Lesson: How to Embroider Satin Stitch

Learn this classic stitch for filling in embroidered shapes!

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Item to embroider
Embroidery hoop
Omegacryl or embroidery floss
Sticky Fabri-Solvy (optional, not pictured here)

Embroidery needle
Needle threader (optional)
Pencil, pen or fabric pencil

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step one

To start, thread your embroidery needle with Omegacryl or embroidery floss, using a needle threader if needed. To set up your design, we recommend splitting it into 2 sections by drawing a directional line with a pencil directly down the center of your design. This will help keep all of your stitches even, and ensure your stitches are always going in the right direction.

step two

Start your first satin stitch by bringing your threaded needle behind the fabric. Punch through the fabric at the start of the line you just made right along the edge of your design, from the backside to the front side. Pull your needle and thread all the way through.

step three

Next, bring your needle to the opposite edge of your design, directly across from where you came up through the fabric. Push the needle into the fabric, and pull through the back.

step four

You just completed your first satin stitch!

step five

For your next stitch, bring your needle up through the back of the fabric splitting the difference between that center stitch you just made, and the outer edge of your design.

step six

Then, bring your needle to the opposite edge of your design, directly across from where you came up through the fabric. Push the needle into the fabric, and pull through the back.

step seven

Continue splitting each “section” in half with stitches across your entire design, until the entire area has been filled in.

step eight

And there's your satin stitch!

To secure your thread: On the backside of your embroidery, enter a nearby stitch with your needle and pull through most of the way, leaving a loop. Enter the loop with your needle and pull through to tighten. You can repeat these steps once more if you'd like to ensure your embroidery is extra secure.

Satin Stitch Embroidery Tutorial - Smiley, Flower, Star, Heart

step nine

Use your newfound satin stitch skills to stitch up all sorts of fun shapes, such as smilies, flowers, hearts, stars & more! The possi-broideries are endless!!!!