Running Stitch
The simplest hand stitch: the needle weaves in and out of the fabric in a straight line. It is quick and is used for light seams, gathering and mending.
What you will learn
- Keeping stitches even
- Weaving the needle
- Pulling thread flat
Materials and tools
Before you start
- Pin the two scraps with right sides together, which means the sides that will show on the finished item face each other. Draw a straight line 1/2 in (12 mm) from the edge with chalk.
- Knot the end of the thread.
Step by step
Up at 1, down at 2, up at 3, down at 4. Each stitch is the same length as the gap. A longer run of running stitch. The thread is solid on top and dashed underneath.
Tips for a neat result
- Keep the fabric between your thumb and fingers so you can see the line.
- Practice with a contrasting thread so you can check your stitch length.
- Do not pull each stitch right through before the next. Load several stitches on the needle for a straighter line.
Common mistakes and fixes
The seam wrinkles up.
The thread was pulled too tight. Pull until the thread just lies flat.
Stitches are different lengths.
The needle was entering without a pattern. Count the weave or mark stitch points with chalk.
The seam pulls apart.
Running stitch is not strong. Use backstitch for seams that take strain.
The line wanders.
The eye was not following the chalk line. Look at the next stitch point before you push.
Check your result
- Stitches are even in length, with gaps of the same length.
- The line is straight, and the fabric lies flat.
Practice exerciseSew four lines of running stitch on a scrap, each 4 in (10 cm) long. Make the first line 1/4 in (6 mm) stitches, the second 3/16 in (5 mm), the third 1/8 in (3 mm), and then try one with gaps half the stitch length.