Satin Stitch

What you will learn

• Parallel stitches
• Clean edges
• Even coverage

Materials and tools

• Embroidery hoop, 5 or 6 in (13 or 15 cm)
• Plain cotton or linen practice fabric
• Embroidery (crewel) needle, size 5 to 7
• Six-strand embroidery floss
• Embroidery scissors
• Water-soluble or heat-erasable marking pen

Before you start

• Put the fabric in the hoop so it is drum-tight.
• Cut 18 in (45 cm) of floss, separate the strands you need, thread the needle and knot one end.

1. Draw a small shape, such as a leaf or a 1/2 in (12 mm) square. Outline it in split stitch or backstitch for a crisp, raised edge. This is optional but helps a lot.
2. Start in the middle of the shape, not at one end. Come up on the outline on one side.
3. Go down straight across on the opposite outline, just outside your outline stitches.
4. Come up again on the first side, right next to where you started. No fabric should show between stitches, and stitches should not overlap.
5. Continue laying stitches side by side to one end of the shape. Then return to the middle and fill the other half.
6. Keep every stitch parallel to the first. Pull each one only until it lies flat.

Tips for a neat result

• Starting in the middle sets the angle and makes it easier to keep stitches parallel.
• For shapes wider than 1/2 in (12 mm), split the shape into sections or use long and short stitch, since long satin stitches snag and sag.

Common mistakes and fixes

Check your result

• The surface is smooth with no fabric visible.
• Edges form a clean line and all stitches run the same direction.

Projects that use this