Running Stitch - Learn This Modern Embroidery Technique

This image shows a punch needle fabric - Monk's Cloth - available for purchase from the Clever Poppy Shop.

Introduction


How’s everything going, modern embroidery enthusiasts?


Today I am going to teach you one of the simplest embroidery stitches out there, running stitch! 


This stitch is perfect for embroidery beginners because all you need to do is stitch your thread over and under the fabric, creating a line of stitches as you go. This stitch is great for creating lines or curved lines with regular spaces along it.


So now we’ve covered what this stitch is, let’s run over the process to make a running stitch.

Step 1


To begin, poke your needle up through the back of the fabric so that the slack is all pulled through and your thread is secured at the back with your knot.  Then poke the needle down through the fabric a stitch length ahead - try about 7mm.


Pull the slack all the way through (gently), so that the thread sits nice and flat against the fabric. And that’s your first stitch complete. So easy!

This is an image of step 1 of running stitch.
This is an image of step 1 of running stitch.

Step 2


Bring your needle up through the back of the fabric a few millimetres ahead to create the second stitch on the front.


TIP: You can control the look of this stitch by keeping the spaces regular for a tidy uniform look. Or when I’m trying to cover ground fast, I just go for it. I would definitely recommend experimenting with this stitch by trying shorter gaps and longer ones and watching how this creates different looks for your designs.


You can do this stitch using the stabbing or sewing technique.

Bring your needle up through the back of the fabric another stitch length ahead, to create the second stitch on the front.


TIP: You can control the look of this stitch by keeping the length of the spaces and stitches nice and regular. I would definitely recommend experimenting with this stitch by trying shorter gaps and longer ones, and watching how this creates different looks for your designs.


You can do this stitch using the stabbing or sewing technique.

This image is step 2 of running stitch.
This image is step 2 of running stitch.

Step 3


Now just keep following the same process, creating a row of stitches as you go along. And yes, this beginner embroidery stitch really is that simple!

Conclusion


Woo-hoo, I am so happy that you can now do a running stitch that you can use to create lines within your embroidery patterns. This stitch is one of the easiest modern embroidery stitches to learn, so it is the perfect place to start on your modern embroidery journey.


So there you have it, a rundown of my steps and top tips so that you can create your own wonderful running stitch. Congratulations!

 

If you enjoyed learning how to do running stitch, then you may also enjoy my Modern Embroidery Foundations Course. 

 

This course takes you through all the beginner techniques and knowledge you need to make your first beginner pattern, Little Wildflower Meadow! Plus, it includes a beautiful second pattern, Blooming Lovely, which is a fantastic place to practice your newfound skills.

 

I would totally recommend this course, as it covers more stitch techniques than this blog, and you can also do it at your own place. Plus, this is a great way to hold yourself accountable for your own me-time and continue on your path to becoming a modern embroidery superstar.

 

P.S. Have you checked out this blog yet, 'Learn Modern Embroidery for Beginners with this FREE Pattern?'

 

So, are you excited to try running stitch?