The Running Stitch is the simplest and quickest of all embroidery stitches and creates simple lines and outlines. So many stitches use the running stitch as the basis, like the Whipped Stitch and Laced Stitch. As it name implies, the needle runs in and out of the material at regular intervals.
This simple stitch can be an outline or become a filling with rows of parallel or staggered stitches to create texture for almost any kind of embroidery stitching — crazy quilting, art quilts, sewing garments, crafts, or as a reinforcement for cutwork. Right-handers work this essential stitch from right to left, making small even stitches, while working the needle above and below the fabric. It is considered a stitch in the flat stitch family.
You can’t beat this stitch for fast and easy embroidery outlines! It’s a great way to define your spaces so that you can fill in with other stitches. Or – stitch a line design completely in this stitch! Vary the appearance of your stitched lines by changing thread and stitch spacing. This stitch is probably the first one to learn, and the one you’ll use the most!
There are two methods to embroider this stitch – you can do a “stab stitch” (which is also referred to as the stabbing method) or you can load a few stitches onto your needle. Each method has its benefits – I use both, depending on my choice of line, fabric and thread. For straight lines, I like to load several stitches on my needle at a time, but going around curves, I stitch one at at time using the “stab stitch”.
Here is our tutorial with step-by-step photo illustrations:
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How to Embroider the Running Stitch
The running stitching is probably the most basic embroidery stitch, the easiest stitch and is usually the first stitch embroiders learn. It is used for Sashiko, Boro and visible mending - a perfect stitch for beginners! It is also known as the straight stitch.
It is generally used as an outline stitch. There are several variations of the running stitch that have different textures. The laced running stitch and whipped running stitch, which is also referred to as the Cordonnet stitch.
Big stitch quilting is becoming popular with modern quilters and is really just a longer running stitch.
The running stitch isn't just for straight lines.
Materials
- Fabric marked with your embroidery design
- Embroidery thread or floss of your choice
Tools
- Embroidery needle suited for your thread
- Embroidery hoop, optional
- Thimble, optional
- Embroidery scissors
Instructions
- To start your running stitch, thread your needle with about 18" - 20" of embroidery thread. For best results, hoop your fabric to hold it taut. This will help you make even stitches. Pull your threaded needle up from the wrong side of the fabric where you want to start stitching.
- The goal with the running stitch is to try to take even stitches, which means the same length of thread on the top and back of your fabric. Start by 'loading' a few stitches on your needle.
- I work from the front side of the fabric. To load stitches on your needle, rock your needle up and down through the fabric. I like to have my left hand under my hoop to help guide the needle. See how the hoop keeps your fabric nice and taut so it makes it easier to 'rock' your needle to have even stitches.
- When you get several stitches on your needle, pull it through and load the next set of stitches on your needle.
- Keep stitching like this to complete your line.
If your design has curves, take fewer stitches at a time to make a nice smooth curve.
Here is a quick YouTube how to video tutorial:
Ideas for using the running stitch
- Use the running stitch for appliquéing pieces of fabric together for a homespun look.
- Even though the goal with the running stitch is to have consistent stitch lengths, it can be fun to vary the length of your stitches to add visual interest to your stitching project, making it a decorative stitch.
- Use the running stitch as a basting stitch to hold two pieces of fabric together while you work a more complex stitch. That way you won’t need to work around pins (that poke!).
- Try different threads and embroidery floss in rows or a curved line on your embroidery projects.
- If you are working on a tightly woven fabric, you’ll want a sharp needle. And, yes, embroidery needles do get dull over time!
- Make sure you are using the right needle size for the thread or floss you are using.
There are several variations of this stitch. Each one has a slightly different look, but each is just as easy to stitch!
More embroidery inspiration
This is random stitching across a 4″ sampler area uses Sulky 12 wt. thread doubled. I like the background fill that is made with the variegated threads.
Another small sampler
Check out all of our hand embroidery stitches and embroidery tutorials on Create Whimsy! Find inspiration with our spotlight embroidery artists.
See my favorite 10 Easy Embroidery Stitches to Embellish Your Projects.
