Stitch Types

Running/Triple Stitch

The running stitch is the most basic stitch, stitching after a constant distance. The triple stitch is the same as a running stitch, except each stitch is stitched three times, resulting in a thicker and more secure thread.

import turtlethread

turtle = turtlethread.Turtle()

with turtle.running_stitch(25):
    turtle.forward(100)

with turtle.triple_stitch(40): # Will look identical, but with different stitch length
    turtle.forward(100)

turtle.visualise()

Jump Stitch

The jump stitch will move the needle from one position to another. It is visualised as a grey ‘X’ at the starting point and a grey circle at the ending point.

import turtlethread

turtle = turtlethread.Turtle()

with turtle.running_stitch(25):
    turtle.forward(100)

with turtle.jump_stitch():
    turtle.right(90)
    turtle.forward(25)
    turtle.right(90)

with turtle.triple_stitch(40):
    turtle.forward(100)

turtle.visualise()

Zigzag Stitch

The zigzag stitch creates a zigzag pattern.

import turtlethread

turtle = turtlethread.Turtle()

with turtle.zigzag_stitch(25, 25): # By default, the zigzag is not centered!
    turtle.forward(200)

with turtle.jump_stitch():
    turtle.goto(0, 50)

with turtle.zigzag_stitch(25, 50, center=True): # Stitch length of 25, stitch width of 50
    turtle.forward(100)

with turtle.zigzag_stitch(50, 25, center=True): # Stitch length of 50, stitch width of 25
    turtle.forward(100)

turtle.visualise()

It can be used to add texture to the border of a shape.

• Note that a stitch length of less than 3 units is not recommended, as it may cause the embroidery machine to jam.

Satin Stitch

The satin stitch creates a bulky, solid stitch.

import turtlethread

turtle = turtlethread.Turtle()

with turtle.satin_stitch(25):
    turtle.forward(100)

turtle.visualise()

It is used to form defined borders. Internally, it is just a zigzag stitch with a stitch length of 0.3mm (3 units).

• Note that satin stitches are very dense, hence they take a long time to be embroidered.

• It is also recommended not to overlap satin stitches as it may cause the embroidery machine to jam.

Cross Stitch

The cross stitch leaves a stitch pattern with a cross pattern.

import turtlethread

turtle = turtlethread.Turtle()

with turtle.cross_stitch(25, 25): # By default, the zigzag is not centered!
    turtle.forward(200)

with turtle.jump_stitch():
    turtle.goto(0, 50)

with turtle.cross_stitch(25, 50, center=True): # Stich length of 25, stitch width of 50
    turtle.forward(100)

with turtle.cross_stitch(50, 25, center=True): # Stich length of 50, stitch width of 25
    turtle.forward(100)

turtle.visualise()

• Note that this is not a ‘traditional’ or ‘hand-embroidered’ cross stitch, but a modified variant as embroidery machines are unable to replicate that form of cross stitch.

Z Stitch

The Z stitch creates a Z-shaped pattern, similar to a zigzag stitch.

import turtlethread

turtle = turtlethread.Turtle()

with turtle.z_stitch(25, 25): # By default, the zigzag is not centered!
    turtle.forward(200)

with turtle.jump_stitch():
    turtle.goto(0, 50)

with turtle.z_stitch(25, 50, center=True): # Stich length of 25, stitch width of 50
    turtle.forward(100)

with turtle.z_stitch(50, 25, center=True): # Stich length of 50, stitch width of 25
    turtle.forward(100)

turtle.visualise()