What is the split stitch and how do I use it?
The split stitch is literally splitting the threads of your embroidery floss as you create a stitch. It's a great stitch when you're looking for a more organic outline stitch for your embroidery. The texture of a split stitch differs slightly from a backstitch because it has a more fluid movement, similar to the look for a stem stitch. The split stitch works best with 6-strand embroidery floss, working with an even number of strands. In the Stitching Raccoon Sampler, the split stitch is used for the stem of the Queen Anne's Lace plant.
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Split stitch diagram
Below is what a typical diagram for the split stitch may look like in an embroidery pattern or on other how-to pages.
See the split stitch in action:
Follow along with this quick video to see how each step of the split stitch comes together.
Step-by-step instructions
Now, let's walk through each step in the split stitch together.
Step 1: To begin, bring your needle up at your starting point.
Step 2: Then, insert the needle down a stitch length away, creating a single straight stitch.
Step 3: Now, bring the needle back up, going through the center of the last stitch, splitting the strands of that stitch.
Step 4: Continue working your way forward, splitting the stitch as you come up each time.
Step 5: To end this stitch, after you’ve come up through the last stitch, simply send the needle down a half a stitch length away from your last stitch.
Save it for later.
Want to remember how to do the split stitch? Pin the image below to Pinterest as a quick reference for later!
Give it a try, you can do it!
Now it's your turn to grab a needle, some embroidery floss, and give it a go! Practice the split stitch, along with other basic embroidery stitches, in the Stitching Raccoon Sampler. Get the embroidery pattern for FREE by signing up below!
