How to do the Shadow Stitch - Sarah's Hand Embroidery

Shadow Stitch is also known as

Double Back Stitch [EN], Punto de Sombra [ES], Point d’Ombre [FR], Schattenstickerei [DE], Ponto Sombra [PT]

About the Shadow Stitch

As the name suggests, this stitch depends on a stitch’s shadow for its uniqueness. Closed Herringbone Stitch is done to reverse a sheer or light fabric to throw a shadow with the outlines on the front side. An Indian embroidery form called the Chikankari, thrives on this stitch. The motifs most usually filled using this stitch are flowers, leaves, and stems.

How to do the Shadow Stitch

Work this stitch on a semi-sheer or light fabric through which the stitches can be seen lightly. This is a special embroidery stitch where the stitching is done on the reverse to achieve the effect on the front. So, you would be drawing the pattern on the reverse side of the fabric and if you are using a hoop, you would mount it so that the reverse of the fabric is on the top for you to stitch comfortably.


Fig 1: On the reverse of the fabric, begin by starting as you would for the Herringbone Stitch. Bring out the needle from the point where the previous stitch emerged. This closes the gap between the stitches.	Fig 2: Do the same while you bring the needle out from the lower stitch line.

Fig 3: The first two Herringbone Stitches will overlap each other, but later, they will fall in course.	Fig 4: Continue with the procedure to finish up the row.

Fig 5: This is how the reverse of the Shadow Stitch looks like	Fig 6: When you reverse the fabric to the good side, you will see the outlines with a shadow cast by the stitch.