Explanation
The placement stitch is a simple running stitch stitched directly onto the fabric to indicate the exact position, size, and shape of a fabric piece or appliqué element.
It is a fundamental part of appliqué designs and many ITH projects.
The placement stitch tells the embroiderer:
➡️ Where the fabric should be placed
➡️ How large the fabric piece must be
➡️ What shape the appliqué element will have
It is always stitched before the tack-down or basting stitch.
What is the placement stitch used for?
1. Appliqué designs
In appliqué files, the placement stitch is always the first step.
Typical sequence:
- Placement stitch → shows the outline of the appliqué
- Fabric is placed on top
- Tack-down or basting stitch → secures the fabric
- Trimming the excess fabric
- Satin stitch or zigzag stitch → finishes the edges
Without the placement stitch, positioning would be inaccurate and prone to mistakes.
2. ITH projects
In ITH designs, the placement stitch is used to:
- align fabric layers correctly
- position pockets, decorative parts, or structural elements
- build multi-step projects cleanly
It forms the foundation for all following steps in the stitch sequence.
What does a placement stitch look like?
Typical characteristics:
- usually a simple, thin running stitch
- often stitched in a clearly visible color
- clean outline of the later appliqué piece
- short stitch length for accurate contours
The stitch is later hidden, either covered by satin stitches or cut away.
Best Practices
- Cut the fabric after stitching the placement stitch → saves material and improves precision.
- Use a highly visible color when stitching on fluffy or textured fabrics.
- Ensure the fabric fully covers the marked area.
- For ITH projects, always review the stitch sequence beforehand to understand the purpose of each placement stitch.
Summary
The placement stitch marks the exact position for a fabric piece or appliqué element.
It is essential for:
- appliqué designs
- ITH projects
- accurate and repeatable fabric placement
Without a clean placement stitch, precise embroidery results would be difficult to achieve.