As simple as stitching can get, straight stitch is where is all begins.
But don't be fooled by it's simplicity. There is still plenty you can do with this humble little stitch.
A fundamental stitch that builds other stitches, straight stitch is a great one to have in your workbasket.
Steps to Create a Straight Stitch
Step 1: Preparation
Cut a length of thread, approximately 12 to18 inches long, to ensure it is manageable and doesn't tangle easily. Thread the needle and knot the end of the thread to prevent it from pulling through the fabric. (see our video - Getting Started In Hand Stitching for a simple starting knot , or the Getting Started in Hand Stitching blog page for a description with photos.)
If you are using our stitch guide, mark your fabric. For practice stitching, pencil works well. I have used a 2B pencil here, which is soft enough to make clear marks.
Step 2: Starting the Stitch
Insert the needle into the fabric from the underside at the point where you want to start your stitch. Pull the thread through until the knot rests against the fabric.
Step 3: Making the Stitches
Push the needle back into and through the fabric a short distance away. This will be one stitch.
Each time the needle goes through the fabric, it should create a small visible stitch on the top or the bottom of the fabric. The length of each stitch can vary but typically ranges from 1/16 to 1/8 of an inch.
Step 4: Continuing the Pattern
Continue the running stitch by repeating the process. The evenness of the stitches will contribute to the overall appearance of your stitching.
Using a sewing motion instead of pulling the thread all the way through the fabric for each stitch, can increase your stitching speed. Care needs to be taken when doing this, as it can be harder to be as precise with your needle placement.
Step 5: Finishing the Stitch
When you reach the end of your line of stitching, bring the needle to the under side of the fabric.
Make a small knot close to the fabric to secure the thread. Trim any excess thread with scissors. (see our video - Getting Started in Hand Stitching for a simple end knot, or the Getting Started in Hand Stitching blog page for a description with photos.)
Variations on Straight Stitch
You can vary straight stitch by changing the stitch length, the space between stitches, and the angles of one stitch in relation to another. In the sample above, we have a simple grass-like stitch, radiating stitches, and arrowhead stitch.
Applications of Straight Stitch
As mentioned above, straight stitch is a building stitch. Put several straight stitches together in a specific way, and you get another stitch.
A row of straight stitches in a line make running stitch.
Scattered straight stitches at random angles make seed stitch.
Crossed straight stitches in pairs make cross stitch.
Overlapping straight stitches in a line make stem stitch.
Here's a bonus idea - lots of straight stitches next to each other is satin stitch.
But even when it is simply a collection of simple, straight stitches, the decorative possibilities for straight stitch are still vast.
Our sample flower with the centre stitched in straight stitch.
