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This article is all about the outline stitch. Find details on how to outline stitch, project ideas, tips and an outline stitch tutorial.
What is the Outline Stitch?
The outline embroidery stitch is a technique that is perfect for creating decorative borders around your shapes. It adds a subtle, raised effect that beautifully highlights and defines the edges of your design. ✨ Whether you’re outlining shapes or emphasizing details, this stitch gives your work a polished, dimensional look that stands out. It is so similar to the stem stitch, which we’ll dive into next. Curious now? Checkout outline stitch vs stem stitch and then dive into learning the outline stitch below!
[GIF OF STITCH]
Embroidery Outline Stitch Step-by-Step Instructions
- Start by bringing your needle up from the back of the fabric at the point where you want to kick off your stitch.
- Make a small, straight stitch but don’t pull it all the way through just yet. Leave a bit of slack so you can still see the stitch line.
- Hold the thread of the stitch you just made on the left side. If you’re stitching from left to right, keep the thread above the stitch.
- For your next stitch, bring the needle up right in the middle of the previous stitch line so that the stitches will overlap—this creates the twisted effect.
- Pull your thread through so the previous stitch lays flat.
- Keep going, following the line or curve. Aim for evenly spaced stitches that are consistent in size for a tailored appearance.
- Great job, you did it!
Outline Stitch Video Tutorial
Watch the step-by-step video guide for a visual demonstration of the Outline Stitch technique.
[VIDEO OF STITCH]
Next Up
Ready to see the outline stitch in action? 🎥 Dive into our step-by-step video guide for a visual demonstration of this technique.
More on the Outline Embroidery Stitch: projects & tips
With its decorative outline and slightly raised effect, the outline stitch is perfect for giving your designs an elevated finish. Whether you’re just starting your embroidery journey or you’re a seasoned pro, the projects and tips below will help you to take your skills up a notch!
Use Cases
- Outlining Shapes: Perfect for adding definition to flowers, geometric patterns, or any shape that needs a an outline.
- Adding Dimension: Enhance the visual interest of your embroidery with a raised edge.
- Decorative Edges: Use the outline stitch to create decorative borders that elevate your projects.
Embroidery Projects with the Outline Stitch
1. Personalized Sweatshirt
Create a sweatshirt with a nickname or quote using the outline stitch.
- Materials: Sweatshirt; embroidery thread; needle; hoop.
- Instructions:
- Choose your word or quote and your preferred font type. Tip: Cursive text works great with the outline stitch.
- Plan your design and use a fabric marking pen to outline your text on the chosen item.
- Use the outline stitch to bring your design to life.
2. Christmas Pillow Cover
Add in some festive holiday spirit with a customized pillow cover.
- Materials: Pillow cover; embroidery thread; needle; fabric marking pen.
- Instructions:
- Choose your saying or design. Tip: Capital letters make a bold impact! Some fun ideas include SILENT NIGHT, MERRY CHRISTMAS, or SNOW DAYS.
- Sketch your design or pattern on the pillow cover using the fabric marking pen.
- Use the outline stitch to bring your design to life.
Tips and Tricks for Mastering the Outline Stitch
1. Keep Your Stitch Length Consistent
- Tip: Space your stitches evenly for that polished, put-together look!
2. Check Your Tension
- Tip: Stay mindful of your thread tension to avoid puckering and keep your lines smooth and steady.
3. Overlap for Your Look
- Tip: Play with overlap! More overlap gives a fuller look, while less overlap keeps your lines light and thin.
4. Experiment with Thread Thickness
- Tip: Thicker threads create a bold outline, while thinner ones bring a delicate finish—experiment to find the vibe that fits your project best.
Let’s Review the Outline Stitch
Whether you’re adding dimension, creating decorative edges, or stitching text, this versatile option brings a classic touch to your work. Ready to give the outline stitch a try? Gather your materials and dive into a new project, or explore further by learning your next stitch, the stem stitch!
