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Counted satin stitch icon
Counted satin stitch

Counted satin stitch main image

This is a variation of satin stitch which is worked on an evenweave fabric.  The stitch direction can be vertical, horizontal or diagonal and is usually used to form geometric patterns.

Some forms of cutwork use counted satin stitch as an edging stitch.

Counted satin stitch featured frequently on English samplers, as demonstrated by a late 17th century example currently held by the Victoria and Albert Museum, London.  It was also popular in Turkish embroidery from the 18th century where it embellished garments and other textiles: the V&A holds several such examples.

It is also a popular stitch in Hardanger embroidery from western Norway.  Hardanger is a counted thread technique which uses blocks of satin stitch (sometimes called kloster blocks) to form geometric designs.

add_circleMy Stitches
Parallel Filling Edging Whitework Hardanger Counted Thread

Further Reading

RSN Essential Stitch Guides: Whitework by Lizzy Lansberry
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Counted satin stitch is generously sponsored by Richmond & Leyburn Creative Stitchers

Method

This version of satin stitch uses the weave of the fabric to keep the threads parallel.  Use a tapestry needle to take the thread down between the threads of the fabric and to ensure you do not split the fabric threads. 
Counted satin stitch is not normally padded.
There are endless patterns you can try: experiment with different threads and make up your own patterns.

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Counted satin stitch method stage 1 illustration
Counted satin stitch method stage 1 photograph
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This pattern is made with square blocks of diagonal stitches, alternating with blank squares.

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Counted satin stitch method stage 2 illustration
Counted satin stitch method stage 2 photograph
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This pattern consists entirely of horizontal stitches over six threads. Blocks of three stitches are arranged in a bricked pattern.

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Counted satin stitch method stage 3 illustration
Counted satin stitch method stage 3 photograph
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This pattern has alternating diagonal rows. Each row has pairs of either vertical or horizontal stitches. Two rows are worked with stranded cotton, then two with coton à broder and so on.

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Counted satin stitch method stage 4 illustration
Counted satin stitch method stage 4 photograph
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This image shows some counted satin stitches in Hardanger embroidery, including the Kloster blocks (five stitches over four threads) as shown in the illustration.

Structure of stitch

Parallel

Common uses

Filling Edging

Embroidery Techniques

Whitework Hardanger Counted Thread

References