How to Do Running Stitch (Step-by-Step)

Running stitch is one of the easiest hand embroidery stitches to learn. It is made from a line of small, straight stitches with little gaps in between, and is used for outlines, borders, simple shapes and even for holding fabric pieces together. Once you have the rhythm, it is a very relaxing stitch to sew.

How to do running stitch (step-by-step)

1. Bring your needle up through the fabric at the point where you want your line to start (1).
2. Take the needle down a short distance along the line to make your first straight stitch (2).
3. Bring the needle back up the same distance along the line, leaving a small gap between the stitches.
4. Continue working in this way, alternating up and down stitches, keeping the stitches and gaps a similar size so the running stitch line looks even.

More about running stitch

Running stitch appears in both decorative embroidery and everyday sewing. In embroidery it can outline shapes, create dashed lines, add texture in parallel rows or suggest movement such as ripples and trails. In simple sewing it is often used as a quick way to gather fabric or temporarily hold pieces together.

You can keep your stitches very small for fine outlines, or make them longer and more spaced out for a looser, more textured look. Running stitch combines well with back stitch, lazy daisy stitch and French knots, and it often features in modern, minimalist designs as a clean, simple line. Many of my patterns use running stitch to add borders, stems or little details around motifs.

Tips for running stitch

• Keep an eye on both stitch length and gap length so the line feels balanced.
• Use an embroidery hoop to keep the fabric flat and avoid puckering.
• Work with shorter lengths of thread so it glides smoothly through the fabric.
• Draw a faint guideline in pencil or erasable pen if you find it helpful to follow a straight line.
• Try stitching several rows next to each other to turn running stitch into a simple textured fill.