Finished split stitch embroidery showing a soft textured line worked in pink thread. — Finished split stitch creates a soft, slightly textured line that works beautifully for outlines, curves and filling small shapes.

How to do split stitch

Split stitch is a really useful embroidery stitch for outlines, curves and small filled areas. It creates a soft, slightly textured line by bringing the needle up through the middle of the previous stitch.

It is one of those stitches that looks a little fiddly when you first see it, but once you get into the rhythm it feels very steady. I especially like it when I want a line to look smooth but still have a hand-stitched texture.

Quick answer: Split stitch is an embroidery stitch made by stitching through the middle of the previous stitch. It creates a soft, textured line, making it useful for outlines, lettering, curves and filling small areas with rows of stitches.

Split stitch step-by-step embroidery diagram showing the needle coming up through the centre of the previous stitch. — Split stitch step-by-step illustration.

How to do split stitch step-by-step

Bring your needle up at point 1, at the start of your line.
Take the needle down a short distance ahead at point 2 to make a straight stitch.
Bring the needle back up through the middle of that first stitch, splitting the thread as you come through.
Take the needle down again a short distance ahead on the line.
Bring the needle up through the middle of the stitch you have just made.
Continue in the same way, splitting each previous stitch to build up a soft, textured line.

Try not to pull the thread too tightly as you split the stitch. A gentle tension helps the thread sit neatly and keeps the line from looking too thin or pinched.

What is split stitch used for?

Split stitch is often used for outlines, lettering, borders and curved details. It gives a softer finish than back stitch, with a little more texture on the surface of the fabric.

You can also use split stitch as a filling stitch by working rows close together. This is useful for small areas where you want a filled shape that still looks textured and handmade, rather than completely smooth like satin stitch.

My tip: I find split stitch easiest with an even number of strands, because you can bring the needle up between the strands more neatly. Four strands is a good place to start if you want the split to be easy to see.

Practise split stitch with an easy floral project

The Kitchen Table Flowers Embroidery Kit uses split stitch as an easy filling stitch on the jug, so it is a lovely way to practise building up texture without needing anything too complicated.

Beginner-friendly project

Kitchen Table Flowers Embroidery Kit

A cheerful floral embroidery kit with tulips in a jug, designed to feel achievable and relaxing. The split stitch filling on the jug is a simple way to practise neat rows of textured stitching while creating a finished hoop to display.

View the embroidery kit

Tips for split stitch

Use an even number of strands if you want the stitch to split neatly.
Keep your stitches fairly short for curves, lettering and small details.
Bring the needle up through the centre of the previous stitch, not beside it.
Work rows close together if you want to use split stitch as a filling stitch.
Use an embroidery hoop to keep the fabric taut and help your stitches sit evenly.

More embroidery help and next steps

Split stitch is a useful stitch to practise if you enjoy outlines, lettering, floral designs or adding texture to small filled areas. Here are a few helpful places to go next.

Get the free embroidery sampler Shop beginner embroidery kits Explore iron-on embroidery patterns Try stick and stitch patterns