Split Stitch

Split stitch is a variation of stem stitch. It is also known as Kensington outline stitch. It is used for outlines and filling where fine flat filling is required. To work this stitch, a soft thread or a stranded is required that can be easily split. Working is identical to stem stitch only that when the needle emerges from the fabric, it passes through the thread and then pulled. The effect resembles chain stitch but is finer than that. Split stitches are also recognized as back stitches and were very popular during the Middle Age.

 

Stitches done using gold and silk threads increased the expensiveness of the fabric in the past days.  Split stitch embroidery done using these threads resulted in fabulous embrodiery. This stitch was mainly used to highlight the facial structures or finer shapes of any embroidery pattern. It is mostly used for doing outline embroidery because it follows curves very well. It is an extremely easy stitch which can be completed quickly with regular practice and concentration. The outcome of this stitch is as effective as versatility of the stitch itself. Tinier  split stitches give a remarkable shading effect and execute well on densely woven linen,silk satin and twilled silk.

Framework looks amazing with this stitch and can described better as a confused chain stitch. An even weave fabric is most suitable for such type of stitch because threads are clearly visible and can be counted easily. This stitch can be learnt easily but it is very hard to master it.