch, so I gave myself a challenge to embroidery a whole project using only running stitch. This little flower piece is the result.
Want the pattern? Sign up below to get it.
See it All
Below you will find:
- video tutorial
- step-by-step written tutorial with pictures
Video
Subscribe to Epida Studio on YouTube
7 Ways to use embroidery stitch
This embroidery piece is stitched with embroidery floss.
Trace the design onto fabric and place it in a hoop. Click HERE for general embroidery tutorials.
If it’s printed at 100%, it is just the right size for a 6″ hoop. Feel free to enlarge or shrink it as you prefer.
1. Dotted line
I used brown thread to stitch the ground.
You can stitch running stitch with either the sewing method or the stabbing method. (See a detailed running stitch tutorial HERE.)
After the first line, I stitched two parallel lines following the shape of the first line.
Running stitch adds both colour and texture to the piece.
2. Solid Lines
You can stitch solid lines with wrapped running stitched. I used this to outline the flower.
Begin by outlining with basic running stitch.
Wrap the stitches by taking another thread through under the stitches. (This is sometimes called whipped running stitch as well.)
Continue wrapping the stitches all the way around the flower.
3. Thick Lines
Double wrapping running stitch can make a thick line with lots of texture.
I used this method to stitch the stem with three different thread colours.
Begin with stitching the stem in basic running stitch. I used a medium green colour.
Wrap the stitches in the same way as the flower outline. I used a darker thread colour.
Next, wrap the running stitches in the opposite direction. The wrapping stitches will cross each other.
I used a light colour thread for even more contrast.
4. Filling spaces
Random running stitches are nice ways to fill in spaces.
I used this method to fill in the petals of the flower.
I followed the shape of the petal, but you could also do the stitches with vertical or horizontal lines like this sample from another project.
This filling looks similar to seed stitches.
5. Double interwrapping
Interwrapping involves wrapping two lines of running stitch at the same time. I used this technique to stitch the leaves.
Begin by outlining the leaf in running stitch.
Bring a wrapping thread to the front and wrap the stitches, alternating the sides of the leaf.
At the end of the leaf, wrap back in the other direction to make it double inter wrapping.
I used the same colour thread, but you could use multiple colours to make it even more interesting.
6. Texture and shading
Anytime you want to add more texture and shading, you can add pieces of running stitch.
I added little clouds with very pale blue thread, but you can add whatever you want. Even stitching with the same colour as the background will add nice effects.
7. Fancy borders
Interlaced running stitch makes fun border designs. I used two different colours of blue.
Stitch the two rings with running stitch. You will get different effects based on the spacing and alignment of the running stitches.
Interlace the two lines of running stitch.
Continue interlacing all around until you get back to where you started.
Remove the marked embroidery lines and finish the piece however you wish.
Use these ideas as inspiration for your own unique creations.
More Embroidery Resources
On-demand Video Courses
Learn at your own pace with these embroidery video courses.
Hand Embroidery Patterns
Get fun embroidery patterns in my shop.
Detailed Tutorials
Get detailed embroidery tutorials to help you make your own hand stitching projects more easily. Lots of pictures and videos to make everything clear.
Embroidery Stitches
Check out the Embroidery Stitch Directory for lots of inspiration.