What is the running stitch and how do I use it?
The running stitch consists of weaving embroidery floss in and out of the fabric, creating a dashed line. It is, essentially, a series of evenly spaced straight stitches, unlike the backstitch which combines these stitches to make a solid line. This stitch is often used as a base for decorative embroidery stitches, but can also be used as a basic outline stitch or to add texture to a design. In the Stitching Raccoon Sampler, the running stitch is used for the bark of the tree stump.
Get the Stitching Raccoon Sampler for FREE.
Running stitch diagram
Below is what a typical diagram for the running stitch may look like in an embroidery pattern or on other how-to pages.
See the running stitch in action
Follow along with this quick video to see how each step of the running stitch comes together.
Step-by-step instructions
Now, let's walk through each step in the running stitch together.
Step 1: From the backside of the fabric, bring your needle up at your starting point.
Step 2: Now, place your needle back down through the fabric about a stitch length away from your starting point.
Step 3: Come back up through the back of the fabric about a stitch length away from your last stitch.
Step 4: Working forwards, continue making stitches, leaving a space in between each one. Feel free to make these stitches and spaces as big or small as you'd like.
Save it for later
Want to remember how to do the running stitch? Pin the image below to Pinterest as a quick reference for later!
Give it a try, you can do it!
Now it's your turn to grab a needle, some embroidery floss, and give it a go! Practice the running stitch, along with other basic embroidery stitches, in the Stitching Raccoon Sampler. Get the embroidery pattern for FREE by signing up below!
