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How To Stitch Running Stitch

By , About.com Guide

Running Stitch Diagram

Running Stitch Diagram

Graphic © Connie G. Barwick, licensed to About.com, Inc.
Running Stitch is used in a variety of embroidery styles including Cross Stitch, Chicken Scratch, and Blackwork.
Difficulty: Average
Time Required: Varies

Here's How:

  1. Bring the threaded needle up at 1 and take it down at 2 to complete the first stitch.

  2. Skip one square of Aida and bring the needle up at 3 and down at 4 to complete the second running stitch.

  3. Skip over one square of Aida and bring the needle up at 5 and down at 6 to complete the third stitch.

  4. Again, skip one square of Aida. Bring the needle up at 7 and down at 8 to complete the fourth stitch in the line.

  5. To complete the final stitch in the line, skip over one square of Aida. Bring the needle up at 9 and take it down at 10. Secure the floss or continue practice stitching running stitches.

Tips:

  1. Do not pull the stitches too tightly or the fabric will pucker.
  2. Use the tip of your needle to adjust stitches as needed to keep them straight.
  3. Need help? Get it in the About.com Cross Stitch Forum. Become a part of a world-wide stitching community.
  4. Stay up-to-date with when new tutorials, articles, and patterns are added to About.com Cross Stitch. Sign up for the free newsletter today.

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