Christie C. The running stitch is one of the simplest and most versatile hand stitches in sewing, making it an essential technique for both beginners and seasoned crafters alike. You have probably seen it before or even used it at some point if someone in your family has taught you some sewing basics.
SKILL LEVEL: BEGINNER
The running stitch serves a variety of purposes:
- sewing straight seams
- gathering fabric
- delicate embroidery designs
- mending
- quilting
MATERIALS FOR PRACTICE:
- cotton/linen/wool fabric 3×4 inches (7.5×10) centimeters)
- hand sewing needle
- cotton/polyester all-purpose thread
INSTRUCTIONS:
For this example, I’m using a scrap of linen and a contrasting polyester thread.
STEP ONE:
To sew a running stitch, start by threading your needle with a length of thread (typically your arm’s length) and knotting the end.
Begin by inserting the needle from the back of the fabric to the front at your starting point.
STEP TWO:
Pull the thread through until the knot secures it in place.
STEP THREE:
Next, push the needle back down into the fabric a small distance from where it emerged, creating a stitch.
Bring it back up again a little further along, keeping your stitches evenly spaced.
STEP FOUR:
Continue this pattern along your seam or design, maintaining consistent spacing for a neat finish.
STEP FIVE:
To sew a little faster, weave your needle through the fabric multiple times before pulling your thread through.
This creates more stitches in a shorter amount of time.
NOTES:
- You can adjust your stitches to be as small or as large as you like or need.
- Keep the spacing as even as possible to maintain consistency.
- Keep your stitches on grain so that they stay even and maintain the proper shape and look of your project.
