You’re parting two threads and coming up between them. Why not just use two strands of floss and come up right between the two strands? This type of shading and embroidery is probably the most common use of “split” stitches. Hello Mary! Thanks! It works great with woolen and silk threads. A softly twisted thread is much easier to split than a heavier, tightly twisted thread like perle cotton. Ringed back stitch, back stitches are worked to create half rings, these are completed by a second row of stitches to form ring outlines She is the author of “Stitch Love: Sweet Creatures Big & Small.” Learn about The Spruce Crafts' Editorial Process. Thank you again for maintaining such a robust site. Oct 3, 2016 - split-stitch-vs-backstitch-comparison-by-red-brolly. Louise. This allows the embroidery on the front of the fabric to lie flatter on your finishing surface. You’ll have to give me more than facts to convince me”! The Split Backstitch Alternative . Ok, how do you split floss? We might think the designers are conspiring to drive the embroiderer nuts – after all, it’s a whole lot easier to backstitch a line rather than to split stitch it. But the reason stem stitch and outline stitch are not ideal for this type of padding / outlining underneath satin stitch and long and short stitch is that they work up into a wavy (like interconnected S’s) line. But there’s a reason for split stitch, and all those designers that call for it as an outline underneath an embroidered element really do know what they’re doing, and they’re not out to drive you mad. The longer stitches on the back of back stitch give it wiggle room and it is harder to maintain your outline when stitching over it. Jump to navigation Jump to search. It’s best to use a single strand of thread and tie both the ends of the thread together. The technique followed is like the Back Stitch. I always use split stitch when I outline an element as its smoother and less bulky as shown in your photos. Think: Compressed Loch Ness Monster. The knowledge of the Split Stitch will be an advantage. , Yvette Stanton It’s so versatile you’ll find yourself using it for everything: a book bag, shopping bag, stroller bag, diaper bag, and more! I am the developer, writer, and photographer behind this blog, “Embroidery For Beginners”. In fact I used it as a decorative stitch in a book cover we were making in school aged about seven and the slightly ignorant teacher told me I shouldn’t use it because ‘It isn’t a proper stitch’. Chain stitch can be replaced with this stitch. DIY Projects. The split back stitch is flatter on the fabric than the split stitch. Do you have hints specifically for floss. I’m stitching on 22 count linen and plan on using a satin stitch for the Times New Roman alphabet I have to use. I think it depends on the thread you’re using, how much coverage it gives, etc. There is a very minute difference between the two stitches. If not, consider a better craft light or even a magnifier… MC, Thank you very much for this post. Thanks for your insight! That was the first stitch I learned and by far it’s the easiest one for me. Outline Stitch vs. Stem stitch is good for creating bolder outlines and going around smooth curves. No matter how hard I try to follow the instructions the result is always wrong. It actually creates either a split stitch line or a stem stitch line, or a combination of both, depending on where the needle entered the fabric in relation to the threads on the back. Stitch series is having a much-needed comeback! January 26, 2019 By fasembroidery Leave a Comment. Yesterday's article was specifically about the difference in the look of the stitch from the front, when stitching up or . It could of course be my last, but I’m thinking, if there is interest, and I am comfortable with the stitch, that I will expand the range a little. I’ve been doing crewel embroidery using crewel yarn and have started doing split stitch around the edges to get a sharp edge. Try it first with softly twisted, slightly heavier threads like floche or coton a broder, or with a really thick, softly twisted thread like DMC 4 Retors Mat, which is what I’m using in the photos above. Good to know it was the right decision.=) (I got *something* right for a change….!!!). Mary – Thanks for the great photos showing the difference between backstitch and split stitch. On the back of the fabric, the backstitch creates a bulky line. © 2019 Embroidery For Beginners. If the split stitch is just too difficult to manage, you can compromise and work a split backstitch, by splitting the stitches from the top instead of blindly from below. The result isn’t quite the same as regular split stitch – the line will dent slightly, and the resulted split stitches will be more open, but it’s a good compromise between the split stitch and the backstitch, if regular split stitch is too harrowing. Let’s look at the reason why we use split stitch for outlining underneath an embroidered element, instead of backstitch. Thanks so much for this tip, Mary. Essentially, it’s like driving a car backward. I must be one odd duck because I find back-stich much harder to make look pretty than a split-stitch. Author of “Mountmellick Embroidery: Inspired by Nature” Craft Instructions For Kids. Rarely do such instructions call for a backstitch outline. The split backstitch is ideal for making outlines before using satin stitch or long and short stitch. I’ve been getting ready to try Trish Burr’s kit and a little nervous about split stitch. Mollie Johanson. I felt that I never stitch right before …. To achieve this, the instructions will usually require the embroiderer to split stitch an outline around the element, and then to embroider just over the split stitch line. There is a very minute difference between the two stitches. Don’t worry, she makes up for it other ways. The following diagrams show the way each stitching method works. Thanks Mary. Merci Mary pour ces explications très claires. I don’t feel like I’ve a clearly defined edge to follow. The split back stitch is flatter on the fabric than the split stitch. Thanks for your explanation Mary. As the name suggest you split the stitch to make this one. Split Back Stitch is another way of making the split stitch in back stitch. is all done with split stitch, because long and short stitch is simply staggered split stitch worked in rows. 1. Jan 20, 2020 - So, you're venturing into a stitch or technique that requires a padded outline underneath the stitch... For example, you're working a satin stitched monogram, like this one: Or you might be working a leaf shaded in long and short stitch, like this one: You want the edges clean and What about you? When working a proper split stitch line, each previous stitch is split by the needle coming up from the back of the fabric and through the stitch. While working on the split, try to insert the needle between the two strands. But you will be forgiven if you call both the stitches as same. When you go back after making a stitch, the previous stitch is pierced as you bring down the needle. A strong durable back stitch will even eliminate the need for sewing in a machine too. Each letter is 10 threads tall. The split stitch is a little like a traditional backstitch, but instead of coming up at the end of the last stitch, you bring your needle up through the middle of the last stitch. Needlework Around the Traps – Learn Something New in 2013! I have used split stitch on one small project & didn’t have a great deal of problems with it. Notify me of replies via e-mail. 5 juil. I’ve been split-stitching since I was about six. Step 1: Tools and Materials. It is just the way the needle is worked that makes the difference. (Floche is very nice, but not widely available). Thank you so much for this explanation of the split stem stitch. Am I doing something wrong? I am returning to embroidery after a long hiatus and love, love, love your website. All Rights Reserved. I can barely see the two strands. Or, like you suggest, you can use a finer thread – a matching floche or regular cotton floss, for example, and that will minimize the ridge. Découvrez vos propres épingles sur Pinterest et enregistrez-les. The backstitch is the hand sewing stitch that I use the most. As with any stitch, ease comes with practice. Split Back Stitch is another way of making the split stitch in back stitch. Yesterday's article was specifically about the difference in the look of the stitch from the front, when stitching up or I tried very hard to include all the possible snags into it, to show you how to deal with them Let’s start with the stitches that are highlig On shapes that are shaded with long and short stitch, it isn’t a problem. Thank you! Splitting the Difference: Split Stitch vs. Split Backstitch. Here is one example of how I have used it in an embroidery design. 7. Is using a satin stitch the best to use? Thanks for the excellent explanation Mary and the clear photos about these two different stitches. The whipstitch is a simple stitch used in both sewing and crocheting. All Rights Reserved.Terms of UsePrivacy & Disclosure, So, you’re venturing into a stitch or technique that requires a padded outline underneath the stitch…. Hi, I am the communication chair for my local embroiderers’ guild chapter and I am doing our newsletter. It’s not that it can’t be done, but it makes achieving a perfectly smooth edge on the satin stitch or long and short stitch filling much more difficult. I love fine embroidery and I like to try different stitches, so hopefully my horizons are a bit wider after this deep discussion Take care. Vetty Creations, Sydney Australia I don’t think the letters will look good if I cross stitch the letters because of the ragged edges. It may also be a question of eye sight. It is just backward stitch that you will be working from beneath the hoop. I like the little raised edge, but if you don’t want it, you don’t have to split stitch at all. Thank you so much. Filed Under: Back Stitches Tagged With: back stitch, basic stitches, Your email address will not be published. Must have been a VERY basic book she was working from! If you have a needlework shop in the vicinity, the best thing to do is test them in the shop, to find one you like. But my preferred techniques would be outline stitch or stem stitch. If you turn your fabric over, you’ll discover another reason to prefer split stitch to backstitch. *looks like Barrett Alley’s site went down so we posted the image above. Thank you. And the resulting surface of the line of stitches is smoother than the backstitch. With backstitch, you’re working each stitch movement from the front of the fabric to the back, and you can see exactly where your needle’s going. http://www.vettycreations.com.au/me.html. Chain stitch pads quickly and thickly. Embroidery hoop, 15cm (6″) (Bigger if you are working on a larger design). The reason why we use chain stitch is because Mountmellick embroidery is supposed to be chunky and high relief. Still working on my resolutions as suggested by your previous post! If you’re using it as an outline underneath satin stitch or long and short stitch, chain stitch would not work as well. Take the needle down. When viewed from above it appears wide then narrow then wide etc. What is the difference between the split stitch and split back stitch? Even without seeing your reasonable pros. Ensure that there are an equal number of threads on both sides of the needle. Mollie Johanson. I’m not talking about outlining that is seen on the surface when the work is finished (for example, line stitches used for stems, borders, etc.) Instead, try the split backstitch – it would work better than chain stitch and is a little easier than regular split stitch. When a machine lock stitch breaks, the thread on both sides on the material is loosened and the product becomes weak or falls apart. Your best approach is to test your theories and see what effect you like best. For hand stitch the strongest is the backstitch while for the sewing machine it may be the stretch or straight stitch. Would you believe, I’ve been embriodering for 60 years and never done this before…so again thanks for the explaination. Stem stitch will now redirect here. -MC, These are two of the hardest stitches I have ever tried to do. Since I’m not padding the rest of the shape on the areas done in satin stitch, the outer padded edges create a little bump. Thank you so much, Mary. There is a very minute difference between the two stitches. Keeps me on my toes! DIY Projects. it is the way I visualize!!) I like the results of the split stitch – especially with the cleaner back. I could never really explain why I like it better and why it sits better on my embroidery. Very useful analysis of backstitch vs. split stitch. I’m talking about the outlining that goes underneath satin stitch or long and short stitch to pad those stitches and raise them up. What an incredibly informative, insightful, and succinct explanation…once again. Thanks for the knowledge you have given everyone. Stem Stitch. Kids' Crafts. It is preferable to use a single strand of floss and tie the knot together at the end of both the threads. Because she’s tall for her age and is able to grasp some concepts so easily and is deft with her hands I sometimes think she’s a bit ‘slow’ with other things but have to remind myself that she’s only 3! For example, you’re working a satin stitched monogram, like this one: Or you might be working a leaf shaded in long and short stitch, like this one: You want the edges clean and straight and slightly raised, right? GOLDEN RULE Nº4: whatever you do, play it by the book and stitch this backstitch the traditional way. Continue working in a similar fashion. Oh yes: Happy New Year everybody!! The backstitch is most similar to a machine sewn stitch, so it's quite strong. Any tips on making the split stitch easier? Explore. Your email address will not be published. The split stitch creates a much less bulky line of small running stitches. Thank you Mary and Cheers, Kath. Could I use a chain stitch if a split stitch is a challenge I have not yet overcome? Craft Instructions For Kids .. Split stitch VS Split Backstitch., a diy craft post from the blog Red Brolly, written by Bronwyn Hayes on Bloglovin’ Michèle. thanks sooooo much! How to do the Split Back Stitch. My question is should the split stitch be done with the same type of thread/floss/yarn that will be used for the covering stitches? I have used a split stitch as my *go-to* filler stitch and outline stitch for years! Written by. Bring the needle up at point C. 5. Now I know why and when to use one or the other. Kids' Crafts. The reason I don’t like using split stitch for outlining is because it doesn’t feel like a solid line. I love it when you show stitch comparisons and through your photos you can certainly see the difference between the stitches, I don’t have a problem with split stitch the only problem arises when I use more than one thread and I have to be careful to split the stitch and not go between the threads. 2. This stitch looks similar to the split stitch, but flatter on the fabric. The “bridges” of the split stitches will support a smooth, clean edge for the satin stitch or long and short stitch that follows. Pin Share Email Mollie Johanson . That might help. I replied via email with specifications…. For this type of embroidery, we work with a single strand of regular cotton embroidery floss or a single strand of tiny silk. Saved from craftgossip.com. Pull the thread up and take the needle down at desired length at point B. Split stitch for me. As for the regular split stitch, I use it all the time with floche (which is much finer than the perle cottons), with all weights of coton a broder, with single strands of regular floss, and even with tiny strands of filament silk. I’ve always use split stitch and had never considered using back stitch. Dec 24, 2015 - Split stitch vs split backstitch hand embroidery basics. It’s more difficult to get a smooth satin stitch edge over that type of line. This is a backstitched line, seen from a side angle. Now you have worked a split back stitch. Well, splitting between two strands of floss is not quite the same as regular split stitch, because you aren’t really splitting a thread.