The running stitch is one of the most common stitches used in hand sewing, mending, and embroidery. It involves creating a series of evenly spaced, straight stitches on fabric, and the end result looks like a continuous line composed of little dashes. 

Brand new to embroidery? We recommend reading our Beginner's Guide to Embroidery first.

Prepare Your Thread

Select the desired embroidery yarn color. We recommend stitching with our wool yarn, Array!

Thread the needle, doubling the yarn so you have an even length hanging on each side, and tie a small knot at the end.

Step 1: Starting the Running Stitch

• Insert your threaded needle from the back to the front, all the way until the knot hits the fabric. 

• Pull taut. 

Step 2: Making your First Stitch

• Insert your needle from front to back at the desired length from the point where your stitch comes out of the fabric.

• Make sure this stitch points in the direction of the line you wish you make. 

Step 3: Continuing the Running Stitch

• Working one stitch at a time, repeat Steps 1 and 2 until you have reached the desired length of your stitch. 

• Pull tight but don't bunch the fabric. 

Running Stitch Video Tutorial

Prefer to learn by video? Watch our running stitch tutorial video below.

Keep Going!

If you’re ready to learn more embroidery stitches, our Zollie Beginner Embroidery Kit has all of the materials, written and video instructions you need to complete 3 projects illustrated by Arounna Khounnoraj of Bookhou. It’s the perfect kit if you’re brand new to embroidery, or rusty with your skills and looking for some support. Come join us! 

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