Long and short stitch is a way of filling patterns, especially when the pattern is too big to be embroidered with satin stitch. It can be worked in a single color or subtle shading can be achieved using multiple shades of single color.

To work long and short stitch, start a row of stitches along the top of the outline, alternating long and short stitches. Next, start a new row of long and short stitches nested in the previous one, following the pattern outline.