How To Satin Stitch Curves and Irregular Shapes

The satin stitch is notorious for looking very simple, but in practice it can become somewhat mind-bending. Sure, lots of examples show you how to fill in a symmetrical shape such as a square which seems simple enough, but you’re probably left wondering how you can apply the technique to curves and more irregular shapes.

My satin stitch is far from perfect unlike some people that make it look effortless (I’m looking at you, @vikasspace!) but I wanted to share some tips I’ve learned along the way that have helped me figure out the best approach for different shapes. First I’ll go over some tips and then I figured it would be easiest to actually stitch something to show you different ways you can fill in a design. So, if you’d like to follow along, the design is available to download here.

Satin Stitch Along Curves and Shapes

First, Some Tips and Tricks

• Lay evenly spaced out stitches across the shape first, then fill in the rest of the shape. It’s ok if some of the edges of the stitches slightly overlap.
• Try making the stitches so that they gradually fan out along curves instead of keeping them all parallel.
• Another option is to work the stitches at a diagonal across the shape. I personally find this easier to achieve a smoother fill.
• Avoid making your stitches excessively long. Try to choose whatever direction would be shorter or opt for a different stitch that is better suited for filling in large areas.
• Outline the shape using a split stitch, then work the satin stitch on top of these stitches. This will help keep the edges neater.

Satin Stitch Teacup Design

Supplies You’ll Need

• 4 inch embroidery hoop
• cotton fabric
• embroidery needle
• embroidery floss
• a small piece of patterned fabric for the tea bag
• scissors

Strawberry

Fill in the strawberry with satin stitches running horizontally across the shape.

Fill in the leaves by making one stitch in center and then a stitch on either side. The base of the stitches can overlap slightly.

Scallops

Split stitch along the outline of the scallops with 4 strands of floss

This will help to keep the curves nice and defined.

Make vertical satin stitches that overlap on top of the split stitches.

Teacup

Start in the smaller areas along the edge of the blue scallop design. Make small, horizontal satin stitches.

Then work your way down, filling in the rest of the teacup.

Start at one edge of the base of the teacup and make vertical satin stitches.

Space out a few stitches to help keep them nice and straight before filling in the rest of the spaces.

Handle

Place evenly spaced out stitches along the curve of the handle as pictured. They can start at a diagonal and gradually curve along the contour of the upper portion of the handle.

Begin filling in the rest of the shape, following the direction you made with the initial stitches.

Tea Droplets

Make some stitches that run at a slight diagonal across the tea droplets.

Then fill in the rest of each one.

Teabag

Cut a square of patterned fabric and secure it to the fabric with a long straight stitch.

And there you have it! A cute little teacup filled in using the satin stitch.

I hope you found this tutorial helpful! I think you may also like this tutorial for outlining curves or maybe this tutorial all about mastering another great fill stitch called the long and short stitch.

Amanda

Amanda is a hand embroidery teacher and artist. With over 15 years of experience in the craft industry and embroidery, she owns and runs Crewel Ghoul, sharing accessible tutorials and patterns to help inspire fellow crafters to get creative. In addition to running this website, she teaches on Skillshare and Youtube.