Tip Tuesday: How-To Embroider On Knits Using The Split Stitch

This week we’re bringing our love of knitting to the world of embroidery! The split stitch is a versatile embroidery technique that can be used to add beautiful textures and designs on top of your projects. 

Whether you’re using it to monogram your sweaters or to create illustrations in thread, this simple method offers so much depth to your projects once you get the hang of it. We can’t wait to see what you will create once you’ve added this technique to your toolbox. 

Here’s how to create a clean and even split stitch:

What you’ll need to get started:

• An embroidery needle. 
• Embroidery floss (you can double up a few strands to play with texture once you get comfortable with the technique).
• Lastly, you’ll need to pick a project that you want to add your embroidery on top of. 

We’ve made getting started easy for you with three exclusive Quince x Knitted Bliss Stitching embroidery kits! They include:

• 100% cotton DMC embroidery floss.
• An embroidery needle.
• Designs for you to easily follow.
• A detailed instruction sheet, illustrations, and images including links for additional support as well as guides for specific points and techniques.

Steps for the Perfect Split Stitch

Step 1 Thread & Knot: Start by threading your needle and tying a knot at the end of your floss. 
We recommend working with a small amount of thread at a time. You will need to pull the entire length of your thread through every stitch so keep your thread shorter than the length of your arm outstretched. 

Step 2 Anchor Your First Stitch: Pull the needle up from the back of the fabric to the front at your starting point. Pull until your knot catches on the back of your work. 

Step 3 Make Your First Stitch: Make a short loop (this is now your first stitch), by pushing the needle back through the fabric at the same point where you pulled it through in step 2 and do not tighten the loop all the way.

Step 4 Split the Stitch: Advance forward in the direction you want your design to go and bring your needle up from the back through the middle of your previous stitch loop. This splits your stitch.
 

Step 5 Continue Stitching: The act of step 4 is also the beginning of the next stitch. You’ve pulled your needle up from the back so next you continue with steps 3 & 4 until you’ve finished your design. 

Each time, you’ll come up through the center of the previous stitch, “splitting it” as you go.

Step 6 Lock The Stitch: When you’re ready to stop, bring your needle down at the top of the stitch this time to lock it in place before knotting your thread on the backside of your project. 

Notes for a Smooth Split Stitch

Mind Your Tension: Just as you would with knitting or while stitching the duplicate stitch, keeping an even tension is the key to a polished final result. Keep an even, gentle pull on your thread so the stitches are uniform without puckering. 

Also, pay attention to how long or short you are making your stitches. You can play around with this to create fun designs but if the intention is to create a straight line then your stitch length should be the same for every stitch. 

Experiment with Ply: Play with the number of strands you use to control the thickness of the line you’re creating—fewer strands create delicate lines, while more strands give a fuller look.

With a little practice, the split stitch will become your new favorite way of giving your knits a personal touch. Happy stitching!