Also known as : Interlaced Band
This variety is similar to that of the stepped running stitch (variety 2) and takes a braided effect. It is done over two parallel lines of ‘stepped’ back stitches. Such a foundation helps to create braid like effects.
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| Stepped back stitch: Lay the foundation by doing two parallel back stitches. ‘Step’ the second as illustrated.Note that by stepping the two parallel stitches, A1 falls in the mid point of A2 and B2. Similary, B2 falls in the mid point of A1 and B1.
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| Fig 1: Take another thread and bring it out through A2. Take it under A2-B2 and then under A1-B1, from the bottom. Make sure not to pluck the fabric underneath. | Fig 2: Continue the needle from beneath the thread, to take it under B2-C2, as shown. | |
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| Fig 3: Take the needle from beneath the thread and pass it under B1-C1, from the bottom. | Fig 4: Continue this ‘twisted’ pattern to give it a final braided effect. Remember to take the needle always beneath the thread before going under the back stitches. | |
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| Fig 5: The completed pattern would look like this. Note how the herringbones between the backstitches grow out and close in at the two curves. | ||
Tags: embroidery tutorials, hand embroidery tutorials, herring bone stitch, stepped running stitch, stepped running stitch variety
Hey!
Great blog.
You probably already are, but have you thought about joining us all at Stitchin Fingers?….
Thanks for good clear instructions on braided chain stitch btw
Beth L
hey beth, thanks for your visit and comments
sarah is already a member of stitchin fingers, but i guess she isn’t active yet. she will post her own reply once she is back from her pregnancy leave 
Thank you for the information. Its really usefull
You’re welcome Joya.
hey Sarah great to see your work…I am learning alot form your site..and thanks a tonn for that..
i am trying to make one wall piece and it has KUTCHI border..its like chain stitch but it is not actually…if you could please guide me on that.
thanks & Regards
Bhumi
Dear Bhumi,
Thanks. Am glad that you are enjoying our pages.
I am yet to work on Kutch work tutorials, and might take some time too.
Dear Sarah,
I’ve been working on a large sampler (my first) as a gift to a dear friend, and, as a semi-beginner to needlework, have been relying heavily on your amazing website both for the stitches I’m using & planning to use, as well as for a reference of all the stitches that I never knew existed before coming here to Rocksea. I’ve been looking for a filling stitch to cover a large area in a more creative way than any of the satin stitch family, and happened to stumble upon your herringbone ladder filling stitch, which is exactly what I’ve been looking to find!
Thank you so much for this fabulous resource that you’ve put your own time, effort and knowledge into creating so skillfully and making openly available to everyone interested in needlework. It is quite a gift.
Have a great day,
~Tess
Dear Tess,
I am so delighted to read how our embroidery page helped you in making your wonderful gift.
It makes all the effort put behind each picture worthwhile!
By the way, is there any way that one can search your website to find all of the filling stitches in one place?
Thanks!
Dear Tess,
I have only started working on providing a list of stitches based on different properties (which includes filling stitches as well). It might take some time before it is ready and I could post it. Right now, I am sorry that you cannot search for the filling stitches at one place.
All best wishes.
Sarah kuttye, you can add a tag “filling stitch” for all such stitches. So when a reader like Tess clicks on the tag, she will get all the stitches which can be use for filling.
ok, maybe that should do!
I Just wanted to tell you how much I love your stitch your tutorials. I have been looking for months for good step by step instructions and yours are the best I’ve found. Have you thought of doing a ebook?
Dear Cher,
Thanks.
We are working on a book right now…slow though. E-book, not yet.
Hi Sarah,
I was searching a good website to learn embroidery stitches.. I found the best one.. its helping a lot to learn as a learner of the stitches. Good and clear instructions for a basic learner.. Thanks a tonn…
Great site. Wonderful instructions. Glad I found this
Anita