Running Stitch: How to Do It Step by Step
Running Stitch is a beginner-level hand embroidery stitch that makes dashed line; quick outline and quilting stitch. Stitchers use it for outlines, sashiko, hand quilting. To start, come up at the start of the line and go back down a stitch length ahead. It is usually learned alongside backstitch.
Running Stitch is a beginner-level hand embroidery stitch that makes dashed line; quick outline and quilting stitch. Makers use it for outlines, sashiko, hand quilting, basting.
The table below sums up running stitch in one place: craft, abbreviation, difficulty and the projects it suits best.
| Craft | Hand embroidery |
|---|---|
| Difficulty | Beginner |
| Look and feel | Dashed line; quick outline and quilting stitch |
| Best for | Outlines, Sashiko, Hand quilting, Basting |
How do you work running stitch?
- Bring the needle up from the back at the start of the line.
- Insert the needle a stitch length ahead along the line.
- Bring it up again a small gap further along.
- Repeat, keeping stitches and gaps even. You can load several stitches on the needle before pulling through.
When you are ready to plan a project in running stitch, the embroidery stitch count calculator will estimate how long a line of it takes.
What are the most common running stitch mistakes?
- Uneven stitch lengths
- Pulling tight enough to pucker the fabric
Practice on a swatch
Work a small sample before starting a project. It shows how the stitch looks in your chosen yarn or thread, and it is far easier to unpick a swatch than a finished piece.
Where does running stitch lead next? Backstitch is the natural step up: backstitch closes the gaps for a solid line.
Which stitches are related to running stitch?
The 2 stitches below are the closest relatives of running stitch, with the abbreviation and difficulty of each.
| Stitch | Abbreviation | Difficulty | Look and feel |
|---|---|---|---|
| Backstitch | bs | Beginner | Solid continuous line |
| Seed Stitch (Embroidery) | n/a | Beginner | Scattered tiny straight stitches for light filling |
What other beginner hand embroidery stitches should you learn?
- Backstitch: lettering, outlines in cross stitch
- Split Stitch: outlines, padding under satin stitch
- Stem Stitch: stems and vines, curved outlines
- Outline Stitch: outlines, redwork
- Chain Stitch: bold outlines, lettering
- Lazy Daisy (Detached Chain): flower petals, leaves
- Blanket Stitch: applique edges, felt
- Fly Stitch: leaves, grass
- Cross Stitch: counted designs on aida and evenweave, samplers
- Couching: metallic threads, yarn and cord
- Seed Stitch (Embroidery): textured fills, shading
Tools for hand embroidery
Morgan No-Slip Embroidery Hoops, 5, 7 and 9-Inch Set
Under $50No-slip hoops keep fabric drum tight so stitches sit evenly.
Check price
DMC Embroidery Floss Assortment, 100 Colors
Under $100One hundred colors of six-strand cotton floss for any design.
Check price
Gingher 3.5-Inch Stork Embroidery Scissors
Under $25Small, sharp scissors for trimming threads close to the fabric.
Check pricePrices change often, so confirm on Amazon. As an Amazon Associate we earn from qualifying purchases.
Frequently asked questions
What is running stitch?
Running Stitch is a hand embroidery stitch that makes dashed line; quick outline and quilting stitch. Makers reach for it for outlines, sashiko, hand quilting, basting. It is rated beginner here, so it is a good stitch to learn early and practice on a small swatch before a real project.
How do you do running stitch step by step?
1. Bring the needle up from the back at the start of the line. 2. Insert the needle a stitch length ahead along the line. 3. Bring it up again a small gap further along. 4. Repeat, keeping stitches and gaps even. You can load several stitches on the needle before pulling through. Work slowly for the first few repeats, keep your tension even, and check the result against the steps before continuing across a whole row or motif.
What projects use running stitch?
Running Stitch suits outlines, sashiko, hand quilting, basting. To size a project before you start, the embroidery stitch count calculator will estimate how long a line of it takes.
What are common mistakes with running stitch?
The most common problems are: uneven stitch lengths; pulling tight enough to pucker the fabric. Most are easy to spot if you pause after a few repeats and compare your work with the steps. Good light helps a great deal, especially with dark yarn or thread.
What should you learn after running stitch?
Backstitch is the usual next step, because backstitch closes the gaps for a solid line. It is rated beginner here, against beginner for running stitch. Its own step-by-step page is at backstitch.
What stitches are similar to running stitch?
Stitches closely related to running stitch include Backstitch, Seed Stitch (Embroidery). Learning them together makes patterns easier to read, because many designs switch between related stitches to change texture, height or line. Each has its own step-by-step page in the stitch dictionary.
How we research: we compare manufacturer specifications, owner manuals, published standards and recurring themes in verified owner reviews. We do not test products in person, and this is researched guidance, not professional advice. Follow your machine manual and pattern, and take care with rotary cutters, hot irons and needles. As an Amazon Associate we earn from qualifying purchases.
