If you’re diving into the world of embroidery with Hatch Embroidery software, you’ve likely noticed how many stitch types are available. From simple runs to decorative fills, each stitch plays a vital role in how your final design looks and behaves on fabric.

This guide will walk you through the most important stitch types in Hatch Embroidery, when to use them, and tips to ensure pro-level results in every project.

Whether you're digitizing logos, customizing apparel, or creating complex artwork, understanding stitch types is a game-changer.

Why Stitch Type Matters

Choosing the right stitch type is as important as choosing the right fabric or thread color. The wrong stitch can cause puckering, uneven fills, or simply make your design look unprofessional.

With Hatch Embroidery software, you get full control over stitch settings, directions, densities, and styles — but that power is only useful if you know how to wield it.

1. Run Stitch (aka Walking Stitch)

What It Is:

A single line of stitches, used for outlining, underlay, or fine detail work.

Best Used For:

• Borders and outlines
• Connecting design elements
• Travel paths between stitch areas

Pro Tip:

Use triple run for bold outlines and single run for hidden travel lines.

2. Satin Stitch

What It Is:

A smooth, glossy stitch used for text, borders, and high-impact details. Satin stitches are formed by zig-zag needle movements across narrow shapes.

Best Used For:

• Text and lettering
• Borders and logos
• Monograms
• High-shine areas

Pro Tip:

Keep satin stitch under 12mm in width. Anything wider can snag or sink into fabric — in those cases, use split satin or switch to a fill stitch.

3. Tatami Stitch (aka Fill Stitch)

What It Is:

A structured, woven fill stitch used to cover large areas. This stitch gives a textured, matte look compared to satin.

Best Used For:

• Background fills
• Large shapes or logos
• High-density designs

Pro Tip:

Play with pattern fills inside tatami for decorative effects. Hatch offers textures like waves, bricks, and honeycomb.

4. Zigzag Stitch

What It Is:

A variant of the satin stitch but typically used in broader, more flexible applications.

Best Used For:

• Appliqué edges
• Stretch fabrics
• Decorative effects

Pro Tip:

Use manual digitizing tools in Hatch to shape zigzag paths for creative borders or soft outlines.

5. Motif Fill Stitch

What It Is:

Instead of a basic fill, this stitch creates a pattern using repeating motifs — like stars, diamonds, or waves.

Best Used For:

• Decorative backgrounds
• Children's clothing
• Quilt blocks and home décor

Pro Tip:

Combine motif fills with low stitch densities to reduce fabric stiffness.

6. Cross Stitch

What It Is:

A traditional X-shaped stitch mimicking hand embroidery, available in Hatch's motif or manual tools.

Best Used For:

• Vintage-style designs
• Samplers or decorative borders
• Home décor embroidery

Pro Tip:

Use on canvas or Aida-like fabric for authentic cross-stitch looks.

7. Manual Stitch

What It Is:

This gives you full control of every stitch point — perfect for complex or non-standard designs.

Best Used For:

• Fine art or illustration-style embroidery
• Extreme detail control
• Digitizing hand-drawn artwork

Pro Tip:

Use Zoom and Snap-to-Grid features in Hatch when placing manual stitches for accuracy.

8. Appliqué Stitch

What It Is:

Used to attach fabric pieces to the base fabric, surrounded by satin, zigzag, or blanket stitches.

Best Used For:

• Custom patches
• Fabric layering designs
• Reducing thread count in large fills

Pro Tip:

Hatch makes appliqué easy with auto-trim settings and built-in appliqué shapes.

Understanding Underlays

Every pro digitizer knows that underlay stitching can make or break your design. It’s the hidden foundation under your visible stitches.

Common Underlay Types in Hatch:

• Edge Walk: Great for satin stitch borders
• Center Run: Helps fill stitches stay stable
• Zigzag Underlay: Used for wide satin areas

Pro Tip: Always use underlay for stretchy fabrics and satin text to prevent distortion.

Stitch Directions and Angles

Controlling stitch angles helps you:

• Reduce puckering
• Create visual interest
• Make designs more dimensional

In Hatch, you can adjust stitch directions with angle lines or set multiple angles for smoother fills.

Try alternating stitch angles in adjacent fill areas for texture and contrast.

Hatch Embroidery Tools That Help

Hatch isn’t just a stitch selector — it’s packed with tools that make using these stitch types easier:

• Auto-Digitize Tools: Quickly assign stitch types to bitmap or vector images
• Reshape Tool: Modify stitch direction and spacing
• Stitch Effects: Add contour fills, carving lines, or ripple patterns
• Branching Tool: Optimize paths to reduce jump stitches

Tips for Pro-Level Embroidery with Hatch

1. Preview before stitching. Use Hatch’s TrueView mode to simulate stitches.
2. Test on similar fabric. Different fabrics react differently to stitch density and type.
3. Use layering. Start with underlay, then add structured fills, then highlights.
4. Don’t be overcrowded. For small designs, avoid excessive stitch types or density.
5. Update your software. Hatch regularly adds new stitch features and tools.

Bonus: Start with a Pro Digitized File

You can master stitch types, but if your base design isn’t digitized correctly, the outcome will still be off. That’s why professionals rely on high-quality digitizing services.

Need Help Getting Started?

Check out Digitizing Buddy — your go-to solution for affordable, fast, and professional embroidery digitizing. Whether you're working with JPG, PNG, or vector art, we convert your design into machine-ready stitch files, including PES, DST, EXP, and more.

Final Thoughts

Understanding and using the right stitch types in Hatch Embroidery can elevate your embroidery from basic to brilliant. Each stitch has a purpose — and when used thoughtfully, it helps you bring your designs to life with clarity, texture, and professionalism.