Satin stitch vs long and short stitch
Both fill a shape with straight stitches. Satin stitch crosses the whole shape in single stitches, edge to edge; long and short stitch fills it in staggered rows that reach into each other, so it covers large shapes and blends colours.
The differences
| Satin stitch | Long and short stitch | |
|---|---|---|
| Looks | Smooth and shiny, one block of colour | A soft texture in which shades blend |
| Stitches | Each crosses the shape edge to edge | Staggered rows, each coming up into the row before |
| Shape size | Small: up to about 10 mm (3/8 in) across | Any size, including large shapes |
| Colours | One per area | Several shades, blended |
| The back | Almost the same as the front | Short stitches and travelling thread |
| Difficulty | Easy with practice | Takes practice |
Which to use
Use satin stitch for small shapes in one colour: leaves, petals, dots and letters. How to work satin stitch
Use long and short stitch for shapes too wide for satin, and whenever you want colours to blend. How to work long and short stitch