How to Do an Embroidered Satin Stitch
The satin stitch is used to fill in open areas -- such as circles, letters or leaves -- on an embroidery design. Beginners are sometimes intimidated by the need to make the long, smooth stitches, but it is not a difficult stitch to master. With a little practice you can quickly add it to your embroidery skills. Satin stitch creates a full, smooth, raised look on a piece of needlework.
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Things You'll Need
- Embroidery needle
- Embroidery floss
- Embroidery hoop
- Scissors
- Thimble (optional)
Instructions
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Fasten your work snugly in an embroidery hoop with the area to be satin stitched near the center. Embroidery hoops of metal or wood come in two parts and snap together over the material, holding the pattern taut. This makes it easier to sew even stitches.
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Thread an embroidery needle with three strands of embroidery floss. An embroidery needle has a large eye, making it easier to thread multiple strands of floss. Embroidery floss comes in six strands, which can be divided.
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Run the needle up from the back of the fabric along the outside edge of the printed outline. Pull the thread across the area to be filled in at a slant, then run the needle down through the fabric at the opposite edge. Pull the thread across the back of the design, and push the needle up right next to the first stitch. All your stitches will be at a slant.
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Fill in a circle by making your first stitch across the middle. Make long, unbroken stitches across the entire area, covering the printed outline. Work from the middle to the top for a circle, turning the work around to finish the bottom half. For long, straight shapes, work from the bottom to the top at a slant. Keep the stitches close together. You can go back and fill in if you inadvertently leave any gaps.
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Tips & Warnings
Your work should look the same both front and back with satin stitch.
Either cover the printed outline of the shape with the satin stitch, or use an outline stitch to finish around the outer edge.
Tying a knot in the end of your floss as you begin is optional, although it will help secure the floss.
References
- Photo Credit Hemera Technologies/AbleStock.com/Getty Images
