How to do the Bayeux Stitch - Sarah's Hand Embroidery Tutorials

About Bayeux Stitch
The Bayeux Stitch is a type of couching technique performed over a layer of laid threads covering the ground. This type of couching is performed to cover a large area. Initially, it was done with wool over linen. The Bayeux Tapestry is the most famous piece of work done using this stitch, after which this stitch takes its name. Otherwise, this stitch is an Anglo-Saxon variation of an ancient technique called the laid work. The Bayeux Stitch is economical in terms of the threads used as it leaves little thread on the reverse of the fabric. While applying this stitch on embroidery, the patterns were outlined with the Stem Stitch first.

How to do the Bayeux Stitch


Fig 1: Start by laying straight stitches from one end to the other, covering the whole ground. I am working on a rectangle shape, which is much easier to work on and illustrate here.	Fig 2: When laying the threads, use the Surface Satin Stitch method, instead of the Satin Stitch method. This ensures that minimum thread is used up on the reverse.

Fig 3: The laid thread will look like this. The reverse will show minimum threads just on the sides.	Fig 4: Next, come out with another thread from one side of the vertically laid thread to go across to the other side, as shown, from A to B.

Fig 5: Then couch it down with little stitches, as shown.	Fig 6: Now, lay another thread across in a similar way and couch it down as before. This thread will be spaced away from the earlier one.

Fig 7: A finished portion will look like this.