Breton Stitch is also known as
Twisted herringbone stitch [EN], Gedrehter hexenstich [DE].
How to do the Breton Stitch
This lovely looking stitch might remind us of thorns. The Breton Stitch can take curves easily. You can bring some variations in the outcome by increasing or decreasing the length of the stitches. You can also make this stitch in a circular pattern, giving it a spiralling effect, reminding you of the marigold flower. It is good to know the Herringbone Stitch before learning this stitch.
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| Fig 1: Bring out from A, and go in through B and out from C, as you would for a Herringbone Stitch. Now, pass the needle under A-B. . |
Fig 2: Take the needle as for the Herringbone Stitch. |
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| Fig 3: Continue this process of making Herringbone Stitches and passing under each stitch, till the end of the row. | Fig 4: A finished row would look like this. You can make subsequent rows of this stitch to fill in a pattern in colorful combinations. |
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Sarah has been researching and sharing hand embroidery lessons for over 17 years, making it accessible to everyone around the globe.
Sarah, I found this stitch when you posted it on Instagram…and I always love new stitches…So I decided to try it on my current project. Then I read this page and saw that you said it reminds us of thorns…well, in scarlet thread, it represents the Blood of Christ for my project. I have my flickr site below on the album, His Story in the Stars. hope you enjoy.
Hey, Sandusky. What a lovely piece of work! It felt like I was amongst the stars! The idea is beautiful! I am so glad that this stitch fitted perfectly for your project in its representation and meaning. Thank you for sharing your work with us. I adore it. 🙂
As always …….beautiful. You are such a lovely person to share all this beauty.
Thank you, Patty for you lovely words,. 😘
You always share the most beautiful stitches! One of these days I would love to make a sample book of your stitches, just so I could look at all the pretty samples! Thank you so much for your generosity.
Thank you, Claudia. ❤️ I encourage you to do the sample book. If you need any help or suggestions, do ask. Also, you are welcome to share pictures of your book as you stitch, in our comment section. I am sure it will inspire many others. ☺️
Thank you for the tutorial. Always helpful and informative.
Thank you, Jackson. 💕
I saw a way to embroider leaves by wrapping the yarn around a pencil. Then pulling it out and making a leave which is much like a silk leave
Maybe I can do a tutorial on it. It is not a stitch though…I would say it’s more like crafting with thread. ☺️ But I think I might know a stitch that sounds similar to what you mention here, except without the use of a pencil.