A Practical Way to Learn the 8 Most Common Suturing Techniques

Suturing is a “small skill” that shows up everywhere—urgent care, clinical skills labs, surgical rotations, EMS education, and simulation training. What makes it tricky isn’t memorizing stitch names; it’s developing repeatable hand mechanics: steady needle control, consistent bite depth, proper tension, clean edge alignment, and reliable knots.

A helpful shortcut is structured practice on a layered tissue pad that behaves more like real skin (multiple layers with different resistance) so you can rehearse superficial, deep, and subcuticular closures without the material shredding after a few passes. Some practice kits also include a tensioning device so you can widen the “wound” and force yourself to close under realistic tension—exactly where beginners tend to over-tighten and distort the edges. (Mailchimp)

Here’s a skill-first breakdown of the eight techniques most learners are expected to know, plus a simple practice routine that actually sticks.

The 8 core techniques and when they shine

1) Simple interrupted
Your foundation stitch. Each knot is independent, which makes it forgiving and great for precision edge alignment. It’s commonly used for routine skin closure and for learning spacing and symmetry. (RACGP)

2) Simple running (continuous)
Fast for long, straight wounds. It can distribute tension along the line, but it’s less “fail-safe” than interrupted stitches if the suture breaks. (AAFP)

3) Deep dermal (buried) interrupted
Placed under the skin surface to reduce tension, support the dermis, and help eliminate dead space—especially useful when the skin edges want to pull apart. (RACGP)

4) Running subcuticular
A common cosmetic technique that runs within the dermis to close the skin with minimal external marks. Technique matters: consistent depth and bite size help keep edges even. (Medscape eMedicine)

5) Vertical mattress
A classic “eversion” stitch that helps turn wound edges slightly outward and can provide strong approximation—especially helpful when edges tend to invert. (Merck Manuals)

6) Horizontal mattress
Useful for wounds under tension because it spreads force across a broader area and can help with eversion—though you must avoid over-tightening. (MSD Manuals)

7) Corner stitch (half-buried horizontal mattress)
Designed for flap corners and angles where you want to secure the tip without compromising blood supply or tearing delicate tissue. (AAFP)

8) Figure-of-eight
Often taught as a practical option for hemostasis and small areas that need focused control, forming a “cross” pattern over the target. (YouTube)

A 20-minute practice routine (3x/week)

1. Warm up with instrument handling (2 minutes): practice picking up the needle at a consistent angle in the needle driver (many learners lose time here).

2. Simple interrupted “accuracy set” (6 minutes): aim for identical spacing and equal bites on both sides.

3. Running set (4 minutes): focus on consistent spacing and avoiding “puckering.”

4. One eversion set (4 minutes): alternate vertical and horizontal mattress each session. Watch tension—too tight can compromise edges. (DermNet®)

5. One specialty set (4 minutes): corner stitch one day, subcuticular the next, figure-of-eight after that.

Training note: this is general education, not medical advice—live wound repair should follow your program’s protocols and appropriate supervision.

If you want suturing practice supplies or a suturing trainer, you can order directly at cpr-savers.com.