embroidery basics: fill stitches • part 1

Most of the time when I embroider, I think of outlines. That’s my favorite part, and the way I see artwork, so it makes sense. But by filling areas with color, lines and designs, you get a completely different look. Some of my favorite embroidered pieces that I’ve seen include some kind of fill stitch.

There are some traditional methods of filling in an area, and we’ll get to those next time, but I thought I’d start with some quick methods that don’t require much practice at all.

To learn and practice all of the different fill stitches, I made a simple rain pattern. Transfer the pattern (you’ll find it at the end of this lesson) and you’re ready to go.

Normally I would use regular six-strand cotton, but to change it up a little, I’m using Color Variations Pearl Cotton from DMC. This is mainly because I wanted a shiny, bold look for the final piece. I’m also starting all of my raindrops (except for one) with an outline of backstitch.

The first fill is called a seed or rice stitch. All you do is fill in the area with short little straight stitches. It is really, really easy.

You can change the look of this stitch by altering the length of the stitches, how close they are, and their direction. You could also use different colors. This stitch is great for creating texture.


A variation on the seed or rice stitch is to make line after line of running stitch. You can make everything line up precisely, or be a bit more casual about it. This fill is reminiscent of Japanese sashiko embroidery.

For a more solid fill, stitch row after row of your favorite straight stitch. Follow along with your outer line, or create other patterns in the lines.

I used a backstitch, but a split or chain works too. I haven’t used this method of filling much, but in just a short amount of playing, I already like it. You can see variations of this a lot in wool crewel work.


On of my favorite looks for fill stitches is an area filled with french knots. You can place them really close together, or give them a bit of space, as I’ve done here. You’ll either have a fuzzy area, or one that is polka dotted!

That’s four raindrops filled in, and next time we’ll do the rest!

Download the raindrops pattern.
Download this lesson with the raindrops pattern.

Be sure to check back on Monday for a very exciting announcement! I can't wait!