Flat Stitch
Flat Stitch is a filling hand embroidery technique from the Fishbone Stitch family.
To create this stitch, we alternate two groups of straight stitches that cross in the middle of the shape, filling the entire surface with a uniform pattern.
On the reverse side of the embroidery, you will see two filled sections with a gap in the middle.
Other names of the Flat Stitch
Croatian Flat Stitch is another name for this hand embroidery technique.
Applications of the Flat Stitch
This hand embroidery method works great when you need to fill rounded shapes with a flat, fully covering filling.
You can use this technique for botanical shapes, such as rounded leaves, floral petals, or berries. Note that this stitch will not create a sharp tip; therefore, you will need to use a Fishbone stitch for such shapes.
More stitches from the Fishbone Stitch family
Learn how to embroider Flat Stitch
Follow the step-by-step tutorial with detailed photos below, and you will learn the Flat Stitch quickly. If you are a visual learner, watch a video lesson in the tutorial or on the Practical Embroidery YouTube channel to learn this hand embroidery stitch faster.
How to embroider Flat Stitch
Step-by-step hand embroidery tutorial
1. Define the shape you want to fill with Flat Stitch. Divide the shape into three parts, drawing two guiding lines in the middle of the shape. For this sampler, I filled a circle and an oval shape. Take the needle up to the surface on the top right side of the shape, on the external line. Make a straight stitch to the internal line on the left.
2. Push the needle back to the surface on the top left point of the external line and make a stitch to the internal line on the right.
3. Come up on the external right line and make a stitch to the internal left line.
4. Repeat the stitching sequence, keeping the stitches parallel and close to each other.
5. As you move along, you will notice a line in the middle where the stitches are crossing. This is a characteristic feature of the Flat Stitch.
6. Keep your stitches dense to fully cover the fabric. Pay attention to the edges – make them smooth to create a nice outline of your shape.
7. As you move to the end of the shape, the stitches will become shorter, just as they were at the beginning.
8. Tuck the final stitches under the central stitches to avoid distorting the shape.
Video tutorial
Tools and materials I used for this sampler
Disclaimer. To cover the cost of creating free embroidery patterns and video tutorials for this blog, I do sometimes link to products. Please assume these links are affiliate links. If you choose to buy through my links then THANK YOU – it will make it possible for me to keep doing this.
What’s next?
If you’re in the mood to explore more hand embroidery stitches, check out the Stitches and Techniques page for the list of other fantastic stitches available on my blog. From timeless classics to modern twists, a whole world of stitches is waiting for you to explore and master. So, grab your hoop and needle, and let’s stitch our way to creative bliss!
Don’t miss a thing!
Follow me on YouTube, Instagram, Facebook, Flipboard, and Pinterest. Or why not subscribe to Practical Embroidery newsletter and get embroidery tips straight to your inbox every few weeks?
Need More Guidance?
The top 10 hand embroidery stitches to learn is a free online course created for beginners.
