Stitch dictionary

Running stitch

Also known as Darning stitch, Quilting stitch

The simplest line stitch: even stitches with even gaps between them, giving a light, dashed line. It is also the start of whipped and laced running stitch.

A gently curving line of running stitch in blue thread on linen: short stitches with even gaps between them.

Quick facts

Type
Line stitch
Best for
Dashed lines, Simple outlines, Borders and texture
Difficulty
Beginner (1 of 3)
Strands
2–3; up to 6 for a bold line (of six-strand floss)
Needle
Embroidery (crewel) needle, size 7–9
Stitch length
About 3 mm (1/8 in) stitches with gaps of about 2 mm (1/16 in)
On curves
Good, with shorter stitches and gaps on tight curves
Related
Backstitch, Whipped backstitch

Step by step

Shown right-handed, worked from left to right with the stab method in a hoop: the needle goes straight down through the fabric, then straight up, one movement at a time.

  1. First stitch

    Step 1: one short stitch at the start of the line, from 1 to 2.

    Bring the needle up at 1, at the start of the line, and take it down at 2, a stitch length of 3 mm (1/8 in) along.

  2. Leave a gap, stitch again

    Step 2: a second stitch, from 3 to 4, after a short gap.

    Leave a gap of about 2 mm (1/16 in): come up at 3 and go down at 4, another 3 mm (1/8 in) along.

  3. Keep going

    Step 3: a third stitch, from 5 to 6. The earlier stitches are shown paler.

    Repeat: up at 5 after the same gap, down at 6 after the same stitch length. Keep the stitches, and the gaps, even.

  4. Finish the line

    Step 4: the finished line of three even stitches with even gaps.

    At the end of the line, take the thread to the back and weave it under a few stitches there.

Shown left-handed, worked from right to left with the stab method in a hoop. The pictures are the right-handed ones turned half a turn, so the stitch is exactly the same.

Tips

  • Keep the stitches the same length and the gaps the same length: uneven gaps are what the eye notices first.
  • Sources differ on the gaps: some keep them as long as the stitches, others a little shorter. Either looks good if you keep it even; the pictures here use 3 mm (1/8 in) stitches and 2 mm (1/16 in) gaps.
  • With the sewing method (fabric in your hand or a loose hoop) you can load several stitches onto the needle before pulling it through. In a taut hoop, stab one stitch at a time.
  • On curves, shorten the stitches and the gaps together, so the line still follows the curve.
  • For a bolder line, whip or lace it: pass a second thread under each stitch without entering the fabric.

Common mistakes

Uneven stitches and gaps

A line of running stitch whose stitches and gaps vary in length.

Looks like: The stitches and gaps vary, so the line looks hurried.

Why it happens: Each stitch and each gap was judged afresh by eye.

Fix: Pick a stitch length and a gap and keep to them. On a tricky line, mark small dots first.

Puckered fabric

Looks like: The fabric gathers along the line.

Why it happens: The thread was pulled too tight, which is easy to do after loading several stitches on the needle.

Fix: Pull each stitch just snug, and keep the fabric taut in a hoop.

The back of the work

The back of the same curved line of running stitch, seen with the hoop turned over: short stitches where the front has gaps.

The back of running stitch is another dashed line, with its stitches under the front's gaps: the thread runs along the back wherever the front is bare.

Variations

  • Whipped running stitch: A second thread wrapped round each stitch, without entering the fabric, makes a raised, twisted line.
  • Laced running stitch: A second thread laced up and down through the stitches makes a wavy line.
  • Double running stitch: A second pass back along the line fills the gaps, giving a solid line that looks the same on both sides.

Compare

Use running stitch for a light, dashed line or a quick, hand-drawn look; use backstitch where the line must be solid. Backstitch

In a Hoopsake pattern

Hoopsake turns your photo into a hand-embroidery pattern with a real stitch plan: it chooses a stitch such as running stitch for every line, matches each colour to a DMC thread and gives you a guide to print. Make a pattern from a photo

Names and history

Running stitch is also called darning stitch and quilting stitch. Basting, or tacking, is running stitch worked long and loose to hold fabric in place for a while. It is the base of pattern darning and of quilting traditions such as kantha and sashiko.

Questions

How long should running stitches be?

About 3 mm (1/8 in) is a good start, with gaps of about 2 mm (1/16 in). Longer stitches suit bold, casual lines; shorter ones follow curves better.

What is the difference between running stitch and backstitch?

Running stitch leaves a gap after every stitch; backstitch goes back to fill each gap, so its line is solid.

Can I load several stitches onto the needle?

Yes, with the sewing method, when the fabric is in your hand or a loose hoop. In a taut hoop, stab each stitch.

Is running stitch the same as basting?

Basting (tacking) is running stitch worked long and loose to hold fabric for a while, and pulled out later.