The padded satin stitch is an easy filling stitch that can be used to fill smaller areas that are raised, giving added depth and dimension to the design area and is sometimes referred to as raised satin stitch. Small seed stitches (shown), running stitch, stem stitch or other embroidery stitches under the satin stitch are used as the padding.

Other variations of the satin stitch include the long & short satin stitch, basic satin stitch also called flat satin stitch (the embroidered shape is not padded but instead lies flat against the fabric), outlined satin stitch and shaded satin stitch.

To work the padded satin stitch, fill the inside of the design area with your chosen stitch. In this sample, I am filling the area with a single seed stitch.

Next, work the satin stitch over the padding stitches: bring the needle up through the fabric at your starting point. Then, insert the needle again across from your original entry point, on the opposite side of the shape your are filling, as if you are working the basic satin stitch.

Repeat the process to make additional stitches.

(TIP: Instead of stitches, the shapes can be padded with fusible interfacing, fusible fleece or felt cut to shape and tacked in place.)

Please Note: Photographs, patterns and illustrations contained in this article are by Cheryl Fall, are copyrighted © by Cheryl Fall, and licensed to About.com, Inc.

Do not redistribute these photographs or illustrations in any form.

This pattern is free for your own personal use only and is not to be used for items for resale.

If others would like to have the pattern, please give them the URL of this page, so that they may come to these pages and print the pattern or instructions for themselves.

Thank you for respecting my copyright.

For additional information, see Copyright Myths Explained, or the U.S. Government Copyright Office at http://www.loc.gov/copyright.