Embroidery stitches for filling space

Here are 9 of my go-to hand embroidery stitches for filling in spaces, step-by-step instructions, and examples.

My default stitch for when I need to fill an area in an embroidery pattern is satin stitch but I don’t particularly enjoy stitching it so I’ve been enjoying trying out a range of different filling stitches.

This stitch uses the blanket stitch to make half-moon shaped shapes. Usually, it is done as an edging stitch. After making the blanket stitch scallops, the outer side of the fabric is carefully cut away, leaving the projected (convex) part of the...

Stem stitch is so versatile, I often think of it as my 'if in doubt' stitch. Follow this tutorial and tips for perfect stitching every time.

This super forgiving and simple technique provides a fun texture to your work!

Celebrate National Embroidery Month. Learn hand embroidery with these 29 stitching tutorials from MCreativeJ.

Lately, I’ve been having a discussion with some beginning embroiderers about filling stitches that work well on surface embroidery projects, especially where you’re filling small elements here and there in a standard stylized or realistic design. I thought I would share the results of that discussion here, in a distilled version, in case you struggle ...

Long and short stitch is the key stitch used in the silk shading technique. While simple in concept, it's taken practice to get to grips with it.

5 filling stitches for embroidery

Learn how to start and end embroidery stitches with this easy to follow tutorial featuring three simple methods.