How to Embroider a Satin Stitch

Use a satin stitch to fill in narrow bars and lines.

The satin stitch is a stitch used in embroidery to fill up space. A set of satin stitches together creates a solid bar of color across the fabric. A single row of satin stitches may be used to create a single leaf or petal, while several rows of satin stitches are used to fill in a larger space. A satin stitch is a basic embroidery stitch and it is extremely versatile as it allows you to fill up irregularly shaped spaces.

Things You'll Need

• Fabric
• Hoop
• Embroidery needle
• Embroidery floss

Instructions

1. Draw a design on your fabric using a pencil. Draw the design faintly, and if you are just getting started, make it a simple shape, like a leaf.

2. Stretch the fabric over your embroidery hoop. This is done by draping the fabric over the smaller hoop and then pushing the larger hoop over the rim of the smaller, holding the fabric firmly in place. Tug on the loose ends to get the fabric in the center of the hoop taut. The design you drew should be centered in the hoop, allowing you to embroider on it easily.

3. Thread an embroidery needle with embroidery floss.

4. Push the embroidery needle through the fabric from the back to the front, causing the needle to come through the edge of the design.

5. Draw the thread across the design and push the needle through the fabric from front to back, this time at the point directly opposite the entry point on the drawn design.

6. Push the needle up through the fabric again, right next to the original entry point.

7. Repeat steps 4 through 6 until you have a solid bar of color across your design.

References

• Craft Stylish: How to Make a Satin-Smooth Satin Stitch; Erika Kern
• Stitch School: Satin Stitch