Herringbone Ladder Filling Stitch


Herringbone Ladder Filling Stitch is also known as

Interlaced band [EN], Punto escapulario en escalera [ES], Hexenleiterstich [DE], Ponto barra entrelaçada [PT].


How to do the Herringbone Ladder Filling Stitch

This variation is similar to that of the Clown Collar Stitch 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.

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 midpoint of A2 and B2. Similarly, B2 falls in the midpoint of A1 and B1.
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.
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.
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.

Related Stitches from the Back Stitch Family

23 Responses

  1. F
    Fernando says:

    Great work, all this site… Thanks and greatings, from Zapopan, Jalisco, Mexico

  2. s
    sabiha says:

    Hello sarah,,

    I am very happy to use your website,, it helps me a lot to learn, i have a request to , can u plz tell me how do you manage to get that twist in herringbone ladder filling,when i do the twist it dose’nt look good,when i drew the needle, i don’t get that ring type, hope u understand what i’m trying to tell, i vl b glad if u help me,thank u

  3. d
    dhanshree says:

    You are amazing …..really i didnt know this stich ..

  4. L
    Laura says:

    Do you have your stitches in publication? Your site is easy to use but would like have a book.

  5. A
    Amrutha says:

    Hi Sarah

  6. A
    Anita McIntyre says:

    Great site. Wonderful instructions. Glad I found this
    Anita

  7. s
    sas says:

    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…

    🙂

  8. C
    Cher says:

    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?

  9. Tess says:

    By the way, is there any way that one can search your website to find all of the filling stitches in one place?
    Thanks!

    • sarah says:

      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.

  10. Tess says:

    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

    • sarah says:

      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!

  11. B
    Bhumi says:

    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

  12. J
    Joya Ubertini says:

    Thank you for the information. Its really usefull

  13. Beth Lea says:

    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

    • rocksea says:

      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 😉

Leave a Reply to sas Cancel reply

Your email address will not be published. Required fields are marked *

Upload your Stitches and Embroideries

You can include embroidery images in your comment by selecting them below. Select the file, and post your comment!