Although outline stitch is as its name suggests mainly used for outlining shapes it is an extremely versatile stitch. It can be worked in single or multiple rows and follows complex linear details and curves well.
Outline stitch has a long history. It was used during the Middle Ages and is one of the stitches found on the Bayeux Tapestry where it is worked in combination with couched infilling.


Outline stitch creates a neat, twisted line which twists in the reverse direction to a line of stem stitches. It is worked in a similar manner to stem stitch. The difference is that the thread always lies to the left of the needle. If the thread lies to the right the stitch becomes stem stitch. Work from left to right taking small regular stitches with a forwards and backwards motion along the line of the design. The thread is kept to the left of the needle after picking up a small piece of material.