Well who would have thought I could stitch a whole page just on running stitch, that simple little stitch I learnt on binca as a three year old! Like many simple things in life, I think it’s simplicity makes it very versatile. Sharon from Pintangle is running a new stitch challenge along side the new series of TAST (Take a Stitch Tuesday) it’s called Beyond TAST and she gives us a stitch to develop over a month or so. The first one was running stitch.
My first thought was to stitch a Kanthe embroidery kit of a moon gazing hare I have, it would have nicely been a kit stitched from my 18 for 18 challenge too! The month went passed with no running hare! A couple of nights ago I suddenly decided to do a page for my stitch book just in running stitch, I already had the outline stitched so I knew it wouldn’t take too long.
I chose DMC 4240 which is a lovely subtle variegated floss in dark blues and purples, I started off with a straight forward four rows of running stitch, neatly stacked into columns. My next row is the diamond pattern, I think officially the centre diamonds are satin stitch as I didn’t stitch them in a continuous row but went back and added them 
The next three samples were all stitched straight across the row, which took some concentrating until I got the pattern sorted, I like the way the variegation changes across the patterns. The one on the right is whipped running stitch, I think if it was stitched even closer together it would give a great basket-weave effect.
The trellis at the bottom left of the sampler was developed as I went a long, that’s another one that took a bit of concentration as moving across the diagonals didn’t seem as easy as it should have been. I did wonder about putting a cross in each gap but I decided to keep it simple with just cross-stitch.
The three vertical rows on the right are all whipped running stitch, showing the different patterns you can achieve.
At the bottom is one of my favourite uses for running stitch, the flight path of a butterfly!
I was quite surprised how much I could stitch with just a simple running stitch! I’ve now completed four double page spreads of my stitch sampler, so I think I’ll start stitching them up as I go along into a book, so I’m not left with a big pile of pages. I’m just trying to decide what to put inbetween the pages, do I just put some interfacing on the back to keep them a bit crisper, or add some batting, or just say a bit of calico? I think I might ask advice on the Textile book facebook page. 
I’ll be linking up with Kathy’s Quilts for Slow Stitching Sunday,why not follow the link and see what everyone else has been creating.
thecraftycreek 
a lovely rich blue variagated thread there and very impressed with all the different designs you can stitch with just running stitch!
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Thanks Claire, it’s a lovely floss 🙂
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It’s a really pretty page, and interesting to see just how varied one stitch can be. How about basting each page onto tear-away stabiliser to give it body, without being as permanent as iron-on interfacing?
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Thanks Kate, I think I might have some of that somewhere…I think I need an experimenting session!
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If you wish to cover the backs, I like the idea of a matching calico, but might it be possible to stitch the facing pages together? If you aren’t particular about the final order of the pages, that could work. Maybe a bit of binding around the pages? You could sew four double pages at a time to eliminate the creep factor in the center.
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Hi Kathy, the pages will be stitched back to back, one side to one pair and the next side to the next page, if that makes sense! I think what concerns me is with the seam at the edge there will be 4 thicknesses of fabric, which could make the centre seem thin!
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I see what you mean. That might be the spot for some interfacing, then?
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What a lovely example of just how versatile the stitch is. I’m always a little wary of it though as I can’t get it even – not a problem you seem to struggle with! I think just some calico to back them would be good – that way it won’t add to much bulk to your finished book.
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Thanks Catherine, even weave linen does make it easier to get it looking even 🙂
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What fabulous examples! Your book is going to be a terrific and beautiful resource!
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This is going to be a very cool book once you get all the pages finished!
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Gosh that is so pretty. My favourite is the butterfly’s trajectory, I think 🙂
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WOW these are all beautiful…i like that cute little butterfly as well 🙂
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Gorgeous! It is so interesting to see all the possibilities. I’ll never say again that I know how to do embroidery because I had no idea it could be so beautiful. Thanks for the lessons on running stitches. ;^)
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What fun variety with just the simple running stitch! I love the lattice and of course, the butterfly trail.
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Very pretty sampler! Love the trail from the little butterfly.
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Great sample, the running stitch is so versatile .
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Another beautiful page for your sampler book.
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You have been very creative with the Running stitch. I really like that trellis and the second row of stitching. That floss is beautiful.
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Hi,
I’m also doing TAST. I’ve never made it through the whole thing, but this year I am determined to make it. Your Running Stitches are beautiful. Have a great day!
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Wow who would have thought a simple straight stitch could look so good! Wonderful!
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I’ve enjoyed reading your blog for a while now (I like quilting and garment sewing) and I thought of you when I took an embroidery class at my local sewing shop yesterday. I think your beautiful creations have been a positive influence! We learned backstitch, fly stitch, chain stitch, stem stitch, and french knots- and I’m doodling around on my sampler in the evenings and enjoying myself. I think I’d like to figure out how to make a stitch book, next!
Anyway, lots of waffle just to say: I love seeing what you sew, so thanks for the blog 🙂
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