What Is the Split Stitch?
The split stitch is a line stitch in which each new stitch comes up through the middle of the previous one, splitting its strands. The result is a fine, slightly twisted line that looks a little like a thin chain or braid. It is a beginner-friendly stitch and appears on most lists of basic hand embroidery stitches.
When to Use It
- Outlines and lettering, especially with curves
- Stems and fine lines
- Filling small shapes by working rows close together, which gives a textured look
- Outlining a shape before satin stitching over it
It follows curves well because the stitches are short and the line is flexible.
Is It Easy?
Most people find it easy once they understand the splitting motion. The usual difficulty is piercing the thread cleanly rather than pushing the needle into the fabric beside it. A few practice lines on scrap fabric usually solve that.
What You Need
- Fabric in a hoop
- Embroidery floss with an even number of strands (for example 2, 4 or 6) so the thread can divide evenly. This is common advice, though stitchers also split stitches with other counts.
- A sharp embroidery needle, rather than a blunt one, which will pierce threads more easily
Step-by-Step Instructions
- Start the thread. Secure it on the back; see knotting off and starting for options.
- First stitch. Bring the needle up at point 1 and down at point 2 to make one straight stitch.
- Split the stitch. Bring the needle up at point 3, piercing through the middle of the first stitch so the strands divide into two groups.
- Go forward. Take the needle down at point 4, one stitch length ahead of point 3.
- Repeat. Come up through the middle of the stitch you just made, then go forward again.
- Finish. End with a small stitch over the final one or secure the thread on the back.
Tips for Clean Results
- Keep the working thread out of the way so the needle hits the center of the stitch.
- Aim for the middle of the thread, not the edge.
- Use moderate tension so the stitches lie flat.
- On tight curves, shorten the stitches.
- Keep stitch length consistent. Short stitches look finer.
Split Stitch vs. Chain Stitch
Both can look like linked lines, but they are made differently. Split stitch is a flat, single line of straight stitches pierced through the center. Chain stitch makes looped stitches that link like a chain and gives a bolder, more raised line. Split stitch tends to look finer and tighter.
Split Stitch vs. Back Stitch
Back stitch ends each stitch in the same hole as the previous one, giving a flat solid line. Split stitch pierces the thread, giving a twisted texture. The split stitch may look slightly more textured than back stitch.
Common Mistakes
- Missing the thread and coming up next to it, which leaves a back-stitch-like line.
- Using one strand, which gives little to pierce.
- Stitches too long, which snag easily.
- Pulling too tight and distorting the fabric.
Frequently Asked Questions
How do you make a stitch in embroidery?
Bring the needle up from the back at one point, take it down at another, and repeat according to the stitch you are making. Split stitch adds the step of piercing the previous stitch.
What is the forbidden stitch?
Often a name for the Peking knot stitch, linked to a story about lost eyesight. It is folklore and not related to the split stitch.