Stitch guide · Fills

How to do a padded satin stitch

Padded satin stitch is satin stitch worked over a layer of padding stitches, so the shape stands up from the fabric in a smooth dome. The padding goes in first, inside a split-stitch outline, then the satin stitches cover it. Use it for small raised shapes like a nose, a berry, a heart or a letter.

Level Intermediate
Also called Raised satin stitch

Use it in a pet portrait for…

A raised, rounded nose that catches the light.
A heart-shaped collar tag or a tiny ball.
A raised initial beside the portrait.

In the Stitch Your Dog course, the nose and eyes are plain satin stitch, and that works well. Padding is an optional upgrade for the nose. Keep the eyes flat: the little bare highlight is easier to leave in plain satin.

How to do it, step by step

Outline the shape in split stitch, then fill it with padding (the brown lines), laid across the shape. Satin stitch over the top the other way: start in the middle, up at 1 just outside the outline, down at 2 on the far side, then up at 3 right beside the first stitch. (The satin stitches are spread out here so you can see the padding; on fabric they touch.)

Odd numbers: come up from the back Even numbers: go down Dashed: the next stitch

Outline the shape with small, neat split stitches. This edge decides the final shape, so take your time.
Padding: inside the outline, lay straight stitches across the middle of the shape, side by side. Start in the middle and fill to one end, then go back and fill the other. Keep the stitches on the back tiny, so most of the thread stays on the front.
Add a second layer on top at a different angle, a little bigger than the first, and a third if you want more height. Make the last layer run at a right angle to the way your satin stitches will go.
Now satin stitch over it all. Start in the middle: come up just outside the outline and go down just outside the opposite side.
Lay each stitch right beside the last and work out to one end. Then go back to the middle and fill the other half.
Finish the thread on the back, sliding it under the satin stitches.

Common mistakes and how to fix them

A lumpy surface.: Keep the padding smooth and even, and make each layer a little bigger than the one under it, so the top rises in a soft dome.
Padding peeks through.: Make the last padding layer run across your satin stitches, at a right angle to them, and lay the satin stitches close together.
The shape grows bigger than the pattern.: Keep the padding inside the split-stitch outline, and bring the satin stitches up and down just outside it, never further out.
The satin stitches slant.: Start in the middle and work out to each side, so every stitch keeps the same angle.

How many strands?

Two strands for the satin stitches on top, the same as plain satin. The padding can use more strands, or a thicker cotton thread, because it's hidden. Match its color to the top thread, or go a little lighter, so nothing shows through.

Embroidery floss comes as six thin strands twisted together. Cut a length from your fingertips to your elbow, pull out the strands you need one at a time, and lay them back together (DMC’s guide to stranded floss).

Questions people ask

What is padded satin stitch?

Satin stitch worked over padding stitches, so the shape is raised instead of flat. It catches the light and looks rounded.

Padded satin vs regular satin: when do you pad?

Pad when you want a shape to stand up, like a nose or a berry, or when a satin shape is big enough to need a firm base. Tiny shapes need little or no padding.

What can you pad satin stitch with?

Layers of straight stitches suit small, simple shapes. Rows of split stitch suit long, narrow or curved ones. Larger raised shapes are sometimes padded with felt.

Does padding use more thread?

Yes. You're really stitching the shape twice, once underneath and once on top, so plan on extra thread.

Sources: Royal School of Needlework Stitch Bank: Padded satin stitch (laid work padding) · Royal School of Needlework Stitch Bank: Padded satin stitch (split stitch padding) · Needle 'n Thread: Padded satin stitch