Embroidering with Straight Stitch
Straight stitch is a simple, basic stitch. It looks simple and might be the easiest embroidery stitch of all. Because of this, it is sometimes overlooked, but you can have fun using it in your embroidery projects.
A warning with straight stitch is that if the stitches are too long, they could get caught on things, especially if the stitching is on an item that is handled like clothing or pillows. Also, there is a lot of travelling on the back of the embroidery. If you have a dark thread and a light fabric, make sure it won’t shadow through.
See it all
Below you will find:
- Video tutorial
- Inspiration for when to use straight stitch
- Tutorial with images
- Variations of straight stitch
- Projects that use straight stitch
When to use straight stitch:
- Grass
- Leaves
- Flowers
- Random texture
- Background design
- Fillers for shapes
- Birds in the distance
- Fur or hair
Straight Stitch Tutorial
Basic straight stitch
aka: single satin stitch
Basic straight stitch is done just the way it seems. Bring the thread up from the back of the fabric.
Take it through to the back side. That’s it! One stitch is done. It is possibly the easiest embroidery stitch.
Bring the needle up for the next stitch, then take it down.
Repeat as needed.
Straight Stitch Variations
Satin stitch
aka: damask stitch
Satin stitch is made with groups of parallel stitches. It is often used to fill in shapes.
For best results, begin in the middle of the shape. Work out to one side, then go back to the middle and work out to the other side.
Padded satin stitch
Sometimes satin stitch is done overtop of foundation stitches to give more depth and texture.
See Padded Satin Stitch tutorial
Seeding stitch
Seeding stitch is made up of pairs of straight stitches.
Arrowhead stitch
Arrowhead stitch is made of two straight stitches that meet at an angle.
Eyelet stitch
Eyelet stitch is made of many straight stitches that meet at a centre point.
Eyelet Wheel Stitch
Eyelet Wheel is made of many straight stitches that look like a wheel.
See Eyelet Wheel stitch tutorial
Fern stitch
Fern stitches resemble bird tracks.
Plate Stitch
Plate stitch is made up of offset straight stitches. It is a filling stitch with lighter coverage than satin stitch.
Brick Stitch
Brick Stitch is similar to long and short stitch, but gives a basketweave pattern.
Encroaching Satin stitch
Encroaching satin stitches overlap slightly. It’s a great way to blend shades.
See Encroaching satin stitch tutorial
Long and Short stitch
Long and short stitch is a filling stitch that is a wonderful way to blend colours for shading.
See Long and Short stitch tutorial
Padded Satin stitch
Padded satin stitch has dimension and texture.
See Padded satin stitch tutorial
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