How to do a
Satin stitch
Also known as a Damask stitch.
The satin stitch is the ultimate filler stitch in my opinion. It is basically a collection of straight stitches closely placed next to each other in parallel lines to create a smooth satiny surface.
It’s not the easiest stitch to master but it is worth it to keep on practicing until you can do it well. Keep the following in mind:
- Place the stitches very close to each other. No gaps in between.
- Keep the stitches even – not too tight or too loose.
- Take care with where you enter and exit the outline with your needle to keep the outline straight.
- Make sure the strands of the thread don’t twist and then lay unevenly on the surface.
- Use a single strand (or 2 strands at most) of thread to work with for the best results.
Tip:
Putting down an outline of running/back/outline stitches beforehand serves as a handy anchor to keep the outlines of the satin stitches clean.
Watch my short video to see how to satin stitch.
If you are having trouble opening the video viewer below, kindly follow this link to watch the video on Youtube.
Note that I used simple running stitches (placed close together) to ‘line’ the outline of my sample block to ensure clean outlines.
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Step by step
I’ve started by putting down a quick outline (using back stitches) using crochet thread (no 5.)
Note that it takes many more stitches than shown in the pictures below to cover an area.
Step 1: Create the Outline with Back Stitches
Use back stitches or even running stitches to create an outline around the shape you want to cover with satin stitches. The back/running stitches will serve as a guide to where to bring the needle in and out and keep the outline beautifully smooth.
Step 2: Start the Satin Stitch
Bring the needle up from the back through the fabric, at the starting point along the outline you have created. Then, take the needle down through the fabric, at the opposite side of the outline, right next to from where you started.
Step 4: Continue the Satin Stitch
Bring the needle up again through the fabric, very close to the point where you went down. Repeat this process, making sure that the stitches are close together and lie parallel to each other, until you have filled in the area completely. Try to keep the stitches as uniform as possible to achieve a smooth and even finish.
Step 5: Finish the Satin Stitch
Once you have filled in the area with the satin stitch, tie off the thread on the back of the fabric. You can also add additional stitches to cover any gaps or uneven areas.
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