Long satin stitches snag. The rule of thumb is anything past about 10 mm risks catching on jewelry, fingernails, or the wash cycle. ValidStitch's default threshold sits at 10 mm; you can adjust per project.
Decision: split, accept, or change technique
- Split the satin into two columns with a registration tack. The result still reads as one column but each segment is under-threshold. Best for letters and outlines where appearance matters.
- Accept and document. For decorative pieces that won't see daily wear (wall hangings, framed art, ceremonial garments), accepting the long stitch and noting the wear-risk on the order sheet is the right call.
- Change technique — replace the long satin with a narrow fill, or break it into a tatami-filled shape. This changes the visual character and is usually a re-digitize decision, not a remediation.
What fabric makes it worse
Long satins on smooth weaves (tightly-woven cotton, performance polo) snag less than the same satin on a loose-weave linen, fleece, or knit. The validator does not yet take fabric into account for the satin-length rule (it's on the roadmap); for now, judge accordingly.