This is how you get really smooth, lovely satin stitches. Outline in split or chain stitch, fill in the area with chain or long & short stitches, and then do the satin stitch. The underlying stitches support the satin stitch and help it to lay smoothly.
Goldwork embroidery patterns and designs, as well as other forms of embroidery including stumpwork and surface embroidery plus lots more textile related goodies.