The split stitch is a lovely outline stitch. It’s raised a bit from the surface of the fabric, and it has a lovely, almost-braided look to it. It also forms a more continuous line – unlike the backstitch where you can see the individual stitches.
Here’s how to split stitch.
See how easy it is?
Split stitch is great for outlines where I want a little texture – but it has other uses too. I almost always use it to outline the edge of a space I plan to cover with satin stitch. It helps to give your satin stitching a sharp, raised edge.
You can also use split stitch as a fill stitch, filling in large areas with that braided texture. I used that a lot in this free Feast embroidery pattern.
You can see split stitch used as a fill stitch in the sun and the clouds, and regular split stitch used for the lettering.
Here are all my lessons for outline embroidery stitches.
- running stitch
- back stitch
- split stitch
- stem stitch
- chain stitch
- threaded stitches
- whipped stitches
- backstitched chain stitch
- couching
- couching with satin stitch
Return to the Learn to Embroider main Table of Contents.
Move on to the lessons teaching fill stitches.
Great video, thank you.
Thanks Seth!
I discovered your site this morning and have thoroughly enjoyed it and learned several things. I’ve been wanting to get started embroidering, but I’m a little unsure about what thread to use. I cross stitch an have a ton of that thread. Is that what is used for embroidery? Thank you for all of the inspiration!
Melissa Faires
Melissa,
You can use any kind of thread you like to embroider – wool, silk, cotton – twisted, single-strand, etc. I use plain ol’ DMC 6 strand thread for most of my stitching – and I’m guessing that’s what you use for your cross-stitching. It’s inexpensive, comes in a rainbow of droolworthy colors, and readily available.
Sometimes I use yarn for super fat stitching. Honestly – if you can get it through a needle you can probably embroider with it.
Love this! I’m learning so much with your vids! I can’t wait to go to the craft store tomorrow to get more supplies and actually make…something!
Fabulous! Be sure to show us what you make!
Perfect tutorial! As your split stitch. Wow, love how you show this.
Glad it was helpful!
Thank you so much for your wonderful tutorials.
I’m glad they’ve been helpful! 🙂
I have been a stitcher for a long time – but I have forgotten a lot because I have wandered away into quilting & beading for years now. Your video embroidery lessons work very nicely as refresher courses.
Thanks so much – Juliet
I’m glad they’ve been helpful! 🙂
I just found your site and am so thrilled. Your videos are really excellent! Thank you so much.
Welcome! 🙂
Thank you so much for the tutorial!! I couldn’t figure out what I was doing wrong, but now my French knots look so much better. (And actually resemble French knots!) I love your tutorials!
Thanks so much! I’m so glad it helped! 🙂
Can I split stitch a border with 3 strands of dmc floss and do the the satin stitch over it with cotton pearl floss? Must the colors of the border and satin stitch match EXACTLY? Thanks. Your videos have helped so much I can’t believe what I’d do without them. I’ve been embroidering a week and you have helped my progression fly!!
Yes – you can use different threads. And the colors don’t need to match exactly – it’ll just make it easier if your stitching isn’t PERFECT and the color below peeks through a bit.
Great video love it
I love that split stitch and am wondering how many strands of floss you’d recommend for this stitch.
Any even number. Choose more threads for a thicker line. I often use 4 strands – but it totally depends on the scale of the design.
I’m watching all of yr videos for a refreshing course…I love how you are so detailed in videos and make it look so easy…just love yr site and you are so helpful…thank you…you’re my go too now!! HAPPY Day to you!!
I love ur tutorials … thank you soo much
Thank you 🙂
Hi, I love your clear videos, thank you so much!
I have a quick split stitch Q, probably I am overthinking this…but when we are bringing the needle back up from underneath, about to split the stitch, does the needle need to come up through the same hole in the fabric that our previous stitch had gone down into? I hope this was clear! Thank you again 🙂
No – the needle comes up in the middle of the stitch – between the two holes.
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I found you when searching for a chain stitch but now I’ve been watching more stitches. Your tutorials are wonderful and easy to follow. I’m looking for a stitch that would make a name stand out……What stitch would you use to write names on the cuff of an Xmas stocking? And how many strands to use? Many thanks.
I would probably use chain stitch with a full 6 strands of thread.