Split decision? Choose how to use Split Stitch

Split stitch is often used to outline an area before filling it with satin stitch, to give a neat edge, but why stop there?

Would it surprise you to learn that I used it for most of this floral design? I added stem stitch for the dark green stems, 3 french knots, and 3 straight stitches.

It works well as a line stitch, but as this project illustrates, it also makes a good filling stitch. Let's look in more detail at how I used it in this design...

1. Lines in 2 strands mid-green floss for the open  
2. Lines in 1 strand mid green mixed with 1 strand light green 
3. Close rows using 2 strands of light green to fill this, and the other solid leaf 
4. Two different shades of green used together to fill
5. Yellow, orange, then red floss used in short, staggered rows to give a shaded effect to the tulips

This little acorn also uses split stitch, for the nut itself. Rows of textured coral stitch make up the cup and stalk which adds contrast. 

I used 2 strands of floss for the acorn and 3 for the cup.

I prefer to work this stitch with my fabric kept taut in an embroidery hoop. I then work in the stab stitch method, with one hand above and the other below the fabric. This helps to avoid the fabric puckering. 

Work from left to right, starting with a short straight stitch. Bring the needle back to the front, halfway between the start and end of that stitch, piercing the thread. If you use two strands it is easier to slip the needle up between them. 

Then take it down again a half stitch length in front of the