Guide
Fill, satin and running stitches explained
Almost every machine embroidery design is built from three stitch types. Knowing what each does helps you read a preview and pick the right settings.
Updated
The three stitch types
| Stitch | Looks like | Used for | Width |
|---|---|---|---|
| Fill (tatami) | Flat, woven rows | Large areas | Any size |
| Satin | Shiny zig-zag column | Borders, lettering, narrow shapes | About 1 to 10 mm |
| Running | A single line of stitches | Fine lines, outlines, travel under other stitches | One thread |
Underlay
Underlay is a light layer of stitches sewn first, under the visible ones. It holds the fabric to the stabilizer and stops the top stitches sinking into soft fabric. InstaEmbroid sews underlay rows under every fill, kept back from the edges so they stay hidden.
Pull compensation
Thread pulls the fabric in as it's sewn, so shapes come out slightly narrower than drawn. Pull compensation makes each shape a fraction wider to make up for it. Stretchy fabric needs more.
Adjusting them
- Settings guide Every setting, and when to change it.
Questions
Why is satin limited to about 10 mm?
Longer satin stitches snag and sag, so wider shapes are sewn as fill instead. You can set the limit in Advanced settings.
What's density?
How close the rows are. Typical fill spacing is about 0.4 mm; wider spacing means fewer stitches and a lighter look.