Seed Stitch Embroidery: Easy Tutorial with Tips & Photos

Seed stitch is made by scattering small straight stitches across fabric to create texture, fill shapes, or add padding beneath other embroidery stitches. Its random appearance makes it one of the easiest hand embroidery stitches to master. This tutorial will help you learn how to sew seed stitch embroidery, when to use it, and how to achieve beautiful results every time.

What Is Seed Stitch Embroidery?

Seed stitch, also known as rice stitch, is a hand embroidery technique where small, individual straight stitches are scattered randomly across a fabric surface. The finished texture resembles seeds scattered across the ground, giving the stitch its descriptive name.

Because each stitch is independent, seed stitch doesn’t require perfect spacing or precision, making it ideal for beginners. It is commonly used to:

• Fill embroidered shapes
• Add subtle texture
• Create natural-looking backgrounds
• Pad areas underneath satin stitch
• Add colorful decorative accents

Seed stitch embroidery is very aptly named because the finished stitches look as though a farmer has scattered seeds across the fabric using colorful embroidery floss.

Did you know? There is also a knitting seed stitch and a crochet seed stitch, although they are completely different techniques.

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

1. Transfer the Design

Start by transferring the outline of your embroidery design onto the fabric. This tutorial uses a simple leaf shape.

An easy transfer method is to print your design and tape it to a bright window. Then, place the fabric over the paper so the light shines through, then trace the outline using tailor’s chalk or a removable fabric pen. Always use markings that can be removed after stitching, especially if you won’t be covering the outline with another embroidery stitch.

2. Bring the Needle Up

Bring your needle up through the fabric at the top edge of the design. Although seed stitch appears random, starting at the top helps prevent the threads on the back from crossing excessively.

3. Make the First Stitch

Insert the needle back into the fabric a short distance away. A stitch length of approximately ⅛–¼ inch (3–6 mm) usually produces the best appearance.

4. Continue Filling the Design

Repeat the process, placing each stitch in a slightly different direction until the area is filled. If you find it difficult to vary the stitch directions naturally, lightly mark a few guide lines first.

For this sample, four different embroidery floss colors were alternated, creating an effect similar to colorful sprinkles scattered across a cake.

Seed Stitch Embroidery Tips

• Mark the Outline: Drawing the outline with a disappearing fabric pen helps keep the stitches neatly contained inside your design.
• Work from Top to Bottom: Starting at the top and gradually working downward helps keep the back of the embroidery neater by reducing overlapping threads.
• Random or Controlled? Although seed stitch is traditionally random, you can create a more controlled look by placing stitches evenly. Think about the seeds on a strawberry—they’re carefully spaced yet still resemble tiny seed stitches.

Common Mistakes When Sewing Seed Stitch Embroidery

• Making Every Stitch the Same Direction: If all the stitches face the same way, the texture can look stiff rather than naturally scattered. Vary the direction slightly as you stitch for a softer appearance.
• Placing Stitches Too Close Together: Overcrowding the stitches can make the design look heavy. Leave small gaps unless you’re intentionally creating padding beneath satin stitch.
• Using Permanent Marking Pens: Always use removable fabric markers or chalk. Permanent markings may remain visible after your embroidery is finished.

Variation: Double Seed Stitch

If you’d like a fuller, more textured appearance, try double seed stitch embroidery. Begin exactly as you would for a regular seed stitch by bringing the needle up at (1) and down at (2).

Next, bring the needle up beside point (1) at (3) and insert it beside point (2) at (4). This creates two tiny stitches sitting side by side, resembling a pair of rice grains.

Continue repeating this double stitch randomly throughout the design.

The single seed stitch creates a lighter, neater texture, while the double version provides extra coverage and is especially useful as padding beneath satin stitch for raised embroidery leaves and flowers. Ultimately, the choice comes down to personal preference and the effect you want for your project.

Seed Stitch FAQs

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Conclusion

Sewing seeds—or scattering grains of rice—makes seed stitch embroidery one of the simplest yet most effective embroidery filler stitches. Whether you’re filling a shape, creating texture, or adding padding beneath satin stitch, this beginner-friendly technique is quick to learn and enjoyable to sew. Experiment with different thread colors, stitch density, and even double seed stitch to discover the look that best suits your embroidery projects.

More Embroidery Tutorials:

1. Buttonhole Stitch
2. Chevron Stitch
3. Feather Stitch
4. Fern Stitch
5. Fishbone Stitch
6. Herringbone Stitch
7. Lazy Daisy