Running Stitch

Among the basic stitches which are used for hand sewing and embroidery purposes mainly, running stitch is one of them. Running stitch is also called Ponto de alinhavo, Ponto de passagem, Ponto adiante, Point avant, Punto filza, Vorstitch, Punto de hilvan, Punto de bastilla, Punto de basta, etc. Running stitch is a super easy process and anyone can do this without any harshness. Based on the running stitch other forms of stitches can be sewn. Running stitches can use a single thread or a combination of threads for giving visible looks as single stitches aren’t sometimes visible for their thickness. Running stitch is widely used in India and Bangladesh for the sewing of Kantha and other dresses. It is also used in sashiko quilting in Japan and other embroidery styles.

Uses of Running Stitch

Running stitch is used in hand embroidery and tailoring for the purposes of basic stitching. Running stitches could be used for two purposes mainly; decorative and functional purposes. It is used for borders, groupings, bands, fillings, outlines, rows, etc. Running stitch is used for necklines, borderline, lehenga, kid’s dresses, frocks, human designs, quilts, Kurti, Kamij, cushion covers, sofa covers, share, fatwa, shoes, hats, storage bags, bedding, etc. 

Process of Running Stitch

Ø  Bring the needle out through the base cloth and pull out the thread till finishing.

Ø  Push the needle through the fabric and pull it out at some distance.

Ø  The structure which is formed is a running stitch.

Ø  Repeat the process again and again.

Threads of Running Stitch

Threads that can be used for running stitches are silk, cotton, polyester, linen, pearl cotton, metallic threads, sashiko thread, crewel yarns, knitting, crochet, narrow strips of leather, cording, etc. 

Precaution of Running Stitching

Threads shouldn’t be stretched too tightly because it could shrinkage the base cloth which will defect the designs of the dresses.

 

Running stitch is an ancient process of sewing which is used worldwide. The use of running stitches is so vast that it can’t be described in words. I’ve tried some of the embroidery designs with running stitches. You can visit my Youtube channel for seeing the process of Running stitch.

 

Youtube Channel

 

Books of Running Stitch: English Embroidery - I - Double-Running or Back-Stitch

 

 

Materials Used: Needle, Thread, Base Cloth, etc.