Long and short stitch shading
Blend shades of wool to fill petals and leaves.
Step by step
- Outline the shape in split stitch.
- Work the first row from the edge inwards, alternating long and shorter stitches, covering the outline.
- Change to the next shade and work stitches that split up into the first row.
- Keep all stitches heading the same direction.
- Carry on, shade by shade, until the shape is full.
Pinny's tip
Plain satin stitch should only cover small spaces; use long and short for bigger areas.
Plain satin stitch should only cover small spaces; use long and short for bigger areas.
Watch
How to Long and Short Stitch (4:00)
By Cutesy Crafts · Open on YouTube
Chosen from its title and channel: a 4-minute video from Cutesy Crafts on the same topic as this guide. Embedded from YouTube with credit; we don't host it. It only loads when you press play.
All guides ›Crewel embroidery
Sources
All checked 1 November 2026. We read these; we did not test the products ourselves.