Some Stitch Types

Today, we will introduce some stitch types, for example, running stitch, zigzag stitch, satin stitch and fill stitch.
Running stitch
A running stitch is most often used for traveling from object to object, underlay, outlines and detail work.
Other variations of the run stitch are the Bean stitch also referred to as a triple stitch. Since a run stitch doesn’t have underlay, sometimes it’s difficult to keep the stitches from being lost in the fabric’s grain. This is most often the situation when the run stitch is in the same direction as the fabric grain of what it’s going on, if this is unavoidable, then three passes might be in order.

Zigzag stitch
A zigzag stitch alternates from one side to the other in an angled fashion. Zigzag stitches are used primarily for underlay, however they are the stitch of choice for securing appliqué. Zigzag is well suited as an underlay for satin stitches, because the stitches are always at an angle, which prevents them from popping through the top stitch. A variation is called double zigzag, which alternates back up the column on the opposite side as the initial zigzag stitch.

Satin stitch
Satin stitches are very similar to zigzag stitches however, the stitches alternate between a straight stitch and an angled stitch. Satin stitches can also be called blat stitches and are often referred to as column stitches because they form the look of a column. The danger in the use of the term column is that zigzag and fill stitches may also be formed in the shape of a column, therefore the use of the term column stitch does not on it’s own indicate the type of stitch being used. Satin stitches are used in letters, lines and border.

Fill stitchAlso known as a ceding or Tatami stitch, fill stitches are used to cover large areas with thread. The low profile characteristics of a fill stitch make them popular for backgrounds. A fill stitch is a series of run stitches placed side by side