STRAIGHT STITCH Embroidery - Step by Step

Learn how to do straight stitch embroidery. Sometimes getting straight to the point is one of life’s great lessons. In this case, the point is a needle and the stitch is just straight. Taking a simple approach to decorative stitching and using the humble straight stitch will add a little flash of brilliance to your sewing. Is this a difficult stitch? Not a bit! The needlepoint goes into the material and straight out again to form the stitch – simple but effective.

Table of Contents

What is Straight Stitch Embroidery?

The straight stitch is classified as a simple embroidery stitch made by creating a straight stitch that can be any length, but it must be straight.

The straight stitch is very versatile and sometimes called backstitch or even flat stitch, but its purpose is the same. Straightforward and easy on the hand this stitch will always be a winner to add just a few simple lines to enhance your work.

Here are some examples of straight stitch. Even though the stitches are straight they don't need to be boring. Straight stitch embroidery can be used to create flowers, leaves, lines and shapes.

When to Use Straight Stitch Embroidery

The straight stitch can be used to add texture and creativity to an item. It is the perfect little addition for:

Enhancing a simple blouse or collar with some decorative detail.
Filling in an area of design or shading with an outline stitch.
Adding density or closing in an area – often called satin stitch in this style.
Used in different directions the straight stitch makes beautiful starbursts, geometrical shapes and broken or unbroken lines.
It can add detail to artistic embroideries such as pictures and scenery.
Useful as a detail to floral work and used in ribbon embroidery.
Adds detail to table wear and little girl’s dresses.

How to do Straight Stitch Embroidery

If you are new to embroidery, have a read of my article on how to embroider. This is a good starting point to learning all about the tools you will need and some basic stitches.

To do this straight stitch embroidery, it is best to use a hoop to hold the fabric tight. The needle should fit your embroidery floss.

Step 1 - Secure the Tail

Start with your embroidery thread at the back of the fabric. A knot or double backstitch will secure the thread.

Step 2 - First Stitch

Make your first stitch by inserting the needle from the back of the fabric to the front.

Step 3 - Insert Next Point

Then create the stitch by inserting the needle some distance away from the beginning to take the stitch across some of the fabric.

Insert the needle into the fabric and pull it through to the back.

Step 4 - Repeat

This action completes one stitch. Repeating the stitch and following different patterns will complete the design. You can combine your straight stitches to make flowers, leaves, stems and various shapes.

Step 5 - Ending

When you are ready to end off, pull the thread to the back of the fabric and knot or weave the thread into the back of the stitches.

Straight Stitch Embroidery - In Conclusion

Straight down the line, no hidden agenda, this is a great stitch for the novice who would like to add some decorative lines to their garment. Straight stitch embroidery can be used for many different purposes and is the basis of many other types of stitches including fly, fern and seed stitch.