LEVEL: Easy
USE: Outlines, lettering, as a filling, padding for solid fillings
OTHER NAMES: Point de tige fendu, Punto partido
The split stitch is another versatile outline stitch that can be used in all kinds of projects, and for different purposes: as an outline, to fill different shapes, and as padding for solid fillings.
Split stitch is by far one of my most used stitches, it’s always there, visible or not. It can be worked on any kind of fabric – plain weave or even weave. In the video tutorial, I am using DMC Stranded Cotton on linen blend fabric.
Watch the Video Tutorial
Watch my step-by-step video tutorial and learn how to embroider the Split Stitch!
The split stitch can be worked on any fabric using soft untwisted threads such as stranded cotton or silk threads.
Step 1
Bring your needle up and create a Straight Stitch.
Step 2
Bring your needle up again, but this time come back up straight in the middle of the Straight Stitch you just created.
Step 3
Create another Straight Stitch and come back up again in the middle of this stitch. Continue by repeating this process, one stitch forward then back up in the middle of it.
TIP: For a nice and tidy outcome, try and keep the length of your stitches consistent.
In some cases, especially in needle painting projects when you want to achieve a very detailed and fine result, you might have to use just one strand of thread. You might be asking yourself, but how do I split just one strand? You can work the split stitch with just one strand. As a matter of fact, I find it easier to work this stitch with just one strand.
Let’s have a look at a few examples of the split stitch and its multiple applications.
In the example above, I wanted to create a three-dimensional effect and make the shapes look like they are raised above the fabric. I first padded the shape with a split stitch, then on top of that, I worked the Satin Stitch.
The final shape creates a nice shadow, looking neater and slightly raised. You can read more about it in the Peculiar People Embroidery Tutorial.
This technique is very useful when stitching flowers or any projects where you have overlapping shapes. It defines them better and creates more dimension for your project.
Another example when the split stitch comes very handy is when you’re trying to fill or shade a small shape like a leaf or a stem. When the shape is too small for a Long-and-Short Stitch you can use the Split Stitch to create a horizontal or vertical shading.
In the image above I stitched adjacent lines of split stitch to fill the stems, worked in different shades of green. I also created a darker border around the leaves using the same versatile Split Stitch. You can read more about the technique in the Daisies Embroidery Decoration Tutorial.
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More Outline Stitches
What is your favorite embroidery stitch? Let me know in the comments below and don’t forget to tag @makenstitch on Instagram or hashtag it #makenstitch so we can connect!
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