This stitch is used to fill in simple patterns like leaves. It uses the same technique as the Cretan stitch with each stitch close to each other to fill in gaps.
If you know the Cretan stitch, it will be an advantage.
I will work between four stitch lines to demonstrate this stitch. Each stitch line is named A, B, C, D.
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| Fig 1: Bring your needle out from A, taking it in through D and then out again through C. All these stitch points lie in a straight line. Keep the needle above the thread, as shown. | Fig 2: Now, take the needle in through A and out through B, keeping the needle above the thread. A and B would be in a straight line. |
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| Fig 3: Keep up with this process of taking the needle in through the outer stitch lines and back out through the inner stitch lines, keeping each stitch point adjacent to each other. | Fig 4: The final result will be as shown. You can see a braided effect running through the middle of the entire filling. |
Sarah has been researching and sharing hand embroidery lessons for over 17 years, making it accessible to everyone around the globe.
its a true tutorial for learning stitches…..
ciao Sarah come devo fare per seguire il tuo meraviglioso blog?
I found your website while searching for help to make leaf motifs for my crazy quilt squares I am working on. The first of your lessons I found was on the raised fishbone stitch, it was terrific! I decided to look at all of your tutorials, and I must say to you that you really should publish a book! I have numerous books I have bought, and your tutorials are as informative, and often more clear and easy to follow. I know if you had done that we would not get the benefit of learning for free; but when I see something that is really so helpful, and kind of you to do, I have to say what I think. Again, thank you so very much!
Regards,
K
Dear Kan,
Your comment is appreciated and very encouraging.
After a considerable amount of demand from students, we have started to work on a book, finally! 🙂 But, travels and pregnancy keep me unpredictably slow.
If you have any suggestion that can help me build up the book, it will be great. Thanks for the interest shown. 🙂
How do you mark your fabric before you begin a pattern? I want to try embroidering a blouse, but don’t know the process to prepare the fabric.
Dear Anna,
If you want to do a free pattern on your fabric, use a pencil or a tailors chalk to make the design. You can use any other similar source with removable ink.
If you want to trace a design, do it using a carbon or tracing paper.
I hope this helped. 🙂
Ah, so simple! Thank you!
Excellent!
I will use it my embroideries!
Would love to see your embroideries Natasha. 🙂