Quick answer: To satin stitch, outline your shape with split stitch or backstitch. Then bring the needle up on one edge of the shape just outside the outline and go down directly across on the opposite edge. Come back up right next to where you started, and repeat. Lay each stitch side by side, parallel and close together, with no fabric showing between them, until the shape is filled with smooth, solid color.
Satin stitch creates the smooth, glossy fill you see in flower petals, leaves, monograms and bold shapes. It's simple in theory, but getting clean edges and an even surface takes a few tricks. Here's how to satin stitch step by step, plus tips to stop gaps and puckering.
What Is Satin Stitch Used For?
- Filling petals, leaves and small shapes with solid color
- Bold monograms and block lettering
- Patch borders and edges
- Raised, padded details on hoops and clothing
What You Need
- Tightly woven fabric in a hoop, drum-tight
- Embroidery floss (2–3 strands for a smooth finish)
- An embroidery needle
- A water-soluble pen to draw the shape
How to Satin Stitch: Step by Step
- Outline the shape. Stitch around it with split stitch or backstitch. The outline gives you a crisp, raised edge to stitch over.
- Choose a direction. Draw a guide line across the widest part of the shape to set the stitch angle. A slight diagonal usually looks best.
- Start in the middle. Bring the needle up just outside the outline on one side, and go down just outside the outline on the opposite side.
- Stitch side by side. Come up right next to the first stitch on the starting side and repeat. Keep stitches parallel and touching.
- Fill one half, then the other. Work from the center to one end, then return to the center and fill the other half. This keeps the angle consistent.
- Finish. Weave the tail under stitches on the back.
How Do You Make Satin Stitch Smooth and Even?
- Use fewer strands. 2 strands lie flatter than 6.
- Separate the strands and put them back together before threading, so they don't twist.
- Keep stitches short. For shapes wider than about ⅜ inch (1 cm), use long-and-short stitch instead, because long satin stitches snag and sag.
- Don't pull too tight, or the fabric will pucker.
- Pad it. Fill the shape first with small running stitches or seed stitches underneath for a raised, padded satin stitch.
Satin Stitch vs. Long-and-Short Stitch
Satin stitch covers the whole shape with single stitches from edge to edge, which is perfect for small areas. Long-and-short stitch fills larger areas with staggered rows of stitches. It allows smooth color blending, which is why it's also called "thread painting."
Frequently Asked Questions
How many strands should I use for satin stitch?
Two or three strands give the smoothest result. More strands are harder to lay flat.
Why does my satin stitch have gaps?
The stitches aren't close enough together, or the fabric was loose. Keep the fabric drum-tight and place each stitch right next to the last one.
How long can a satin stitch be?
Try to keep satin stitches under about ⅜ inch (1 cm). Longer stitches can snag and loosen.
Do you need to outline before satin stitch?
It's not required, but a split stitch outline gives cleaner, sharper edges and is highly recommended.
Fill Your Designs With Color
Satin stitch is the key to bold, polished embroidery. Practice on small leaves and petals first, then move on to monograms. Learn more stitches in our guides to backstitch, chain stitch and French knots.
Love the finished look? Browse our embroidered T-shirts and embroidered sweatshirts.
