My Favorite Stitches for Outlining Embroidery Designs ✨🧵

Hand Embroidery Stitches For Outlines

Hi, Reader,

I shared a list of my favorite decorative stitches a few weeks ago. This time, I’ll share the list of my go-to outline stitches.

Outline stitches might not be the stars of embroidery and often remain invisible or even hidden under filling stitches, but they are irreplaceable for defining shapes and adding structure to hand embroidery.

Here is a list of my favorite stitches for outlining—along with ideas on how to use them in your next project:

🧵 1. Backstitch

A timeless go-to! Backstitch creates crisp, smooth lines that are perfect for text embroidery, fine details, and simple shapes. I like to add delicate details with a single strand of embroidery floss and a Backstitch.

Backstitch embroidery with a single strand of floss.

🌿 2. Stem Stitch

With its slight twist, Stem Stitch gives an amazing rope-like texture for curves, floral stems, and organic designs. It’s my favorite for botanical embroidery, but it also looks great in abstract embroidery and as an outline for filling stitches!

Baby Moon embroidery pattern with Stem Stitch

✂️ 3. Split Stitch & Split Backstitch

Want an outline with a soft, slightly raised effect? Try Split Stitch or a Split Backstitch. These are great for smooth line outlines and are my no.1 choice for the outlines before filling with Satin Stitch, Padded Satin Stitch, or Long and Short stitch.

Watch the video “Split stitch vs. split backstitch. What is the difference?” if you want to learn about the difference between these two techniques.

Embroidery with Split Backstitch – video tutorial

Split Stitch VS Split Backstitch – video

Outline Stitches, including Split Backstitch

🔗 4. Chain Stitch

Chain Stitch is bolder and more textured than traditional outline stitches, making it perfect for bolder outlines, playful lettering, and folk art embroidery.

Lettering with Chain stitch – video tutorial

Chain stitch & other outline techniques – video tutorial

Chain Stitch – detail on an embroidery pattern

🎀 5. Couching Stitch

If you love dramatic outlines, Couching Stitch is a fantastic option. You lay one thread on the fabric and tack it down with tiny stitches. It’s ideal for thick outlines, goldwork, or mixed-media embroidery. Alternatively, you can make it as simple as one thread attached to the surface.

Napkins with Couching Stitch embroidery – tutorial

Simple star embroidered with Couching Stitch

✨ 6. Whipped Backstitch

If you love Backstitch but want something more remarkable, whip another thread through your Backstitch for a twisted effect. Whipped Backstitch looks amazing on lettering and borders.

Whipped Backstitch for lettering – video tutorial

Lettering with Whipped Backstitch – video tutorial

Outlines are just as important as the details inside them. Experiment with these stitches to find the one that matches your style and creative idea!

For more hand embroidery stitches for outlines, read the article “Hand embroidery stitches for outlines – from the most simple to decorative ones“, where you will find more decorative options you can use for borders or lettering.