Run Stitch Outlines

Blog | EmbroideryStudio
June 5th, 2025 3 minute read

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Run Stitch Outlines

Before we dive into some handy tips on EmbroideryStudio’s run stitch outlines, we couldn’t resist mixing a bit of stitch humor with practical advice!

We may not all be lacing up our sneakers, but if you’re threading up your embroidery machine, you’re technically still doing some running… right? 😉

Scroll to the bottom of this blog to download your free embroidery design: "If I Use Running Stitch, Can I Count It as Exercise?" 🧵😄

Digitizing Run Stitch Outlines

Wilcom's EmbroideryStudio 2025 offers a wide range of stitch types — from creative textures to specialty outlines. Here, we’re focusing on one of the most versatile and essential: Run Stitch.

Perfect for outlines and fine detailing, it’s a staple in every digitizer’s toolbox.

Outline Stitch Types in EmbroideryStudio

Run, Sculpture, Triple, Backstitch, and Stemstitch, available in Decorating and Designing.
(Motif and String Stitch are included in the Designing level only.)

Single Run

A simple one-way stitch, ideal for fine details.

Triple Run

Reinforces the stitch with three passes; each stitch doubles back on itself, making it perfect for bold outlines. Puncture holes are emphasized, as they land in the exact location.

Sculptured Run

A stronger two-pass stitch for sharper, cleaner edges. It stitches forward three times, then back once.

Backstitch

An offset stitch offering strength and thickness. Fully adjustable with settings for stitch length, chord gap, overlap, and number of strokes. Each puncture hole is offset, making them less noticeable.

Stemstitch

Another offset stitch that mimics the hand-sewn look. It allows for precise control over stitch spacing, thickness, and overlap.

Outlining Tip for Production Flexibility

When digitizing logos, always assign the text and outline to separate needle allocations.

Why?

This ensures the outline of the design is NOT linked to the text, providing flexibility to embroider the logo on garments of any color— essential for production runs across multiple garment colors.

Real Example:

In this case, the Your Local Electrician logo has only three colors. If the text and outline were linked to the same needle color, you'd be forced to use the same thread across all garments — meaning dark-colored shirts could end up with black, unreadable text.

The logo uses three thread colors, and the production order includes
6 WHITE Polo Shirts and 6 NAVY Polo Shirts

Black text is unreadable on navy shirts

White outline differs from the original design

Below, the logo has been digitized with FOUR needle assignments. The Run Stitch outlines were assigned to a separate needle, allowing color adjustments without interrupting production flow.

WHITE Polo Shirts Colors

NAVY Polo Shirt Colors

Thread Color Linkages Matter!

Same logo design, multiple color combinations — all thanks to smart design planning and EmbroideryStudio's all-in-one EMB file!

With the right stitch type and thoughtful planning, your outlines will look sharp — on any fabric, in any color.

And yes... still no jogging required. 😉