If you are looking for embroidery stitches for lines that are not called backstitch (THE go-to stitch for these purposes) you are in the right place.
Below, I’ll show you the pros and cons of some embroidery stitches commonly used for lines and letters. Also, you get to see a side-by-side comparison of all stitches, so you can see the differences more easily.
Here are 8 embroidery stitches for lines
Outline stitches from top to bottom:
- running stitch
- back stitch
- whipped back stitch (left uni, right two colored)
- split back stitch
- stem stitch
- split stitch
- chain stitch
- magic chain stitch (two colored)
To make your decision process easier, below you’ll find a tutorial for each stitch and what their strengths and weaknesses are.
RUNNING STITCH
Running stitch makes a very flat, slim line. To avoid the dashed line, you can make an additional line of stitches to fill out the empty spaces.
Stitch properties
- good for very tight curves
- flat and slim stitch
- dashed line
BACK STITCH
Wait, I said stitches other than the backstitch, right? Yes, I did. Still, it’s a great embroidery stitch and I want to list all the benefits and uses for this stitch, too. There would be something missing would I not include the backstitch in this guide.
Stitch properties
- good for very tight curves
- segmented look – each stitch can be identified as an individual stitch
WHIPPED BACK STITCH
This stitch is a variation of the backstitch (you most probably found that out by the name). The wrapping of threads around the original back stitch blends the harsh segments of the backstitch. I find it very easy to embroider and you can stitch it in two colors!
Stitch properties
- good for very tight curves
- can be stitched in 2 colors
- stitches blend into each other
My letter embroidery guide
All of my letter embroidery tips & tricks in one handy ebook! Get 8 alphabets with numbers, embroidery stitch recommendations with examples, and tutorials on how to stitch them.
In this ebook, I gathered all my knowledge about stitching quotes and text. It includes many examples of detail pictures of finished embroideries.
SPLIT BACK STITCH
Another variation of the backstitch. It is very similar to the split stitch. It actually is how the backside of a split stitch looks like!
Stitch properties
- good for very tight curves
- stitches blend into each other
The Stitch Lexicon eBook
200+ step-by-step photo tutorials on 84 pages.
Get all of the embroidery stitches in one place right at your fingertips!
STEM STITCH
The stem stitch is one of my favorites for line stitching. It’s looking like a thin rope and makes a thicker line than many other stitches because two stitches are worked in the same line. Stem stitch is perfect for curves and slanting lines.
Stitch properties
- takes curves well – very tight curves are trickier
- creates a seamless thick line
- stitches blend into each other
- makes a rope-like line
SPLIT STITCH
Split stitch is a variation of the stem stitch. Each stitch is split for the next stitch – hence the name. It’s not as thick as a stem stitch but at works exceptionally well with tight curves.
Stitch properties
- good for very tight curves
- creates a seamless thick line
- stitches blend into each other
CHAIN STITCH
Chain stitches are basically loops held in place by the next stitch. They have a little gap in between where the fabric can shine through. There are two ways to stitch the chain stitch – one starting at the base, one starting at the top. If you have trouble with the first version, try the reverse chain stitch!
Stitch properties
- works with curves, but not very tight curves
- creates a very thick line
- segmented look – each stitch is clearly visible
My recommendation: Dropcloth samplers
Rebecca Ringquist has been creating embroidery samplers for many years and they are a feast for the eyes! I highly recommend her embroidery kits and preprinted samplers.
The drop cloth embroidery sampler
Rebecca Ringquist’s approach to embroidery sampler is so unique and pretty. She has created a lot of different playful samplers that make it very fun to learn new stitches. She has a monthly subscription sampler and many individual ones, too.
If you want to dabble into learning new embroidery stitches I highly recommend her color wheel sampler!
MAGIC CHAIN STITCH
This two-colored chain stitch is worked with two threads at once. It’s very fun to do! It has the same properties as the regular chain stitch.
Stitch properties
- works with curves, but not very tight curves
- creates a very thick line
- two colored
- segmented look – each stitch is clearly visible
How to embroider letters
In this article, I have gathered all the tips and tricks around letter embroidery for you. Read more >>
Do you want more tips and tricks on hand embroidery?
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