How to make a
Split stitch
Learn to make a split stitch to add to your list of basic stitches. This is a simple and easy stitch to learn and you will master it in no time.
It is very handy and can be used in so many ways. This is the stitch to use when you want to create a straight or curved line, fill an area or for lettering.
In the video below I demonstrate the traditional split stitch as well as the easier to make split back stitch. They basically look identical and it is up to you which one you prefer to use. I tend to use the split back stitch more often as it is easier and faster to make.
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Step by step
Follow along and you will very soon master the split stitch.
I will demonstrate 2 methods of doing this stitch:
(1) The traditional split stitch requires you to split the stitch coming up from the bottom of the fabric with the needle.
(2) The split back stitch lets you split the stitch from the top.
Method 1:
The traditional split stitch
Start by threading your needle with embroidery floss. Knot the end of the floss.
Bring your needle up from the back of the fabric, where you want to start your stitch.
Insert the needle back into the fabric, a stitch length away to the right.
Bring your needle up from the back of the fabric, pushing it through the middle of floss. Always work with an equal number of strands so that you can part them along the middle as you push through the floss.
Insert the needle back into the fabric, a stitch length away to the right.
Bring your needle up from the back of the fabric, pushing up through the middle of the floss, splitting the floss as perfectly as possible.
Continue on until you have finished the line of stitches.
I find that trying to find the perfect split of the thread from the bottom is fiddly and time consuming but it does have a place in some types of embroidery projects. Try it, you may find that you prefer this method of making a split stitch.
Method 2:
The Split back stitch
Start by threading your needle with embroidery floss. Knot the end of the floss.
Bring your needle up from the back of the fabric, where you want to start your stitch. fabric.
Insert the needle back into the fabric, a stitch length away to the right.
Come up from the back, a stitch length away.
Insert the needle into the middle of the previous stitch, splitting the strands down the middle.
Bring your needle up from the back of the fabric, a stitch length away.
Insert the needle into the middle of the previous stitch, splitting the strands down the middle.
Repeat until the line of stitches are done.
I find this stitch easier and faster to make as you have more control when splitting the strands when working from the top. This is my go-to split stitch when pressed for time.
Blanket stitch
Variations
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