This stitch is a spaced version of satin stitch.  Long straight stitches are executed in parallel lines, but unlike in satin stitch, the start and end points of the stitches are staggered in a diagonal line.  The stitches are slightly spaced apart so that the ground fabric shows between the stitches; the amount of ground fabric showing can be used to create different effects. 

We have added the descriptive name of ‘spaced satin stitch’ as an alternative name.

The earliest reference to this stitch is found in the 1880 RSN Handbook of Embroidery where it is described as being used for working water or ground in Japanese landscapes, especially when creating an illusion of distance.  The handbook was written during the 19th century craze for japonisme (all things Japanese) which started in the 1860s when trade was opened up between Japan and Europe and America.  It seems probable that the author, Letitia Higgin, had seen the stitch used on Japanese embroideries and documented it under the name ‘Japanese stitch’.  A spaced version of satin stitch is called sugabiki in Japan but Higgin’s diagonally staggered end points is not a definitive characteristic of the stitch.  If this stitch were worked with stitches as long as Higgin’s in Japanese embroidery, the stitches would be couched in place.