If you’re using Hatch Embroidery software to digitize your designs, understanding stitch types is key to achieving high-quality results. Whether you’re digitizing logos, creating personalized gifts, or building commercial embroidery projects, the stitch type you choose can dramatically affect both the look and feel of your design.

In this guide, we’ll walk you through the most common and creative stitch types in Hatch embroidery from classic fill and satin to specialty effects—so you can take full control of your embroidery outcomes.

Why Stitch Types Matter in Hatch Embroidery

Each stitch type in Hatch offers different:

• Visual textures
• Levels of coverage
• Stitching efficiency
• Fabric compatibility

By mastering these, you’ll create designs that are both beautiful and production-ready, minimizing thread breaks, puckering, or distortion.

1. Satin Stitch – Sleek, Shiny, and Dimensional

Best for: Text, borders, small-to-medium shapes

• Satin stitches lay side by side in a zigzag pattern, giving a high-sheen finish.
• Offers great dimension and works best for elements under 12mm wide.
• Commonly used for monograms, logos, and lettering.

Pro Tip: Use underlay stitches to stabilize satin sections and avoid distortion.

2. Tatami (Fill) Stitch – Full Coverage with Texture

Best for: Large shapes, solid areas, backgrounds

• Also known as “fill stitch,” this technique uses a woven pattern to cover large areas.
• Offers a matte finish and prevents bulky stitching compared to satin.
• Ideal for logos, animals, or background fills.

Customization Tip: Hatch lets you adjust angle, density, and pattern styles for endless creative control.

3. Running Stitch – Light, Fast & Precise

Best for: Outlines, fine details, redwork designs

• A single-line stitch that moves from point to point.
• Perfect for underlays, connecting elements, or minimalist artwork.
• Very low thread usage and stitch count.

Creative Use: Use it in combination with other types to create sketched embroidery effects.

4. Motif Stitch – Decorative and Customizable

Best for: Borders, fashion designs, patterns

• Repeats a predefined decorative shape (like stars, leaves, swirls).
• Adds flair without needing extra digitizing.
• Great for borders, trims, or textural fills.

Bonus: Hatch includes a library of motifs—or you can create your own!

5. Backstitch & Stem Stitch – Great for Hand-Embroidery Effects

Best for: Lettering, outlines, curves

• Simulate traditional hand embroidery with controlled stitch backtracking.
• Perfect for script fonts and organic shapes like flowers or vines.
• Pairs beautifully with wool or matte threads for an artisan vibe.

6. Embossed Fill – Textured Fills with Design

Best for: Decorative background elements, quilting, home décor

• These fill areas are digitized with built-in design textures (like diamonds, waves, or bricks).
• Create visual interest and tactile feel without adding thread bulk.
• Available under the “Creative Fills” panel in Hatch.

7. Cross Stitch & Candlewicking – Old Meets New

Best for: Retro embroidery, linens, crafty gifts

• Cross stitch gives a pixelated, vintage embroidery effect.
• Candlewicking mimics the beaded dot stitch used in traditional quilting.

Fun Fact: These are great for digitizing old-school artwork or giving a handmade feel to machine embroidery.

8. Appliqué Stitch – Combining Fabric & Thread

Best for: Large shapes, patches, children’s designs

• Secure fabric cutouts to your base material with clean edge stitching
• Hatch lets you create placement lines, tack-down stitches, and finishing stitches easily.
• Saves thread, reduces density, and gives multi-dimensional results.

BONUS: Underlay Stitch Options in Hatch

Each primary stitch type can be paired with underlay stitches in Hatch for improved stability:

Expert Tip: Always test underlay combinations on your chosen fabric before production.

Quick Stitch Type Comparison Chart

Final Thoughts

With Hatch Embroidery software, you’re not limited to just outlines and fills—you’re empowered with a full suite of creative stitch types that enhance your embroidery design’s texture, depth, and personality.