đź–¤ The running stitch is one of the easiest basic embroidery stitches and a must-learn embroidery techniquefor beginners. In its simplicity, this stitch resembles a series of dashed lines, much like those you might see on the road. Each stitch can be made the same size with equal gaps, giving it a uniform look. However, you can also vary the sizes and gaps to create a more organic, freeform aesthetic that adds a personal touch to your embroidery. This is truly a very simple stitch!
As you dive into this embroidery tutorial, you’ll quickly see how versatile the running stitch is. It’s often used for outlining shapes and lines, making it an essential stitch for all kinds of projects. Additionally, it can be used to add decorative elements or even as a fill stitch that goes in any direction—straight or curved, it’s entirely up to you.
This stitch is also a practical one to finish the back of your embroidery project. It pulls the edges of your fabric together, providing a neat and tidy finish to your designs. It’s incredibly easy to master, and it’s one you’ll find yourself using over and over again.
Table of Contents
How to Stitch the Running Stitch
With your hooped fabric ready, start by creating one simple stitch. Leave a gap and come up to the top of your fabric and create another stitch. As you repeat this you’ll see your stitch coming together to resemble dashes.
Keep going until you’ve reached a happy length! That’s all there is to it. Simple and humble, but with lots of room for creative designs!
As you learn more stitches, I’m pretty sure you’ll embrace this cozy hobby as a form of stress relief as I have. Even just 10 minutes of stitching will works wonders for helping you unwind after a long day. Whether it’s the rhythmic motion of the needle or the satisfaction of creating something beautiful, embroidery provides a calming escape. The gentle, repetitive sounds of stitching can also be quite soothing, almost like ASMR, offering a peaceful sensory experience. If you’re feeling stressed or need a break, I encourage you to set aside a few minutes a day in a cozy nook somewhere in your house with your embroidery supplies and see if it helps you the same way it helps me. You might find that this simple, soothing craft becomes a go-to way to recharge and clear your mind.
Video Tutorial
Now that we’ve gone over this easy, basic stitch step by step, take a minute to watch the quick video to see it in action, then browse through my Stitches Library for more stitch tutorials.
